Oklahoma City welcomes seniors into a charming Southern capital featuring cowboy culture, proud Native American heritage, and a beautiful city skyline. It offers retirees an affordable cost of living, plentiful activities, and a robust number of assisted living communities. Assisted living in Oklahoma City â or OKC, as locals call it â provides a safe living environment for seniors needing extra assistance, care, and supervision.
This all-inclusive guide is comprised of information and listings from our 20 assisted living partners nestled within a 10-mile radius of downtown Oklahoma City. However, our assisted living partners are located in other neighborhoods of OKC and surrounding areas like Bethany, Midwest City, The Village, and Del City. Since these facilities are still located close to downtown, seniors and their families can easily travel into the hustle and bustle. This guide describes what to expect from our assisted living partners and provides answers to common questions like the following:
Read on to get a sense of why OKC is a wonderful place for seniors to retire.
I am basing this rating on what my aunt has said. She is in Independent Living, and says that in her opinion, works orders take a while to get completed. There was a period of time that the food was not that...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Stay on top of promises. Make sure your love one has someone verifying what is being done. I would recommend HarborChase of South Oklahoma City, just make sure to stay on top of things!
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...
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...
I moved mom to Legends this year so she would be closer to family. There are eight of us now within a few minutes drive to see her. One of the things I am most impressed with is the service and food quality...
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 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...
Our loved one is missing clothes, primarily his shorts. They are not putting a mattress cover on his bed when they change his sheets. It took me a month to get PT set up. Overall it is much better than...
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....
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...
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.
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.
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...
My Aunt moved into Epworth Villa in Independent Living in 2011 and progressed to Assisted Living, Long-Term Nursing Care and Hospice where she passed away in 2024. She made a ton of friends and participated...
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.
The staff has changed a lit since Nov. So can't address staffing. AaThe place itself is very nice. Garden in middle is so nice and rooms are good. Love that bedroom was divided from living area. I have...
When we were visiting and comparing communities, the first thing that attracted us was their location (convenient to where we live), but their pricing was good once we started getting deeper into the search....
Reasons we chose The Mansion at Waterford: Care needs Location Activities Friendliness Size Very updated Areas for improvement: Weekend staffing is challenging
[name removed] has been invaluable to me. I toured the facility several months ago. My dad was in a different facility halfway across the state. I was not ready when I did the tour to move him yet but she...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Oklahoma City community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The average starting rent for assisted living in Oklahoma City is $4,106 per month, according to A Place for Momâs 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] This price only includes room and board costs. Therefore, the price may increase depending on the care and fees for additional services. Even with the additional costs, starting rent for OKC assisted living facilities remains lower than the nationwide median.
Assisted living prices vary based on amenities, floor places, services, care offered, and location. For example, our data shows a semi-private studio is approximately $750 cheaper than a private studio.[01]
Assisted living communities typically include services like those below in their monthly costs:
Add-on fees depend on the community and your loved oneâs needs but may include the following:
Below are average baseline rental costs for assisted living communities in the area to help you compare Oklahoma City assisted living prices to nearby cities. These prices do not include additional fees.
Seniors and their families can use private and public funds to pay for assisted living in Oklahoma City. When deciding how to pay, families usually start by looking at their loved oneâs private income sources. Then, they determine what benefits their loved one may qualify for and whether they can help cover assisted living costs.
Here, we guide you through potential payment options with information on private pay, veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Most seniors and their families start with their personal income sources when they begin their payment plan for assisted living in Oklahoma City. Seniors typically use savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. However, there are other ways seniors free up cash to pay for their ideal assisted living community:
Number of veterans currently living in Oklahoma City
About 18% of Oklahoma City veterans are aged 65+.
Senior veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for pensions and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Especially with the VAâs extensive list of eligible service-connected disabilities, itâs highly likely that a senior veteran will qualify for some benefit.
Yes, senior veterans or their surviving spouses can use veterans benefits to help pay for their assisted living expenses. There are a broad range of benefits available that can be used for anything that may improve quality of life. Most recipients find the Aid and Attendance benefit the most substantial perk, especially since it can be added to a veteranâs VA pension.
In Oklahoma, seniors can also save money through specific state veterans benefits, including sales tax exemptions and retirement benefits.
Seniors should start the application process by locating benefit assistance programs, often provided by veterans service organizations (VSOs). Oklahoma City has many local resources to help veterans apply for assistance, understand what benefits they qualify for, and file claims. The best resources are local, VA-vetted VSOs that can help ensure seniors receive accurate information and help, even in appealing denied claims.
Additionally, Oklahoma helps locals find nearby resources through the veterans assistance locator, VALOR (also referred to as OKVALOR). This locator can be difficult to understand, so we created a step-by-step guide on how to operate the system:
For a walkthrough of how the tool works, click âGO TO FEATURESâ when you first land on the webpage or click the âFEATURESâ button on the left at any time.
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
Low-income families and individuals, like seniors, may be eligible to receive health insurance coverage through SoonerCare, Oklahoma Cityâs Medicaid program. SoonerCare can help cover several health care services, including those listed below:
SoonerCare will not cover room and board costs in a private assisted living facility. But it can help cover in-home health care services in the seniorâs place of residence through home and community based services waivers, like the ADvantage Waiver program. It will also cover assisted living options at designated ADvantage assisted living facilities through Assisted Living Service Option (ALSO). Read on for more information on these ADvantage programs.
SoonerCare has home and community based waivers like the ADvantage Waiver program to help cover care services in an assisted living community. These services can include but are not limited to the following:
If you do not qualify for ADvantage, you can find helpful information on similar services on the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) webpage.
The Assisted Living Service Option (ALSO) is for SoonerCareâs ADvantage waiver recipients. This program helps meet seniorsâ care needs by helping them access assisted living facility options. After seniors qualify for the ADvantage waiver, they must meet additional ALSO requirements. These include the following:
This option is only for designated ADvantage assisted living facilities. As of 2022, our assisted living partners are not ADvantage facilities. You or your loved one can find a list of ADvantage assisted living facilities on the Oklahoma Department of Human Services website.
SoonerCare programs have different eligibility requirements, so it can take time to fully understand what benefits your loved one may qualify for. Luckily, Oklahoma City delivers local resources to help seniors and their loved ones understand their benefits. For example, the Department of Medicaid offices can help you with eligibility requirements, the application process, and filing for claims.
The area also helps locals through hard-to-understand programs, like SoonerCare, through the 24-hour Heartline, Inc. resource line. There are various communication options â over the phone, texting, and online 2-1-1 chat â to help accommodate all your or your loved oneâs preferences.
Oklahoma City resident Medicaid resources
Department of Medicaid office
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
4345 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
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
The federal health insurance program, Medicare, provides health insurance to qualifying seniors aged 65+ and disabled individuals. Medicare doesnât cover room and board costs at private assisted living facilities. Medicare can cover medical expenses like those listed below:
Low-income Medicare recipients can receive help with premium costs through Oklahomaâs Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA). This includes assistance with premium costs through the Medicare Savings Program and prescription coverage assistance through Extra Help.
Your loved one will have access to local resources that can guide them through Medicare benefits, the application process, and filing claims. Social Security and Department of Medicaid local offices are some of the best resources for anyone confused by Medicare benefits.
Additionally, the Oklahoma Insurance Department has a nonprofit organization, the Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program, which helps seniors understand Medicare benefits. Seniors can also reach out to the local long-term care ombudsman, who helps support and advocate for seniorsâ health care rights. Like Medicaid, you can find help through the local 24-hour Oklahoma resource line â Heartline, Inc. You or your loved one can contact this resource by dialing 2-1-1, texting your OKC zip code to 898-211, or contacting a representative on the online 2-1-1 chat.
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, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment and walk-in hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 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
Seniors and their families can rest easy knowing Oklahoma implemented regulations for assisted living facilities to ensure residents receive the care they need in a safe environment. OKC communities are licensed as either assisted living centers or residential care homes. An assisted living center is a community that offers personal care services to two or more people, while residential care homes provide supportive assistance in a residential setting to those who are ambulatory (i.e. can walk around) and able to manage their personal affairs.[03,04]
The community must meet current building codes, State Fire Marshal rules, and local fire safety requirements to obtain an assisted living center license. Oklahoma inspects assisted living facilities annually to ensure they meet current standards.[03] Inspection reports are available on the Oklahoma State Department of Health (ODSH)Â Long Term Care Provider Survey/Inspection Search. This search engine can be difficult to navigate, so weâve created a step-by-step guide on how to find the detailed inspection reports for assisted living centers and residential care homes:
Assisted living facilities have few building regulations. For example, assisted living facilities are not required to have private units. However, residents wonât have to share private areas with too many other residents with state regulations like those listed below:[03]
Facilities also prioritize residentsâ privacy by allowing lockable doors in their unit. Additionally, seniors can feel at home thanks to being able to have personal furnishings in their living space.
Assisted living communities must have adequate staffing to meet the needs of every resident. Meaning the community must provide or arrange staffing such as the following:
To help ensure residentsâ safety, direct care staff members must have first-aid and CPR training. Oklahoma also requires assisted living communities to have at least two staff members awake and on duty at all times. Additionally, at least one direct staff member must be available 24/7 to limit access to areas outside the unit.[03]
Assisted living facilities in Oklahoma are permitted to provide numerous care services. This may include the following types of care services:[03]
Before moving into an assisted living facility, a senior should receive a complete contract with information on the following procedures:
To help ensure your loved one receives the best care, assisted living communities canât admit seniors who need more services than the facility can provide. Oklahoma requires community health professionals to identify whether a senior will receive the care they need in the facility. Then, the on-site health care professional must create a care plan after consulting with the senior.[03]
Residential care homes must have a sufficient amount of staff members with the following on staff:
Additionally, staff members should be available for at least 45 minutes daily per resident.
The home requirements differ from assisted living centers since it allows more residents per area. For example, there must be a bathroom for every six residents, and for every 10 residents, there must be at least one tub or shower.[05]
Note: These regulations may change for residential care homes for three or fewer residents. However, all of our residential care home partners offer care to five residents in a home, so this is not applicable for our partners.
The governor terminated the public health emergency for COVID-19 in May 2021, which ended all COVID-19 restrictions.[05] However, assisted living facilities may have their own COVID-19 policies. So itâs important to ask a facility about their specific COVID-19 guidelines. Oklahoma prohibits long-term care facilities from eliminating visitation, but temporary suspension of visitation rights is allowed for up to 72 hours based on emergency-preparedness plans.[06]
For all other COVID-19 regulations, the Oklahoma Department of Health (ODOH) recommends following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
In OKC assisted living communities, your loved one can live a pleasant lifestyle while receiving quality care in a safe environment. The area has a wide range of assisted living communities, from stand-alone facilities to those that provide a continuum of care. Read on to learn what your loved one will experience in an Oklahoma City assisted living community.
Oklahoma City has various assisted living facilities with stand-alone options, communities with a continuum of care services, and residential care homes.
Most of our assisted living partners (75%) enable seniors to age in place with independent living and/or memory care services available on the same campus. This way, those in independent living who grow to need more assistance can access care services. And if your loved one ever develops dementia, they can continue living on the same campus, but typically in another area.
A Place for Mom has only three stand-alone assisted living partners in OKC.[01] There are only slight differences between stand-alone communities and those providing a continuum of care. For example, stand-alone assisted living facilities in Oklahoma City are more homelike than communities with more advanced care. Comparatively, stand-alone communities donât exceed one-bedroom units, while those with advanced care services sometimes offer two-bedroom units.
Residential care homes differ the most between the various types of communities. These communities are in single-family homes, so they are the homiest and coziest assisted living option in OKC. These also provide a higher caregiver-to-staff ratio since they limit the number of residents. That being said, A Place for Mom only partners with two assisted living residential care homes.[01]
Assisted living communities not only help your loved one with activities of daily living but also work to keep them safe in a secure living environment. Approximately 85% of our OKC assisted living partners have secured entrances and exits to help ensure your loved oneâs safety.[01] You can also rest easy knowing many OKC assisted living facilities have emergency call systems, so your loved one will receive immediate care in case of an emergency.
Being located in tornado alley and as one of the states with the most tornadoes annually, Oklahoma assisted living faces additional safety concerns. Many senior living facilities have storm shelters to help protect your loved one during weather emergencies.
Assisted living partners in OKC add to the typical services with extra health care services. Residents can find specialized care in OKC assisted living with almost all â 95% â of our partners having visiting medical professionals, including the following:
Additionally, all of our partners provide diabetic care, and a majority have hospice care services.[01]
Thanks to on-site activities and amenities, your loved one can continue living a fulfilling life at our partner communities. Approximately 80% of our assisted living partners hire an activity director to organize activities. All our partners help ensure your loved one enjoys their stay and provide the following types of on-site activity options:[01]
Residents can also enjoy on-site amenities, such as those listed below:
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.
Amount of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Oklahoma City
Seniors and their families can access quality hospitals with specialized care in Oklahoma City. Below are a few health care systems in OKC recommended by patients.
INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
Integris Baptist Medical Center is a distinguished hospital in Oklahoma City recommended by 75% of patients. Besides standard medical care, seniors can find specialized care for conditions common in older adults. For example, Integris has a stroke center, diabetes education team, and â as of 2024 â a comprehensive heart hospital.
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital â Oklahoma City
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital â Oklahoma City provides optimal care with a 69% patient approval rating. With an SSM Health Neurosciences and SSM Health Heart and Vascular Care office, the hospital provides specialized care for common conditions in older adults.
University of Oklahoma Medical Center
Seniors can find innovative care at the local universityâs medical teaching hospital, the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, which has a 63% approval rating. Seniors in OKC rely on specialized geriatric care services through the hospitalâs Oklahoma Center for Gerosciences and Healthy Brain Aging. Plus, the hospital is a part of Oklahomaâs Healthy Aging Initiative, a statewide network working to help seniors age healthily.
All of our Oklahoma City assisted living partners provide on-site transportation services.[01] A majority of these are complimentary, but a handful of partners require an additional fee for rides that are not prescheduled. Either way, senior living transportation services are the safest options for residents.
Outside of the communityâs transportation options, OKC has safe alternatives for eligible seniors. SoonerCare recipients may be eligible for transportation services through SoonerRide. Otherwise, people with a physical or cognitive disability may be eligible to use Oklahoma Cityâs shared-ride public paratransit service, EMBARK Plus.
Visiting family members, friends, and loved ones also have access to a variety of local public transportation options:
With these public transportation options, the downtown area is easily accessible, with a Walk Score of 72 out of 100. However, the greater city is still difficult to get around, so the cityâs complete scores lower to the following:[08]
The large metropolis has a wide range of senior-friendly activities, with many including wheelchair-accessible options. Read on to learn more about what you can experience in Oklahoma City.
Whether youâre looking for souvenirs or a bit of retail therapy, OKC is full of shopping galore. Oklahoma City is the home to the only outlet center in the state. OKC Outlets has over 85 stores for you and your loved one to explore. You can find also find local boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and events all in one place at the 16th Street Plaza District. Oklahoma City also has plenty of shopping malls and centers, including but not limited to the following:
Oklahoma is known for its meat-loving culture, with Sooner Steak, country-fried steak, and barbeque being extremely popular. Since Oklahoma has abundant beef cattle, locally sourced beef, called Sooner Steak, is common. Itâs also customary to try local barbeque joints in any Southern state, so OKC visitors and locals should definitely try the hearty barbeque options.
If meatâs not your thing, OKC offers a wide range of restaurants to explore.
Whether youâre a visiting family member or a local senior resident, Stockyards City is a must-see in Oklahoma City. The area showcases OKCâs cowboy culture, with livestock walking the streets and local businesses lining the sidewalks. Youâll find local restaurants, shopping, and music throughout the area. Plus, the well-known music venue, Oklahoma Opry, is located in Stockyards City.
You and your loved one can enjoy a variety of music venues, as Oklahoma City is home to country music stars and many other music lovers. Below are a couple of the best-known music venues with accessible seating:
Oklahoma City is home to numerous museums providing educational exhibits on various cultures, hobbies, and interests. Many of these museums also prioritize accessibility. For example, the following museums have free wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis:
Keep in mind, some accessible features may require reservations or prior notice. Many museums also offer senior discounts. Therefore, itâs important to ask museums about accessibility and discounts.
Oklahoma City locals fiercely support their sports teams, with the two primary teams offering accessible stadium seating. Oklahomaâs professional basketball team, Oklahoma City Thunder, plays at the wheelchair-accessible Paycom Center. Here, you or your loved one will have access to various accessible features, including those listed below:
Minor league baseball fans can enjoy watching the Dodgers in the ADA-accessible Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. This stadium has accessible seating options and elevators offering easy access.
While Oklahoma City is a bustling metropolis, it also provides a copious amount of outdoor opportunities. Here are a few of OKCâs outdoor spaces with accessible features:
Rivermont Assisted Living Memory Care, Village on the Park at Oklahoma City and Arbor House of Midwest City are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Oklahoma City, OK. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Oklahoma City is $4,652 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Oklahoma City city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Continuum of Care and Assisted Living. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-890.1. (1997).
Residential Care Homes. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-104 and 1-819. (1991).
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.
Walk Score. Living in Oklahoma City.
Donovan, L. (2023, April 28). Personal communication [Phone interview].
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Oklahoma City city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Continuum of Care and Assisted Living. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-890.1. (1997).
Residential Care Homes. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-104 and 1-819. (1991).
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.
Walk Score. Living in Oklahoma City.
Donovan, L. (2023, April 28). Personal communication [Phone interview].