Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Tulsa’s senior population continues to grow (13.2% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Tulsa, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 65.1% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 6.77%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (6.83% in Tulsa vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
The cost of memory care in Tulsa averages $4,819 per month, the same as the state of Oklahoma and $806 less than the overall average for the nation of $5,625.
Tulsa’s monthly average for memory care of $4,819 is almost the same as Enid, about 100 miles northwest, which averages $4,975. However, Oklahoma City, approximately 100 miles southwest of Tulsa, is much higher at $6,000. Lawton, further south of Oklahoma City, averages $4,451 for memory care. One of the lowest costs near Tulsa is Joplin, Missouri, to the east, averaging $3,506 a month.
Seniors in Tulsa have additional care options, including adult day health care facilities that provide weekday services and activities and average $1,517 monthly. Seniors who remain in their homes can choose in-home care for assistance with personal care and household chores or home health care with added medical care. Both cost an average of $4,767 monthly. For seniors who find they can no longer remain at home, an assisted living community provides around-the-clock care services at an average of $3,855 monthly. If higher-level medical care is necessary, seniors may need the services of a nursing home at an average cost of $5,323 a month for a semiprivate room.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Tulsa.
Tulsa offers resources for seniors with dementia provided by local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. These groups offer assistance with Medicare and Medicaid benefits, information about long-term care options and programs for seniors.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter | 918-392-5000 | The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter provides education and services for those living with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and their friends. Services include support groups, care resources, community education, counseling and information about the Safe Return national registry. | Tulsa, OK |
Oklahoma Dementia Care Network (OkDCN) | 405-271-7622 | The Oklahoma Dementia Care Network (OkDCN) is a statewide program for adults living with dementia and their families facilitated through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Programs improve the health and the lives of older adults and offer support for residents of Oklahoma affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. | Oklahoma City, OK |
LIFE's Senior Center at Southminster | 918-664-9000 | LIFE's Senior Center provides socialization and activities for seniors, including exercise classes, educational programs, free health screenings, activities, concerts, day trips and a place for seniors to develop new friendships and connections. | Tulsa, OK |
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) - OK-SPLASH | 405-557-0020 | OK-SPLASH, a service provided by the local Area Agencies on Aging, provides free legal services, legal advice and community education for residents 60 and older. Free legal services help seniors remain independent and financially stable. | Oklahoma City, OK |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Tulsa, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Those living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are treated like family at the family-owned and operated Colonial Oaks Memory Care at Tulsa. Wide hallways, inviting furnishings and plentiful natural light characterize this assisted living facility intentionally designed for seniors with memory loss. With the help of family members, a Life Portrait is created for each resident around which a personalized Life Engagement program is designed. Each residents daily activity schedule reflects their unique interests, talents and life achievements to promote feelings of safety and purpose while increasing independence. Every Colonial Oaks Life Engagement Manager has met or exceeded state-required certification and participates in continuing education training specific to memory loss caregiving. Residents eat in small dining rooms that provide a calm, intimate environment that encourages socializing. Those prone to wandering are offered finger foods, so they can walk freely around the facility and receive nourishment at the same time.
Reviewers appreciate the all-inclusive monthly rate that doesnt increase as care needs change. Many praised the passionate and professional staff. One family member wrote, Mother was well cared for while she was at Colonial Oaks Memory Care at Tulsa. She was treated with respect and dignity by everyone there.�
Heritage Point of Tulsa is an intentionally built community of three spacious homes designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment for people living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Each home accommodates 18 residents in private, studio-like apartments with private baths. The homes also feature a safe room� where residents and associates can shelter during bad weather. A secure courtyard with a memory garden, walking paths, pond and fountain creates a relaxing, park-like environment that lets residents come and go freely. A high staff-to-resident ratio ensures that each personalized plan of care, called the Life Services Plan, is adhered to daily to meet individual needs, abilities and desires.
Family members�mention how involved and loving the staff is at Heritage Point, which they say is reflected in the energized, animated appearance of many residents. One daughter wrote of her mother, In her last place, she stayed in her room most of the time and slept a lot. Now when I come to visit, she is awake and happy and seems very at peace. Its not unusual for me to walk in and one of the staff is visiting with her.�
Montereaus sprawling campus on a beautifully landscaped, wooded parcel in the heart of Tulsa looks more like a high-end resort than a non-profit continuing care retirement community. Independent living residents choose from eight floors of apartments, single-resident and duplex-style garden homes. Assisted living residents in The Villa enjoy private one- or two-bedroom apartments, while those requiring skilled nursing care find it at The Chateau. Montereaus Alzheimers community, The Abbey, provides innovative treatment options for residents who live in comfortably furnished, bright private apartments with private baths. An indoor/outdoor sensory garden and private courtyard let memory care residents relax in nature at will. The memory care neighborhood is also equipped with a whirlpool spa, lounge, full-service salon and day spa, ensuring that residents enjoy all the pampering they desire. The Abbey Care Partners are certified Dementia Care Specialists who use individualized therapeutic programming to create positive daily experiences for residents.
Many liken Montereau to an upscale hotel, five-star resort or cruise ship. The exceptional culinary program, luxurious amenities and vast array of activities make this continuing care retirement community exceptional. Reviewers note, The staff is professional, courteous, and very responsive. Theyre very dedicated and helpful.�
Located in the Broken Arrow suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Linden at Stonehaven Square�provides assisted living and memory care services to seniors. The pet-friendly facility offers around-the-clock staffing and security along with a health and wellness program and transportation services. Residents enjoy a full-service salon and restaurant-style dining service. Activities and game rooms keep residents healthy and active. Seniors enjoy several beautiful outdoor spaces along with an on-site gym. Memory care residents participate in the signature Opal program that's based on seven pillars of wellness with a holistic approach of care for each resident. The seven pillars of the program include physical, experimental, spiritual and emotional, sensory, creative and artistic, social and therapeutic.
One family member said in an online post, The staff was very caring. They treated our dad as if he were family. It was a major validation when our dad referred to the staff as very nice. I felt confident that he was in great hands. As his health declined, they were very attentive and called us with any updates, even though we visited him daily.�