Guide to Independent Living in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, which is home to nearly 4 million residents, the senior community makes up over 16% of the population and is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Warm weather and access to amenities, such as world-class museums and scenic state parks, promote comfortable retirement living, and the state’s overall affordability makes it a financially feasible long-term option for seniors. On average, the cost of living is about 15% below the national average, and there are tax breaks seniors can access on retirement income. Independent living is also affordable here, with rates coming in about 15% below the national median at $2,506 per month.
Independent living is an ideal solution for older adults who don’t need personal care services but want a low-maintenance lifestyle. These communities offer services, such as daily meal services, transportation and housekeeping, giving residents the opportunity to focus on their hobbies and interests.
This guide provides more information on independent living costs in Oklahoma, along with options for paying for monthly services. It also features statewide agencies and programs that serve older adults and tips for finding independent living options in communities throughout the state.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Oklahoma?
Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Oklahoma is one of the cheapest states in the nation for independent living, with older adults paying $2,506 for monthly services. By comparison, nationwide, this senior living option costs $2,925. Rates in Oklahoma’s bordering states are similarly affordable, with older adults in Texas paying $2,599 and those in Arkansas paying $2,444. Missouri has even cheaper rates at $1,950, and in Kansas, monthly fees exceed Oklahoma’s median at $2,977.
The Cost of Independent Living in Oklahoma’s Top Cities
Across Oklahoma’s largest cities, independent living rates range by a few hundred dollars, providing options at multiple price points. Lawton is the cheapest place to obtain services, with monthly rates coming in well below state and national medians at $2,315. In Tulsa, older adults pay $2,506 for services, and in Enid, costs are about $80 higher at $2,587. Oklahoma City, the state’s capital, has the highest monthly fees of $3,120.
The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care
Nearly all senior care types in Oklahoma are affordable compared to national rates. Adult day health care, which provides daily health monitoring, meals and recreational activities in a community environment, is the cheapest option at $1,495. Independent living is for those who don’t need medical monitoring or daily assistance and is about $1,000 more expensive at $2,506. Older adults who need help with daily living activities pay $3,855 for assisted living, and those who obtain care in their own homes pay $4,862 for homemaker services and skilled home health care. Those who require intensive care and around-the-clock medical monitoring pay $5,475 for a semiprivate room in a nursing home.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Oklahoma?
The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Oklahoma to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Oklahoma.
For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.
How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Oklahoma
Oklahoma seniors have several options for funding independent living services. The most common options include:
- Reverse Mortgage Loans: By taking out a reverse mortgage loan, seniors can access their home’s equity and convert it to monthly payments they can use for living expenses.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Many long-term care insurance policies cover some of the services individuals receive in independent living, which can free up funds for ineligible expenses.
- Life Insurance: In some cases, seniors can use their life insurance policy’s death benefit to pay for long-term care. Alternatively, they may be able to sell their policy for a cash settlement.
- Annuities: Those who have lump sums of cash may purchase an annuity, which pays out a portion of the sum on a monthly basis.
Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Oklahoma
Oklahoma seniors have access to a broad range of independent nonprofit organizations and government programs that can help them get the most from retirement living. Through the following resources, older adults learn more about their options for paying for monthly independent living expenses and receive assistance with finding discounts and recreational activities in their communities.
| Resource | Contact | Description |
| AARP Oklahoma | (405) 715-4475 | AARP Oklahoma provides up-to-date information on legislation that affects older adults, including bills related to robocalls and fraud texts, Medicare benefits and long-term care reform. The organization also provides exclusive discounts to seniors and information on community-based health and wellness initiatives. |
| Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging | (800) 211-2116 | Oklahoma has 11 Area Agencies on Aging, each of which serves those aged 60 and over in their designated regions. Through their local AAA, older adults meet with financial and legal advisors who help them navigate age-related issues, such as estate planning, qualifying for Medicaid and paying for independent living services. AAAs also provide congregate meals and transportation services to supplement what individuals access through independent living communities. |
| Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program | (800) 763-2828 | SHIP is a statewide program that provides free over-the-phone health insurance options counseling for Medicare-eligible individuals. Through the helpline, seniors get answers to questions regarding Medicare benefits, available Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and benefits they receive through their long-term care insurance policy. SHIP counselors can also help individuals navigate the appeals process if a health insurance claim is denied or their Medicare policy is canceled. |
| Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Central Oklahoma | (405) 605-3110 | RSVP is a nationwide volunteer-based program with exclusive opportunities for those aged 55 and over. Through the Central Oklahoma chapter, seniors have a variety of volunteer opportunities, such as tutoring or mentoring school-aged children, delivering meals to housebound members of the community and providing benefits counseling for veterans. Those living outside of Central Oklahoma can find their local RSVP location here. |
| Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. | (888) 534-5243 | Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma provides free civil legal services to those aged 60 and over. Through this organization, seniors can get help with applying for public benefits, such as Social Security, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, which can help them pay for independent living. |
| Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs | (855) 701-6382 | The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs has offices throughout the state. At these locations, older veterans can get help with applying for benefits, such as financial assistance, health insurance and pension benefits. |
COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Oklahoma Independent Living Communities
The following rules and guidelines were obtained from oklahoma.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.
This data has been most recently updated on 2/13/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Visiting Loved Ones
| Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care? | Yes |
| Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
| Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person? | Yes |
| Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities? | Yes |
| Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives? | Yes |
| Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Outings and Group Activities
| Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
| Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine? | No (Conditions Apply) |
| Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
| Are residents still eating together in the dining hall? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors
| Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Safety Measures for Residents
| Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms? | Yes |
| Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms? | No |
| Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures? | Yes |
| Are residents being tested for coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |