In-Home Care in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is situated in the South Central region of the nation and has nearly 4 million residents, a little over 16% of whom are retirement-aged. It’s an attractive option for those whose goal is to remain in the privacy and comfort of their own homes throughout their retirement years, particularly due to its affordability. Its overall cost of living is 15% cheaper than that of the typical U.S. state, and its tax laws are retiree-friendly, helping seniors maintain their financial stability.

Oklahoma is home to numerous organizations and programs that provide free and low-cost in-home care, along with high-quality home care agencies. These agencies provide care that includes non-medical services, such as housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care, and they charge approximately $4,862 for monthly services. This care is different from home health care, which features skilled nursing services.

In this guide, we provide comprehensive information on home care in Oklahoma, including how much this type of care costs in surveyed cities throughout the state and some options you may have for paying for services. Our guide also gives an overview of the state’s Medicaid program, nonprofit agencies that serve older adults, and answers to frequently asked questions about in-home care.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, which provides long-term care cost data for states and communities across the nation, seniors in Oklahoma pay $4,862 per month for in-home care. This is slightly lower than the national rate of $4,957 per month, but it’s fairly high compared to rates in surrounding states. In Arkansas, care costs are several hundred dollars lower at $4,185 per month. In Kansas and Texas, respective average rates come in at $4,580 and $4,576, and in New Mexico, fees are slightly higher at $4,605. Oklahoma may be a cost-effective alternative to obtaining care in Colorado, where fees exceed the national monthly median at $6,387.

Home care costs in surveyed cities throughout Oklahoma are consistent with the state median. In the state capital, Oklahoma City, fees are a little higher than the state average but equal to the national rate at $4,957. In Enid, those who obtain in-home care pay $4,862 for services, and in Tulsa, rates are a little more competitive at $4,767. Lawton is the cheapest surveyed city in Oklahoma to access home care, with agencies charging approximately $3,813 per month.

While home care rates in Oklahoma are affordable relative to the national average, this is one of the most expensive long-term care options within the state. Agencies charge approximately $4,862 per month for non-medical in-home care and specialized home health care. Assisted living, which provides the same scope of care in a residential community setting, costs about $1,000 less per month at $3,855. Older adults who want to live in their own homes but are working with restrictive budgets may consider adult day health care, which provides personal care in a daytime community setting for $1,495 per month. Obtaining care at home is an affordable alternative to nursing home placement, which costs $5,475 monthly.

SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, pays for a range of in-home care services directly and through a waiver program. These services help you remain safely and comfortably in your own home and avoid assisted living or nursing home placement.

State Plan Personal Care is part of the regular Medicaid program and covers daily living activities in the individual’s home. Through this program, beneficiaries get help with a range of non-medical services, including:

• Getting into and out of bed 
• Grooming 
• Bathing 
• Toileting 
• Meal planning and preparation 
• Eating 
• Laundry 
• Transportation 
• Light housekeeping 
• Errands and grocery shopping 

Everyone who qualifies for Medicaid and meets medical level of care criteria is eligible for these services, regardless of their age. There are no enrollment caps or wait lists. To obtain these services, you must complete an application for in-home assistance, which you can do online or by calling the Medicaid Services Unit at (800) 435-4711.

Medicaid has strict financial criteria that many people don’t meet, despite needing help with paying for in-home care. To help those with higher income levels obtain coverage, SoonerCare administers the ADvantage Program Waiver and the Medically Fragile program. These programs are for those who need a nursing home level of care but are able to remain in their own homes through the services these programs pay for.  

You can apply for SoonerCare online by visiting OKDHSLive!, the state’s online benefits portal. Alternately, you can fill out and submit an application at your nearest DHS office or apply over the phone by calling the department at (877) 751-2972.

What Information You Will Need 

To ensure a quick and simple application process, you should be certain to have supporting documents on hand. These may include:

• Bank statements with checking and savings account balances 
• Social Security card 
• Proof of any other health insurance, including Medicare 
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, including a birth certificate, U.S. passport or voter registration card 
• If you’re not a U.S. citizen, proof of legal permanent residency 
• Life insurance policy 
• Statements of stocks, bonds or certificates of deposit 
• Copy of vehicle title 
• Copy of the title(s) for investment or vacation properties 
• Proof of all earned and unearned income 

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.