Best Assisted Living Facilities in Oklahoma City, OK

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in OKC

Oklahoma City and its many suburbs have dozens of quality assisted living communities, so it was no easy task to narrow down our list to just five. To find the best assisted living in Oklahoma City, we focused on several important factors:

• Cost: The cost of assisted living in OKC is slightly higher than the national average, and assisted living can be costly anywhere. We tried our best to find communities that suit a range of budgets. Most communities do not take Medicaid or Medicare. Our search revealed one community that we gave high marks to for accepting Medicaid.
• Available care: It is beneficial for seniors to consider communities that offer multiple living and care options, such as assisted living and memory care, and we endeavored to find those that do.
• Reviews: We read through dozens of reviews for every single contender and include a summary of our findings. In most cases, we see common themes regarding positive and negative feedback about each community.
• Amenities: Amenities can help an assisted living community feel like a luxury resort or a home away from home. Our research focuses on communities that offer extra perks and benefits for seniors to enjoy, or, if they don’t, the feedback from residents and families about the quality of care may supplant any absent amenities.
• Location: Location is important in a large venue like Oklahoma City. Since many seniors like to have certain comforts nearby, we look at communities that are close to parks, shopping, hospitals, museums, and other practical or entertaining points of interest.

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

We spent hours researching the best assisted living communities in Oklahoma City, but that doesn’t mean that all of the communities on our list would be the right choice for you. Here are a few things to consider when comparing communities for yourself or a loved one:

• Identify your needs. One community may offer different types of care than others. Prices can also vary based on the level of care that you need. This is why it’s important to speak with your doctor and evaluate your needs. You may not require a lot of help now, but what about five years from now? Try to figure out what kind of assistance you need today and anticipate potential changes in the future.
• Review your budget. Oklahoma City has a lower cost of living, but you should review your budget and understand exactly how much each community charges before making a choice. While analyzing your budget, remember that Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living in most cases and many seniors depend on Social Security benefits, retirement savings, and long-term care insurance to cover costs. Though we provide the starting price when possible, consider standard add-ons such as medication administration and other aspects of assisted living not reflected in initial quotes. When you visit a property, be proactive about asking a lot of questions.
• Read reviews. Reading reviews from caregivers, family members, and residents will give you a glimpse into the pros and cons of each community. You shouldn’t take every single review at face value, but consider online reviews to help steer you toward the right community.
• Visit communities. Always visit a community before you agree to move in! Seeing an assisted living community in person can let you know exactly how you would feel living there. Be sure to talk with residents, staff, and administrators, and, again, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Check licensing and certifications. While researching a community, check that it has up-to-date licensing and certifications to operate in Oklahoma.
• Trust your gut. At some point, you will probably find more than one community you like. If you’re struggling to make a decision, trust what your instincts tell you. Many communities may seem similar on the surface, so going with your gut can help you avoid making a mistake.

What’s Living in Oklahoma City Like for Seniors?

Oklahoma City is a bustling, growing city, steeped in history. It also features all the entertainment you would expect from a state capital and major economic hub. Below is a quick look at what life is like for older adults in Oklahoma City:

• Climate: The climate of Oklahoma ranges from humid subtropical summers in the east and semi-arid in the western part of the state. Oklahoma City is located in the middle of the state, experiencing some of both. It is known for limited annual snowfall, totaling four to seven inches.
• Healthcare: Oklahoma City has several large medical centers, including INTEGRIS, Oklahoma University Medical Center, and Mercy Health Center.
• Cost of living: Oklahoma City has a relatively low cost of living at 16 percent lower than the national average.
• Walkability: Oklahoma City is the 44th-most-walkable large city in the U.S. Unfortunately, it has minimal public transportation and does not have many bike lanes. The most walkable Oklahoma City neighborhoods are Paseo, Corridor South, and Mesta Park.
• Activities: At one time or another, as thoughts of manifest destiny impelled us farther west, Oklahoma was considered a gateway to the same. Museums such as the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, American Banjo Museum, and Science Museum Oklahoma reflect the state’s history, aspirations, and culture. Sporting events are also common in the city. The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is the largest venue in the state. Events are also featured at the Paycom Center and Oklahoma Sooners Stadium, among others. Oklahoma City has an estimated 329 restaurants, with a wide variety of dining options. Parks include Merrel Medley Park, with baseball and soccer fields, walking paths, and more.
• Safety: Oklahoma City deals with violent crime just as any big city does. But as long as you’re not on foot alone at night or taking risks while walking through traffic, it’s a reasonably safe city.
• Tax structure: Oklahoma has a graduated income tax encompassing six marginal tax brackets, with rates ranging from 0.25 to 4.75 percent. This is well below the national average of 8.9  The state does not have inheritance or estate taxes, which could have a positive impact on your estate planning.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?

The estimated median cost of an assisted living community in Oklahoma City is $5,245 per month in 2024. That’s slightly higher than the national median of

Assisted living in OKC is not inexpensive, though the overall cost of living is lower than the national average. However, the costs can vary drastically based on the community you choose and the care you require. Memory care, for example, tends to be much higher than assisted living. Fortunately, you can shop around and find some communities with starting prices well below average for the city. Additionally, as with hotels, there are times when a property is full and there may even be a waiting list. Yet there are occasions when an assisted living community is looking to fill vacancies and may be amenable to adjusting costs, depending on its policies.

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