I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Tulsa, OK
If you’re interested in aging in place, Tulsa puts you in a great position. The city is home to 413,066 residents, including nearly 60,000 seniors, which makes it the second-largest in the state. This means that you have access to a wide range of amenities and community-based services. The city also has an array of attractions, including the Philbrook Museum of Art, the Tulsa Zoo and the art deco downtown area, which features a variety of bars and restaurants.
Local seniors benefit from a strong health care system that includes nearly three dozen medical centers and several top-rated hospitals. The city has roughly 300 physicians per 100,000 residents, which is 40% higher than the national average. If you live on a fixed income, you may appreciate Tulsa’s affordable cost of living that’s 27% lower than the national average. With a BestPlaces Comfort Index of 7.2, the climate is suitable for older adults. You can expect summer highs around 90, winter lows in the mid-20s and just 6 inches of annual snowfall. You’ll also enjoy an above-average number of sunny days. Due to the number of resources and amenities available to older adults, Tulsa has been named one of the nation’s most senior-friendly cities.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Tulsa, OK
If you live in Tulsa, you can expect to pay $4,767 per month for homemaker services or home health care. This translates to a median cost of $25 per hour, which is about $1 higher than the national average. Prices are based on data from the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, which estimates that seniors require 44 hours of care each week. Your expenses may be higher or lower depending on how much assistance you require. Hourly rates may also help with budgeting since you don’t need to pay for more care than you need.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care prices in Tulsa are slightly higher than the state and national average. Seniors in the state pay $200 less per month on average, and national rates are $286 lower. Local prices are similar to other metropolitan areas like Enid where home care costs $4,767 per month. Median prices are about $300 lower in Oklahoma City, and seniors in Lawton pay just $3,432 per month, which could save you more than $16,000 a year.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In-home assistance is just one option to consider. If you don’t need full-time care, you can enjoy recreational activities and meals while socializing with others by joining a daytime health program for just $1,517 per month. Assisted living facilities cost $248 less than home care, and prices include room and board. Nursing home care is another option for seniors who require a high level of medical assistance. Nursing home prices start around $5,323 per month, which is $556 more than home care.
III. How to Find Home Care in Tulsa, OK
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Tulsa, OK.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Tulsa, OK
Indian Nations Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The INCOG Area Agency on Aging is a single point of contact for information about in-home care, healthy aging and community-based resources. It’s responsible for managing senior nutrition and transportation programs, and it can help you apply for homemaker services. Tulsa residents can also contact the AAA for assistance with legal issues, government benefits and Medicare insurance plans, including Extra Help benefits that can reduce your prescription drug costs. It also offers a variety of respite care programs, including in-home companions and personal care aides as well as vouchers that can be used for adult day health care and similar services.
Who Is Eligible?
As part of a federal service network, the INCOG Area Agency on Aging serves seniors aged 60 and older. Caregivers and disabled adults also qualify for a variety of benefits.
How to Get Started
To access these services, call the Information & Assistance hotline at (918) 579-9477.
LIFE Senior Services
What You Should Know
LIFE Senior Services has been providing information and supportive services to promote active, independent aging for more than 40 years. Every year, the organization serves more than 28,000 seniors and families in the greater Tulsa area. It operates two local senior centers and three adult day health centers that provide recreational activities, such as line dancing, yoga, tai chi and creative writing classes. This United Way partner offers Medicare insurance counseling, tax preparation assistance, age-restricted housing and all-inclusive medical care using the PACE model. Seniors and caregivers can also take advantage of a variety of educational resources.
Who Is Eligible?
Programs offered by LIFE Senior Services are available to area residents aged 50 and older. Its senior housing communities serve seniors aged 62 and older, and some services, such as PACE, are intended for older adults who require a nursing home level of care. Staff members can provide additional information about program eligibility.
How to Get Started
To learn more, contact LIFE’s SeniorLine at (918) 664-9000, or visit the agency online.
Tulsa County Assessor Tax Exemptions
What You Should Know
The Tulsa County Assessor offers several tax exemptions to disabled homeowners and seniors aged 65 or older. All state residents may qualify for a $1,000 homestead exemption on the assessed value of their primary residence. This program saves residents $90 to $140 per year on average. Discounts double for some low-income homeowners. Tulsa’s Circuit Breaker exemption provides up to $200 in relief on property tax bills exceeding 1% of resident income. Finally, the Senior Valuation Limitation protects older homeowners from future rate increases. Improvements aren’t covered by this program. However, wheelchair ramps and other medically necessary updates won’t increase your tax rates.
Who Is Eligible?
The Senior Valuation Limitation is available to seniors aged 65 or older whose household income does not exceed $74,200. Seniors must qualify for the state’s homestead exemption. Household income is limited to $12,000 for the Circuit Breaker tax credit and $25,000 for the Additional Homestead Exemption.
How to Get Started
You can apply for Tulsa’s Senior Valuation Limitation at the county assessor’s office or by mail. Application forms are available online. For more information, call (918) 596-5100.
Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa delivers heart-healthy meals to seniors and disabled or homebound residents with the goal of meeting residents’ nutritional needs, preventing isolation and reducing hospital stays. Volunteers deliver up to seven frozen meals for each client while providing a brief wellness check. Seniors can choose from regular, vegetarian or chicken-only meal plans. The program also offers monthly pet food deliveries, shelf-stable blizzard boxes and minor home repairs, including help with smoke detectors, safety rails and other items. Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa also serves as a case manager for seniors who qualify for home- and community-based services through Medicaid.
Who Is Eligible?
Meal deliveries are available to Tulsa residents who have difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing food. The organization requests a $4 donation for each meal, but services are provided regardless of residents’ ability to pay.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in receiving meals or if you know someone who would benefit from these services, call Meals on Wheels at (918) 627-4105, or complete an online application.
Revitalize T-Town
What You Should Know
This local nonprofit has provided free home repairs to Tulsa residents since 1997. Every year, it helps more than 150 families who need help with critical home repairs, accessibility modifications and weatherization services. It can help clients build or install wheelchair ramps, grab bars and railings. Workers perform plumbing and electrical work, painting, exterior upgrades and roofing repairs, and weatherization services can help homeowners save up to $300 on their annual utility bills. Emergency home repair grants and interest-deferred rehabilitation loans are also available through the City of Tulsa.
Who Is Eligible
Revitalize T-Town serves low- and moderate-income homeowners in the Tulsa city limits. Eligibility is based on income and household size. Income limits start at $40,350 for a one-person household or $25,200 for the roofing program. Disabled adults and seniors aged 60 or older receive priority assistance.
How to Get Started
To see if you qualify for free home repairs, call Revitalize T-Town at (918) 742-6241, ext. 202, or complete an application online.