10 Best Nursing Homes in Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City’s Southern charm welcomes seniors into Oklahoma’s capital and largest metropolitan area. Here seniors find age-friendly opportunities mixed with a cowboy culture ambiance. Oklahoma City — or OKC — is home to a great deal of senior care communities, such as nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities.
Many seniors and families use nursing home as an all-encompassing term for senior care facilities. But there are many different types of senior care communities to help accommodate every senior’s specific needs:
- A nursing home provides 24-hour medical supervision.
- An assisted living community assists with activities of daily living.
- A memory care community helps seniors with dementia.
However, any senior care community may provide on-site nursing care, depending on resources.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities, 20 of our 27 assisted living and memory care partners within a 10-mile radius of downtown OKC offer on-site nursing care services. This guide provides information on all three types of senior care communities in Oklahoma City. Read on to learn more about senior care costs, how families pay for senior care, what senior care provides, and how senior care communities are regulated. We also provide information on local senior benefit resources and OKC’s senior-friendly environment.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Oklahoma City, OK
Our experience has been good. Sure there has been a few hitches but nothing great. Our manager is fantastic. My main concern is security. Was supposed to repair the front gates. Not done. Heard they...
Overall it has been a good experience. The food is not as good as we had hoped it would be and the options are limited. The staff is amazing and very loving and helpful.
I visited 14 facilities before choosing Legend at Rivendell. We have been very happy with the level of care and concern our mother receives there. We appreciate the extra security measures the Memory Care...
My loved one was previously a resident at Sommerset Neighborhood Assisted Living and Memory Care and it was a very good experience. The staff were very helpful with the move in process. They are very...
From our first walkthrough to moving in to mom living there we have been very pleased with our experience. [name removed] and [name removed]have been very helpful and very welcoming. The facility is always...
From our first appointment with [name removed], Legend staff were extremely helpful and assisted our family in transitioning our dad from skilled nursing to memory care. The occupational, physical and speech...
It did not smell bad (like another did when we walked in the door) and the residents keep their doors open showing a very welcome attitude. That I am pro-Legends based on what my family has seen and what...
It was a beautiful facility. Wonderfully decorated with high-end furnishings. The dining room was very lovely Michelle at the front desk was extremely kind, helpful and friendly. Although I think she was...
Most all of staff are all pleasant to me and my family, and kind and patient to the residents. No real complaints that I've come across.
I highly recommend quail ridge no retirement/assisted living places are perfect but Quail Ridge is the best one I know. Very clean good house keeping for residents very clean beautiful pool and dining...
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I recently had the opportunity to experience SaddleBrook Assisted Living and Memory Care and I am genuinely impressed by the exceptional quality of care provided. From the moment I arrived, it was evident...
Staff is wonderful. Move in was very easy. There is always an open line of communication. My father sometimes, most of the time, likes the food. But sometimes he doesn't. I think that's just a thing. The...
Many of the staff are cordial. A few are exceptional. Others are aloof. There are some staff that genuinely seem to be attentive to the residents. This is always comforting. One thing I know must be a...
I haven't been there for meals, but the staff is awesome and it's always clean. I highly recommend this facility and have actually visited with others who have or has had someone in this particular facility....
It was a great place for my Mom's final days. At times they were understaffed so calls weren't answered very promptly. Never experienced messes or bad odors. Mom loved those ladies. Way better than the...
Very nice facility cost for 2, With mom having full time care kept price per month under [fee removed] so it was in Dads budget with VA retirement and Aids and attendance. The Gardens allowed my Dad to stay...
I really think that they need to have more staff where she is in the memory care part of the facility. I would recommend Glade Avenue for the price.
All would be a 5 for us. [name removed] was so happy being there. The staff loved her and us. They knew us by name and knew her so well that they would give us a call if they felt she was having a bad day or...
Arbor House was a very nice facility. My mother enjoyed her time there. Unfortunately, she passed away in February. They were all very helpful and kind.
On all 8 questions I would rate them between 4-5 on all. My mom passed away only being there a couple of months but I was really happy an appreciative of all they did for her. Staff are friendly, thoughtful,...
They could improve on staff to family member communication on routine matters. I need to be more proactive as well in asking questions. I love that they have a level of care in between assisted living and...
I love the staff and the director. The maintenance guy is really good too. They (the staff) always try to help when you are having a problem, you just have to talk to them.
My mom loves to read, in the common room while others are watching TV, the memory care staff will ask her to read to them. The staff are also experts at redirection. For example, a resident is trying to get...
The care services were good. The food was good. We picked this community because, it was close to our home, and we liked the apperance of the facility. My loved one was here was respite care. They were very...
This is a pretty good place for your loved one to live. The staff are great. The staff communication is pretty good with the family, especially during the week. The food is good. for my loved one. The...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Oklahoma City community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Oklahoma City community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of nursing homes in the Oklahoma City area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Oklahoma City
- How people pay for a nursing home in Oklahoma City
- Understand Oklahoma laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Oklahoma City? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Oklahoma City area
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are usually more expensive than other senior care communities. This is due to the high level of care they offer through a specialized medical staff and 24-hour medical supervision. The average cost for a semi-private nursing home room in Oklahoma City is approximately $5,551 per month, according to Genworth 2021 data. This price increases for more privacy, with a monthly private room in a skilled nursing facility averaging $7,391.[01]
These monthly skilled nursing home costs commonly include the following care and services:
- Room and board
- 24-hour medical care and supervision
- Personal care services (like help with bathing, eating, and dressing)
- Medication management and administration
- Wellness therapies (like physical, occupational, and speech therapy)
- Rehabilitative services
How are assisted living and memory care costs different from nursing homes?
Other senior care communities are more affordable since they offer a lower level of care. For example, the average starting rent for an assisted living community in OKC is about $4,106 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data. Assisted living with memory care can cost slightly more than assisted living alone, with an average monthly starting rent of $5,562.[02]
Assisted living and memory care facilities generally include the following care and services in their monthly rental costs:
- Room and board
- A 24-hour awake caregiver staff
- Dining plan with three daily meals plus snacks
- Care services (like assistance with activities of daily living and medication management)
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Errand and concierge services
- Transportation services (may be complimentary or as an add-on fee)
- Access to on-site amenities (like social lounges, gyms, libraries, movie theaters, etc.)
- Specialized memory care staff, therapies, and activities (if a memory care community)
Suppose your loved one only requires the above mentioned senior care services and doesn’t require 24-hour medical attention. In that case, you may benefit from reading our guide to assisted living or memory care in Oklahoma City.
Senior care community expenses can vary due to floor plan, amenities, and location. Depending on their on-site resources, many senior care communities also offer additional add-on service options. Some common additional costs can include the following:
- One-time community fee (deposit)
- Pet-care fees or deposits
- Second-person fee
- Advanced care fees (like nursing care)
- Medication fees
- Transportation fees (if not complimentary)
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Oklahoma City, OK vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Oklahoma City, OK vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Oklahoma City vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Oklahoma City, OK by room type
What families are saying about nursing homes in Oklahoma City
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Oklahoma City
Brookdale Edmond Danforth
Iris Memory Care of Edmond
Legend at Council Road in Oklahoma City, OK
How people pay for a nursing home in Oklahoma City
Like most seniors and families, you and your loved one may wonder whether a senior care community is within your budget. Luckily, many find senior care costs attainable by combining private income sources and senior benefits. In this section, we’ll guide you through the different ways seniors and their families pay for long-term senior care.
Most seniors and families cover some or all long-term care costs with their own income sources like savings, pensions, and investment returns. However, there are many other ways a senior can add money to their personal funds to help cover nursing home or senior care costs:
Number of veterans who live in Oklahoma City
Around 15% of Oklahoma City veterans are age 75 and older.
Senior veterans or surviving spouses may be eligible for financial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Can VA benefits help with nursing homes or senior care costs?
Many veterans benefits can help cover the senior care costs in a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care community. Income from benefits like the Aid and Attendance benefit and Veterans Pension may be used toward anything that improves a senior’s life, like a senior care community. Most veterans find Aid and Attendance the most generous disability benefit since it’s a monthly stipend on top of their Veterans Pension.
How does a veteran qualify for benefits?
The VA has a considerable amount of eligible service-connected disabilities, so a disabled senior or surviving spouse will likely qualify for benefits. However, this list is not exhaustive, so contacting a local veterans service organization (VSO) is essential to determine what benefits a senior veteran is eligible for, and ensure their application gives them access to all the benefits they’re eligible for.
Where can veterans find benefits assistance in OKC?
Oklahoma City helps accommodate senior veterans or surviving spouses with several local resources. Veteran service officers at your local VSOs can guide seniors through benefits, the application process, and how to file claims properly. They can even help appeal denied claims in some instances. It’s highly recommended that seniors and their families reach out to local VA-vetted, nonprofit VSOs and speak to a veteran service officer. We’ve provided specific local contacts and websites in the resources section below.
Veterans in OKC can also utilize the local veterans assistance locator — called VALOR or OKVALOR. This system helps local veterans find a wide range of nearby resources, from VSOs to support groups and food pantries. While VALOR is extremely helpful, it can be confusing to navigate, so here’s a step-by-step guide on how to operate the system:
- Start by going to the OKVALOR link and click on GO TO OKVALOR.
- On the left-hand side, there are five clickable options — LAYERS, NAVIGATION, FILTERS, FEATURES, and CONTACT. Start by clicking “LAYERS.” Then, toggle on the resources you’re looking for. If you’re looking for VSOs, click the toggle-on button for Veteran Support.
- Then, go to the NAVIGATION filter. Select the county or city where your loved one’s community resides.
- Next, go to the FILTERS tab. This tab helps filter any resources you’re looking for. For VSOs, toggle on Veterans Assist and select Veteran Service Organization.
- Lastly, a list of resources (in this case VSOs) will appear on the right-hand side. Click on the resource name or the map’s clickable triangles for more details on that specific location, like hours, fees, and services.
- Veterans can also click the “FEATURES” button on the left at any time to receive more information on how to use VALOR and its different features.
Note: There’s a spot to enter an address, but unless this is an exact address for your search, it can cause confusing results or errors.
Resources for Oklahoma City veterans
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
2132 NE 36th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Local phone: 405-523-4000
Toll free phone: 888-655-2838
Fax: 405-523-4008
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment and walk-in hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Mid-America Chapter PVA
6108 NW 63rd St., Suite A
Oklahoma City, OK 73132-7526
Direct Number: 405-721-7168
National Service Number: 866-734-0857
Email: midamericapva@yahoo.com
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
VVA Chapter #291
Phone: 405-608-0449
Email: chris.chaney1@hotmail.com
SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s state health insurance program, helps low-income families and individuals receive coverage for certain medical and long-term care expenses.
SoonerCare doesn’t cover room and board costs in private senior care communities, but it will cover skilled nursing homes contracted with Medicaid. However, to receive coverage for nursing facility services, a Medicaid recipient must have a treatment plan created by a physician and undergo an assessment that finds they meet the following requirements:[04]
- They need nursing supervision.
- They need medical care provided by a nursing facility to prohibit the deterioration of their physical health.
- They have a physical impairment or a physical and mental impairment.
- They cannot care or communicate for themselves.
SoonerCare can also cover certain in-home health care services at the senior’s residence — like their assisted living or memory care community — through home and community based services (HCBS) programs. One example of an HCBS program for seniors in OKC is the ADvantage waiver program.
What senior care costs does the ADvantage waiver program help cover?
The ADvantage waiver program covers skilled nursing care, as well as senior care services provided in a residential community. Here’s a general list of the types of care services that the ADvantage waiver program can help cover:
- Rehabilitative care (like physical, respiratory, occupational, and speech therapy)
- Hospice care
- Personal caregiving services
- Nursing facility respite care
- Specialized medical equipment and supplies
- RN assessments and evaluations
If your loved one doesn’t qualify for ADvantage, the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) portal can direct you to additional Medicaid- or Medicare-related programs.
Before applying to specific Medicaid programs, it’s important to seek advice to ensure you’re receiving all the coverage you qualify for. This will ensure your loved one receives all the coverage they can when needed. We’ve included several resources below, including agencies specifically established to assist the aging population with Medicaid.
Oklahoma City resident Medicaid resources
Department of Medicaid office
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
4345 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Find a local Oklahoma Department of Human Services office
401 W. Commerce St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Phone: 405-644-5700
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Areawide Aging Agency, Inc.
4101 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 310
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5910
Phone: 405-942-8500
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
Heartline, Inc. Oklahoma resource line
Phone: 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211
Medicare is a federal program that helps seniors aged 65+ and those with disabilities receive health care coverage.
Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care?
Medicare may help cover short-term stays in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility if it’s medically necessary. Short-term coverage means Medicare will cover at least part of the costs for the first 100 days. Skilled nursing coverage varies as the stay goes on:
- A senior pays a $0 copay for the first 20 days.
- A senior pays a copay of up to $200 between days 21 and 100.
- A senior pays 100% of skilled nursing costs starting day 101.
During the stay, Medicare may cover all nursing home costs, including but not limited to the following:
- Rent in a semi-private room
- Meals
- Skilled nursing care services
- Medications
- Rehabilitative services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy)
Does Medicare cover assisted living or memory care costs?
Medicare doesn’t cover room and board costs in a private assisted living or memory care community. However, Medicare may cover on-site care services at the facility, like hospice or rehab care, doctor visits, medical supplies, prescription drugs, and more. Additionally, seniors with dementia may qualify for extra coverage through Special Needs Plans (SNPs).
How Medicare Savings Programs can help with Medicare premium costs
Low-income Medicare recipients may be able to receive financial assistance with Medicare premiums through Oklahoma’s Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA). The following MIPPA programs may help cover premium and prescription costs:
- Medicare Savings Program, for premium prices
- Extra Help, for prescription coverage costs
Additionally, seniors over age 55 may be able to access low-cost health care services through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) — a dual Medicaid and Medicare program. PACE can help seniors find low-cost nursing home care and may cover medical care services like the following:
- Rehabilitative care
- Wellness therapies
- Hospice care
- Prescription drugs
- Meals and nutritional counseling
- Medically necessary transportation
Find help with Medicare benefits
Thanks to the Oklahoma Insurance Department Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program, seniors can receive additional clarification on their Medicare benefits, the application process, and premium costs. Additionally, the nonprofit organization Heartline, Inc. helps Oklahoma recipients understand their benefits through a 24-hour phone resource line or the online 2-1-1 chat. Below are more local resources that can guide seniors through Medicare benefits.
Oklahoma City resident Medicare resources
Oklahoma City Social Security office
12301 N. Kelley Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73131
Phone: 866-331-2207
TTY Phone: 800-325-0778
Fax: 833-950-3005
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Current long-term care ombudsman contact
Name: Bill Whited
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-522-6739
General information and assistance for seniors
Phone: 800-211-2116
Local MIPPA coordinator
Name: Debra Shadid
Phone: 405-212-7910
Email: Debra.CTR.Shadid@okdhs.org
Areawide Aging Agency, Inc.
4101 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 310
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5910
Phone: 405-942-8500
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
Heartline, Inc. Oklahoma resource line
Phone: 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211
Understand Oklahoma laws and regulations for nursing homes
All senior care communities — nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities — are licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Below is a brief explanation on how regulations differ between skilled nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities.
Facility requirements
Skilled nursing facilities in OKC have slightly different facility requirements than assisted living and memory care communities. A skilled nursing home can place up to four seniors in a room and no more than four people per bathroom. Additionally, your loved one’s room must have a clothes rod, an adjustable shelf, and at least one of the following spaces for personal items:[05]
- Wardrobe
- Locker
- Closet
Oklahoma has additional requirements for areas that extend services by adding different wellness therapies and dining. For further information on these areas, visit the Nursing and Specialized Facilities guidelines.
Assisted living and memory care facilities can only have up to two residents per bedroom and four residents per bathroom. Neither type of facility is obligated by law to allow private unit options. However, many of our partner facilities offer private room options. Assisted living and memory care facilities are required to let residents bring personal furnishings and belongings into their living spaces.[06]
Staffing requirements
Skilled nursing facilities have a staff of nurses and doctors with more extensive staffing requirements than other senior care communities that provide 24-hour medical supervision. Oklahoma law specifically requires nursing facilities to staff certain types of specialized staff members:[05]
- The nursing facility administrator should be licensed by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.
- An Oklahoma licensed medical doctor or osteopathic physician should serve as the facility’s medical director.
- A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse should serve as the director of nursing.
- Licensed nurses must be on duty for a sufficient number of hours to meet every resident’s needs.
- A registered or licensed dietician or qualified nutritionist should oversee meal plans.
- Designated activity staff members should be available at least 20 hours per week.
Assisted living and memory care facilities have a less specific list of staffing requirements. However, these senior care communities must staff the following types of specialists:
- Nurses
- Staff qualified to administer medications
- A facility administrator
- A licensed dietician or qualified nutritionist
At least two staff members must be on-site around the clock to limit residents’ access to certain community areas. And at least one of those must be a direct staff member who can work individually with residents. All direct care staff must undergo first-aid and CPR training. Additionally, specialized memory care units must ensure caregivers receive specialized training.[06]
Inspection reports
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities undergo inspections conducted by a Quality Assurance Officer from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) at least every six months. Assisted living and memory care communities undergo annual inspections. These inspections ensure facilities meet current building codes, State Fire Marshal rules, and local fire safety requirements. If a facility is deficient in any area, they must create a plan of correction within 10 business days of receiving notice of a violation.[05,06]
Seniors and their families can access detailed inspection reports for any licensed senior care facility on the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Long Term Care Provider Survey/Inspection Search. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to find inspection reports through this search engine:
- Start by going to the OSDH Long Term Care Provider Survey/Inspection Search.
- Once you reach the page, go to the top left-hand corner, where there are three drop-down bars — Home, Search, and Contact Us. Hover over “Search,” and click on the respective senior community type you’re trying to find. Note: Memory care communities fall under “Assisted Living Centers.”
- You’ll then be redirected to a search page, where you can search by facility name, city, county, or zip code. Click on any of these search bars to either type in or pick from drop down menus to find your location or facility. Then, click “Search.”
- Next, a list of senior care facilities will load, and you can click on any you’re interested in.
- After you click on a facility, you’ll find detailed information about that community with a list of documents.
- You can click on any survey documents or licenses from there. We recommend looking at the most recent survey documents for details on applicable complaints, investigations, deficiencies, and plans of corrections.
Oklahoma Department of Health contact information
Further information on Health Facility Systems
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: 405-426-8175
Fax: 405-900-7571
E-mail: HealthResources@health.ok.gov
COVID-19 regulations for Oklahoma City nursing homes
Oklahoma City no longer enforces COVID-19 restrictions since the governor terminated the public health emergency in May 2021.[06] Senior care communities may still implement their own COVID-19 guidelines.
Before a senior moves into a facility, their family should ask about COVID-19 policies. Regardless, Oklahoma prohibits long-term care facilities from eliminating visitation. However, facilities are allowed to limit visitation for up to 72 hours based on their emergency-preparedness plans.[08]
While there are no state-wide restrictions, the Oklahoma Department of Health (OSDH) still recommends following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
What to expect from nursing homes in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City can accommodate a slew of senior care needs, with plenty of nursing home, assisted living, and memory care facilities. On-site amenities and services vary depending on what care the facility specializes in. For instance, nursing care can be provided at any senior care facility, but skilled nursing care might require a skilled nursing facility or skilled nursing unit within a senior care facility. Nursing care services are light nursing care for daily needs, while skilled nursing care usually involves 24/7 medical observation.
Read on to learn more about what you can expect from a nursing home or skilled nursing facility versus our partner senior care communities in Oklahoma City.
What do nursing home or skilled nursing facilities provide in OKC?
Skilled nursing facilities in Oklahoma City have a staff of nurses and doctors who provide 24-hour medical care and observation. In Oklahoma City, skilled nursing facilities or units are equipped to provide the following types of medical services:
- Rehabilitative care (like for post-operation care or illness)
- Rehabilitative therapies (like physical, occupational, and speech therapy)
- Pain management
- IV therapy
- Tube feeding
- Catheter or colostomy care
- Wound care
- Respiratory care
- Dialysis
Skilled nursing care helps people recover properly from hospital stays, severe illnesses, and surgeries. Many skilled nursing facilities also offer advanced rehabilitative services for conditions like strokes, cardiac issues, post-surgery care, and other conditions. Most of these long-term care facilities also provide similar services to other senior care communities, such as meals, religious services, housekeeping, and enrichment activities.
What does assisted living and memory care provide in OKC?
A majority of assisted living and memory care communities occupy the same campus. Only 30% of our senior care partners are stand-alone assisted living or memory care facilities.[02] Most assisted living communities have similar ambiances and amenities, while specialized memory care facilities offer dementia-specific care, amenities, and activities.
Both assisted living and memory care communities support your loved one’s complete well-being by providing personalized care services like those listed below:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- 24-hour caregiver oversight
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Meals and snacks
- Transportation services
- Concierge services
Additionally, many of these senior care communities safeguard your loved one with staff supervision and the following facility features:
- Secured entrances and exits
- Wheelchair-accessible showers
- Handicap-accessible grounds
- Emergency call systems
- Storm shelters or safe rooms
All of our OKC senior care partners go beyond secure living environments and care services by organizing the following types of on-site activities:[02]
- Art classes
- (Chair) yoga exercises
- Educational speakers/lifelong learning opportunities
- Live musical performances
- Trivia games
- Happy hours
- Devotional activities
These facilities also entertain seniors with on-site amenities for socializing and convenience, like enclosed outdoor courtyards, gardens, theaters, social lounges, and libraries.
How are assisted living and memory care communities different than nursing homes?
Assisted living and memory care communities aren’t designed to provide medical care, so they don’t always offer advanced nursing care services. Advanced nursing or skilled nursing care involves 24/7 medical supervision by a staff of nurses and doctors. Unless an assisted living facility is home to a skilled nursing unit, the on-site nursing services are not round-the-clock and are meant to provide general daily assistance.
Many of our assisted living and memory care partners offer access to some general nursing care services on-site to accommodate resident needs.[02]
How do on-site nursing services help accommodate senior needs?
While our senior care partners in OKC don’t always have on-site skilled nursing care, many cater to daily needs with on-site nursing care through third-party care services. Approximately 73% of our senior care partners can arrange on-site nursing care for current residents if the need arises.[02] Keep in mind nursing care differs from skilled nursing in that it’s not 24-hour medical attention.
An assisted living facility that provides on-site nursing care means nurses are on staff and residents may have access to the following types of services:
- Rehabilitative care
- Wound care
- Diabetic care
- IV therapy
- Ostomy care
- Incontinence care
- Oxygen therapy
- Medication administration
- Hospice and palliative care
Oklahoma City nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Oklahoma City nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Oklahoma City nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Oklahoma City nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Oklahoma City nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Oklahoma City nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Oklahoma City? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Oklahoma City
Mean retirement income for Oklahoma City seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is full of distinguished hospitals with specialized care services. Here are a few of Oklahoma City’s health care systems that patients highly recommend.
INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
Integris Baptist Medical Center is highly recommended, with a 75% patient-approval rating. The hospital system has specialty care for common conditions in seniors like strokes, diabetes, and heart issues.
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital — Oklahoma City
About 69% of patients recommend the local SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital — Oklahoma City. Here, seniors can find specialized care thanks to clinics like SSM Health Neurosciences and SSM Health Heart and Vascular Care.
University of Oklahoma Medical Center
The local university’s medical teaching hospital, the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, is recommended by patients with a 63% approval rating. The center offers geriatric care services through the Oklahoma Center for Gerosciences and Healthy Brain Aging.
This hospital is part of the statewide initiative towards helping seniors age healthily — Oklahoma’s Healthy Aging Initiative.
Transportation for seniors in Oklahoma City
The safest option for seniors to get around Oklahoma City is transportation services provided by their senior care community. Thankfully, all of our OKC senior care community partners offer some form of on-site transportation options to residents.[02] While a majority of these are complimentary services, some communities require additional fees if it’s outside scheduled times or destinations.
Accessible public transportation options in OKC
If your loved one needs additional ways of getting around, there are a couple of accessible options for transportation in the area. These options are for Medicaid recipients or individuals with disabilities:
- SoonerRide: SoonerCare recipients may be eligible for transportation services through SoonerRide.
- EMBARK Plus: This shared-ride paratransit service is for people with disabilities. The individual must have a disability that prevents them from using other public transportation options.
Family members and friends from out of town may need to rent a car when visiting their loved one since the city can be difficult to navigate without your own means of transportation. For local visitors and those unable to rent a car, here are the general public transportation options:
- Local buses: Most local buses run daily, with different schedules and routes.
- OKC Streetcars: The ADA-accessible streetcars with low platforms stop in 22 areas. One streetcar travels downtown daily, while the other is available on weekends in Bricktown.
- Oklahoma River Cruises: This is the most scenic option, but it’s also limited since there are only has five landings in OKC, which are along Bricktown, Regatta Park, Stockyards, Exchange, and Meridian.
Senior activities in Oklahoma City
Besides senior care communities, Oklahoma City accommodates the senior population with age-friendly activities and environments. Here are a few diverse activities scattered throughout the city that seniors and their families can enjoy when they visit. You can also check out the Visit OKC page for more highlights of local favored attractions.
Shopping in OKC
Seniors and their families all love OKC shopping opportunities. There are shopping centers within driving distance from nearly any neighborhood. And, the city is home to the only outlet center in the state, OKC Outlets. There are numerous shopping malls and districts in OKC:
- 16th Street Plaza District
- Penn Square Mall
- Quail Springs Mall
- Spring Creek Plaza
- The Paseo Arts District
Restaurants in OKC
You can find a variety of good eats and treats in OKC restaurants. The area is famous for both chicken-fried and traditional steak, BBQ, and other meat-lover dishes. In addition to various upscale steakhouses, OKC is home to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, a chain restaurant dedicated to the famous Oklahoma native, where you can enjoy one of his favorite dishes —Cowboy Ribeye. In fact, Oklahoma even designated the delicious ribeye cut as the state steak. And as a Southern state with a local cattle-ranching industry, trying out the local barbeque joints is a must.
Stockyards City
Both visiting family members and local senior residents must visit the well-known Stockyards City in Oklahoma City. In this area, you’ll experience the authentic cowboy culture of Oklahoma City, with livestock walking the streets during weekly cattle auctions. Additionally, the area is full of local businesses, restaurants, stores, and the music venue, Oklahoma Opry.
Museums in OKC
Oklahoma City features a multitude of museums, from Western heritage to artsy displays. In addition, several museums in OKC accommodate everyone. The following museums offer accessibility features, like free wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis:
- National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum — or The Cowboy — is a well-known wheelchair-accessible museum with local cowboy culture information.
- Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum is a wheelchair-accessible museum dedicated to the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building.
- First Americans Museum Oklahoma tells nearly 40 stories about the First American Nations. The museum also helps provide a senior-friendly environment with guides to help seniors avoid bright lights and loud audio.
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art features various artworks, from portraits to sculptures. The museum helps with different accessibility options, like sighted guides and OKCMOA Sensory Booster Packs.
- Science Museum Oklahoma is the first science museum in Oklahoma with a dome-screen theater. Your loved one can reserve a sensory kit to help them enjoy this feature.
Note: Seniors and their families should ask about accessibility and discounts before visiting the museum since some features may need reservations.
Sports teams in OKC
Oklahoma City is the stomping ground for two primary OKC sports teams — the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dodgers. Whether locals are basketball or baseball fans, they fiercely support their local teams. Luckily, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dodgers play in accessible stadiums — the Paycom Center and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — with accessible seating options. The Paycom Center provides various accessibility features:
- Wheelchair escorts
- Assistive listening devices
- Assisted drop-off at entrances closest to elevators
- Sensory inclusion room
Outdoor areas across OKC
Oklahoma City goes beyond the standard city environment with its robust outdoor opportunities. There are many outdoor areas full of different activities to watch and amenities to enjoy, plus some areas come with accessible features:
- Scissortail Park is nearly 70 acres of outdoor features, with ADA-accessible parks and accessible pedal boats.
- OKC lakes: Lake Hefner, Lake Overholser, and Lake Stanley Draper are the three lakes in OKC. These lakes offer accessible fishing areas available year-round.
- Oklahoma City Zoo: This wheelchair-accessible zoo offers wheelchair and electric vehicle rentals to help everyone get around the 130-acre zoo.
- Myriad Botanical Gardens lies on 15 acres of visually stimulating greenery, complete with a botanical garden and conservatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arbor House of Midwest City, Legend at Jefferson's Garden and Morada Midwest City are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Oklahoma City, OK. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Oklahoma City is $4,512 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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References
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Oklahoma City city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Services in a Nursing Facility (NF), Oklahoma Health Care Authority Oklahoma Administrative Code § 317:35-19-3 (rev. 2012, June 25).
Nursing and Specialized Facilities. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health §§ 1-104 and 1-1901. (1991, Dec. 31).
Continuum of Care and Assisted Living. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-890.1. (1997).
Oklahoma State Department of Health. (2021, June 22). Corbett visitation guidance.
Oklahoma Legislature. (2021, April 21). House Bill No. 2566.
Health Grades. (2023). Hospitals near Oklahoma City, OK.
Donovan, L. (2023, April 28). Personal communication [Phone interview].
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