Welcome to Oklahoma’s capital city and the largest metropolitan area in the state: Oklahoma City — also known as OKC. Southern charm, Western heritage, and cowboy culture are a few qualities that make up Oklahoma City’s charisma. Between these and plenty of senior care options, seniors are naturally drawn to OKC.
Every senior care community caters to specific needs, and seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia likely need a memory care community. Memory care communities help seniors live with memory loss by assisting with activities of daily living, handling common dementia behaviors, and providing specialized therapies. A Place for Mom partners with 19 memory care facilities within 10 miles of downtown Oklahoma City. These communities span out to surrounding suburbs in OKC, like Norman, Del City, Bethany, and Midwest City.
This guide compiles information from our partnering memory care communities. Here seniors and their families can find answers to common questions regarding memory care:
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to choose a memory care community that’s best for your loved one.
I chose that place place because I had 3 or 4 relatives/friends whose parents/grandparents were there. I highly recommend their independent living but the assisted living I'm not so sure about & I have no...
We loved the place she was at but mother passed away in [date removed]. The staff was great! They truly loved my mom and treated her so nice. Based on the experience we had, we would definitely recommend...
From our first walkthrough to moving in to mom living there we have been very pleased with our experience. [name removed] and [name removed]have been very helpful and very welcoming. The facility is always...
My loved one was previously a resident at Sommerset Neighborhood Assisted Living and Memory Care and it was a very good experience. The staff were very helpful with the move in process. They are very...
I loved the welcoming entrance, easy visitor check in. Yes, I would recommend Town Village to other families. My sister decided immediately that it were she wanted to live.
Staff is wonderful. Move in was very easy. There is always an open line of communication. My father sometimes, most of the time, likes the food. But sometimes he doesn't. I think that's just a thing. The...
From our first appointment with [name removed], Legend staff were extremely helpful and assisted our family in transitioning our dad from skilled nursing to memory care. The occupational, physical and speech...
It was a great place for my Mom's final days. At times they were understaffed so calls weren't answered very promptly. Never experienced messes or bad odors. Mom loved those ladies. Way better than the...
Stay on top of promises. Make sure your love one has someone verifying what is being done. I would recommend HarborChase of South Oklahoma City, just make sure to stay on top of things!
I moved mom to Legends this year so she would be closer to family. There are eight of us now within a few minutes drive to see her. One of the things I am most impressed with is the service and food quality...
I highly recommend quail ridge no retirement/assisted living places are perfect but Quail Ridge is the best one I know. Very clean good house keeping for residents very clean beautiful pool and dining...
I haven't been there for meals, but the staff is awesome and it's always clean. I highly recommend this facility and have actually visited with others who have or has had someone in this particular facility....
I recently had the opportunity to experience SaddleBrook Assisted Living and Memory Care and I am genuinely impressed by the exceptional quality of care provided. From the moment I arrived, it was evident...
Reasons we chose The Mansion at Waterford: Care needs Location Activities Friendliness Size Very updated Areas for improvement: Weekend staffing is challenging
I would rate them a 5 all the way down. They did a good job all around and kept a clean facility with good people, food etc. Highly recommend
We chose Morada Lake Hefner because of [name removed] ( no longer there) was so sweet and patient and professional to us, she really made us feel comfortable!! Very professional and personal staff! I highly...
I really think that they need to have more staff where she is in the memory care part of the facility. I would recommend Glade Avenue for the price.
My mother fell and broke her hip 6 weeks ago. We knew it would not be safe to go back home for awhile. My brother , husband and I looked at several places Iare so blessed to have found Vitality. The staff...
The care services were good. The food was good. We picked this community because, it was close to our home, and we liked the apperance of the facility. My loved one was here was respite care. They were very...
My Aunt moved into Epworth Villa in Independent Living in 2011 and progressed to Assisted Living, Long-Term Nursing Care and Hospice where she passed away in 2024. She made a ton of friends and participated...
Arbor House was a very nice facility. My mother enjoyed her time there. Unfortunately, she passed away in February. They were all very helpful and kind.
Staff has been very helpful and friendly since day one . They really helped us make a decision while looking for care [name removed] was probably the biggest thing/person that stuck out to us. To know that...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Oklahoma City community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Our memory care partners’ average starting rent is $5,562, according to A Place for Mom proprietary data from 2022 to 2023.[01]
Usually built into the prices of monthly costs are numerous services, such as the following:
The services listed below can mean add-on fees, sometimes increasing monthly costs:
Likewise, memory care community rates vary by floor plans, amenities, services, and location. In fact, the cost difference between different floor plans is quite extensive. For example, according to our price data, a private studio starting rent costs about $1,400 more than a semi-private studio.[01]
The chart below features baseline costs for memory care communities across the greater OKC area. This information can help you and your loved one compare memory care costs by location.
Since memory care can be expensive, many seniors and their families take time to think through how to afford it. With careful planning, many find it attainable. Most families use at least some private income sources to afford an ideal community, but it’s still important to understand whether your loved one qualifies for additional assistance in paying for care. In fact, many seniors combine private funds and public benefits to help pay for memory care.
Here we guide you through the different options that seniors find helpful when looking to pay for memory care.
Initially, seniors and their families assess their private income sources like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Then, other ways are assessed to add more money to private pay methods, as mentioned in these articles below:
Number of veterans who live in OKC
Around 15% of Oklahoma City veterans are age 75 and older.
If your loved one is a veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran, they may qualify for income and care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Yes, some veterans benefits can cover some or all of memory care community costs. Veterans can use benefits like the Veterans Pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit toward anything that improves their quality of life, like memory care. Veterans often find the Aid and Attendance benefit is the most substantial payment, especially since it’s added on top of a pension payment.
There’s an extensive and ever-growing list of service-related conditions that qualify disabled veterans or surviving spouses for benefits. Not all eligible conditions are on this list, so contacting local veterans service organizations (VSOs) is vital to understand what benefits your loved one qualifies for. Before your loved one applies, they should speak with a VSO to ensure they receive all the assistance they can. We’ve included contact information for several local veteran resources below.
You can also find help through Oklahoma’s veterans assistance locator, VALOR or OKVALOR. This locator can be difficult, so we created a step-by-step guide on how to operate the system:
For further information on how to use VALOR, click the “FEATURES” button on the left at any time.
Resources for Oklahoma City veterans
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
2132 NE 36th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Local phone: 405-523-4000
Toll free phone: 888-655-2838
Fax: 405-523-4008
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment and walk-in hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Mid-America Chapter PVA
6108 NW 63rd St., Suite A
Oklahoma City, OK 73132-7526
Direct Number: 405-721-7168
National Service Number: 866-734-0857
Email: midamericapva@yahoo.com
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
VVA Chapter #291
Phone: 405-608-0449
Email: chris.chaney1@hotmail.com
Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, SoonerCare, helps low-income families and individuals receive health insurance coverage. SoonerCare doesn’t cover memory care room and board costs, but home and community based services waivers may cover certain medical services in the community.
Home and community based services waivers, like the ADvantage Waiver program, can help cover care services in a memory care community. ADvantage helps cover many additional services that may be useful to seniors with dementia. Here are some of the services that can be covered in a person’s home or community setting:
If your loved one doesn’t qualify for ADvantage, the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) portal can direct you to additional Medicaid- or Medicare-related programs. Through that page, you’ll also find the local area agency on aging (AAA) contact information, which assists seniors with finding and accessing any Medicaid and Medicare programs.
Before your loved one applies for SoonerCare, it’s important for them to fully understand what benefits they qualify for and whether those programs cover memory care services. Resources through the local Department of Medicaid office are available to help guide seniors and their families through SoonerCare benefits, the application process, and filing for claims.
Additionally, your loved one has access to the Areawide Aging Agency and Oklahoma’s community resource line. These resources help seniors understand what they’re applying for. The 24-hour Heartline, Inc. also helps locals access health and human services programs. Heartline offers phone, text, and online chat communication options. All of the resources mentioned above, with additional links, are provided below.
Oklahoma resident Medicaid resources
Department of Medicaid office
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
4345 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Find a local Oklahoma Department of Human Services office
401 W. Commerce St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Phone: 405-644-5700
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Areawide Aging Agency, Inc.
4101 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 310
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5910
Phone: 405-942-8500
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
Heartline, Inc. Oklahoma resource line
Phone: 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors aged 65+ and individuals with disabilities. Health care coverage varies depending on the type of Medicare plan:
While Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs (i.e., room and board) in a private memory care community, it does help cover medical costs associated with memory care, like the ones listed above.
Oklahoma’s Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) lends a hand to low-income Medicare recipients through programs that help cover benefit expenses, like the following:
Additionally, if your loved one is over the age 55, they may be eligible for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE, a dual Medicaid and Medicare program, helps seniors find various low-income health care services, from prescription drugs to hospice care.
Like with Medicaid, it’s essential to understand what your loved one is eligible for and what those benefits cover before applying for health insurance. Luckily, Oklahoma City helps Medicare recipients through the application process by offering several local resources.
Start by contacting the local Social Security office, the Department of Medicaid office, or the community resource line. If your loved one still needs clarification, the Oklahoma Insurance Department offers a Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program to help break down coverage, benefits, and premium costs. Additionally, every area supports seniors with a local long-term care ombudsman dedicated to advocating for local seniors’ Medicare and Medicaid rights.
For assistance after normal business hours, seniors can use the 24-hour Oklahoma resource line through the nonprofit organization, Heartline, Inc. You or your loved one can dial 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898-211, or contact a representative on the online 2-1-1 chat.
Oklahoma City resident Medicare resources
Oklahoma City Social Security office
12301 N. Kelley Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73131
Phone: 866-331-2207
TTY Phone: 800-325-0778
Fax: 833-950-3005
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment and walk-in hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Current long-term care ombudsman contact
Name: Bill Whited
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-522-6739
General information and assistance for seniors
Phone: 800-211-2116
Local MIPPA coordinator
Name: Debra Shadid
Phone: 405-212-7910
Email: Debra.CTR.Shadid@okdhs.org
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
Oklahoma doesn’t have a specific legal definition for memory care communities, so, depending on the community, they may be licensed as assisted living centers or nursing homes.[03] Memory care units may be part of a larger licensed facility.
A majority of A Place for Mom’s partners in Oklahoma City offer both assisted living and memory care services on-site. And most are licensed as assisted living communities. If the facility is qualified to provide specialized care for dementia, it must comply with the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Special Care Disclosure Act.[03]
The Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders Special Care Disclosure Form must include information, including, but not limited to, the following:[03]
No matter the license, all long-term care facilities in Oklahoma that provide memory care services must submit a memory care disclosure to the following:
The Oklahoma Department of Health (ODSH) also reviews the disclosure when renewing a license.
Oklahoma requires assisted living facilities to meet current building codes, State Fire Marshal rules, and local fire safety requirements. All long-term care facilities’ annual inspection reports are available on the Oklahoma State Department of Health Long Term Care Provider Survey/Inspection Search. However, navigating this search engine can be difficult, so we’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to find detailed inspection reports:
Assisted living and memory care communities must meet certain standards for living spaces to help ensure it’s safe and feels like home. For example, residents won’t feel overcrowded since bedrooms are limited to two residents and bathrooms to no more than four residents.[04] Oklahoma also helps your loved one feel at home by requiring their facilities to allow personal furnishings in assisted living spaces. On the other hand, Oklahoma doesn’t require assisted living or memory care communities to have private units available to rent. However, many of our OKC partners still offer private unit options.
Your loved one’s facility must strive to keep them safe with an adequate number of staff members. Oklahoma specifies what’s considered “adequate” with the following rules for available staff members:
However, there are a few ways a community may only have one direct staff member on duty. This may occur if there has been a recent change in the number of employees or if the facility is smaller and has fewer residents. If a community only has one direct care staff member, residents and their families must be notified of such staff limitations before the senior moves in. The community must also have a department-approved plan for how they handle emergencies with one staff member.
Assisted living facilities are required to staff the following types of staff members:
All direct care staff must undergo first-aid and CPR training to further ensure residents’ safety. And assisted living centers with specialized units, like dementia care neighborhoods, must ensure staff members receive specialized training.[04]
Further information on Health Facility Systems
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: 405-426-8175
Fax: 405-900-7571
E-mail: HealthResources@health.ok.gov
Oklahoma’s governor ended the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2021, which terminated all COVID-19 restrictions.[05] However, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) still recommends following the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Similarly, memory care facilities in OKC don’t have to follow specific COVID-19 regulations, but individual communities may have their own guidelines. So, before moving in or visiting, it’s important to ask about their policies. Luckily, you won’t be prevented from visiting your loved one, thanks to Oklahoma’s prohibition on eliminating visitation in long-term care facilities. However, there’s a chance for a temporary suspension of visitation rights for up to 72 hours if emergency-preparedness plans call for it.[06]
It may be difficult for your loved one to transition into memory care, but it can really pay off. There’s much more to a memory care community than daily support. Memory care communities are dedicated to providing specialized dementia care and various stimulating therapies in a safe, secure living environment. These facilities are also committed to creating an enjoyable life for seniors with dementia through specialized activities and amenities.
Your loved one can find a memory care community that fits their needs and preferences. Read on to learn more about OKC’s memory care communities — like their specialized care services, safe environments, rewarding daily activities, and comfortable amenities.
Oklahoma City is home to stand-alone memory care facilities and memory care communities that offer a continuum of care. A Place for Mom partners with five stand-alone memory care communities and 14 continuum of care communities. Both of these types of facilities offer memory care services. However, memory care facilities with additional care types on the same campus can benefit couples with different care needs. For example, if one partner needs dementia care but the other only needs assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) in assisted living, they can still live on the same campus together.
Some seniors are reluctant to move into a memory care facility, but these communities can be life changing in a good way. These communities not only provide care, but they provide fulfilling activities and amenities within arm’s reach. Your loved one can continue their hobbies, develop new pastimes, and enjoy other residents’ company. All our memory care partners in OKC offer the following types of daily on-site activities:[01]
Besides the typical senior care activities, our memory care partners focus on memory care programs ideal for those with dementia. Some of the memory care-specific activities common to our memory care partners in OKC include the following:
And your loved one won’t be forced to stay cooped up in the community, as 79% of our memory partners offer off-site activities like day trips and outings.[01] Depending on the community’s location and activity schedule, outings to the following locales may be organized:
When seniors are not out exploring the local area, they can enjoy the various on-site amenities our partner memory care facilities incorporate into their facilities:
Memory care communities strive to keep your loved one safe, so families can have peace of mind. Approximately 84% of our memory care partners in OKC have secured entrances and exits to help your loved one remain safe and prevent wandering.[01] Many of these communities also install emergency call systems, so your loved one can quickly alert staff in an emergency.
You may also be concerned about Oklahoma’s severe weather, since it’s part of tornado alley. While there are no legally required precautions a facility must take, many communities are equipped with storm shelters or safe rooms to help ensure your loved one’s safety in severe weather.
In compliance with Oklahoma state law, our memory care partners have staff members on duty around the clock. And since specialized training is required in memory care communities, many of our OKC partners report that staff can easily handle common dementia behaviors like the following:[01]
Many memory care communities also provide on-site medical care, with a doctor on-call and on-site nursing services.[01] Nursing care may mean a community has nurses on staff or that they offer hospice or rehabilitative care on-site. Oklahoma City memory care facilities cater to many care needs, thanks to extensive on-site services like the following:
To add to the specialized care memory care communities offer, nearly all (about 94%) of our partners arrange regular visits from medical professionals:[01]
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Number of seniors aged 75 and older living in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is full of several distinguished health care systems where seniors with dementia can access specialized care. Here are a few patient-recommended hospitals in OKC that also have dementia-focused care.
Your loved one can find expert care provided by board-certified neurologists qualified to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia at the INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Neurology and INTEGRIS Neuroscience Institute. The hospital offers quality care with 75% of patients recommending their facilities.
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital — Oklahoma City is a distinguished hospital in the area, with 69% of patients recommending it. Your loved one can find specialized dementia care thanks to neurologists focused on dementia treatment at SSM Health Neurosciences.
The Oklahoma Center for Gerosciences and Healthy Brain Aging’s memory care clinic provides access to quality dementia care. This teaching hospital also offers resources through the statewide Oklahoma Dementia Care Network, which works to improve care for seniors with dementia. The entire health care system receives a 63% patient approval rating.
Since public transportation isn’t the safest option for seniors with dementia to get around the city, all our memory care partners in OKC offer on-site transportation options.[01] While most of these services are complimentary, if a senior needs to use the service outside the scheduled times, it may cost extra. Additionally, depending on the community, some may restrict on-site transportation to errands and medical appointments. If your loved one is a SoonerCare recipient, they may also be eligible to receive additional transportation services through SoonerRide.
While Oklahoma City isn’t easy to get around, there are many public transportation options available for visiting family members and friends:
Many of our partner memory care communities schedule outings for residents to enjoy. Day trips typically include dining, shopping, museums, and other local destinations. You and your loved one can explore these opportunities together when you visit. Below are a few of the many senior-friendly and accessible options for you and your loved one to enjoy together in OKC. You can also take a look at the VisitOKC webpage for a comprehensive list of activities for the whole family to enjoy in Oklahoma City.
Since Oklahoma City is a large metropolis, you and your loved one will find several shopping centers with various stores, from local boutiques to well-known mall chains. You and your loved one can purchase souvenirs or more necessary items in nearby stores, like those listed below:
You and your loved one can also find well-known stores in local malls, like Penn Square Mall and Quail Springs Mall. These malls also have AMC theaters, so you and your loved one can take in a film.
Oklahoma is known for its beef cattle, so visitors and locals can enjoy fresh, farm-to-table options in restaurants and grocery stores. The state is a meat lover’s paradise, to the point where many people call locally sourced steaks “Sooner Steaks,” after the Sooner State.
Besides steak — both traditional and chicken-fried — the area also offers delicious barbeque options. As a Southern state, trying the local barbeque is customary, whether you’re a visitor or a resident. However, don’t worry if you or your loved one are not meat lovers. OKC features something for everyone, with restaurants galore.
To truly experience OKC’s cowboy culture, you and your loved one must visit Stockyards City. Livestock wander the streets during various events and weekly cattle auctions. While enjoying the Western heritage, visitors and locals can find various local businesses, restaurants, and shopping options lining the streets.
The area features many museums with the metropolis’s focus on culture. Some memory care communities help seniors uncover OKC culture through outings to local museums. When your loved one isn’t visiting museums with their community friends, they can explore with you when you visit. Many of these local museums prioritize accessibility. For example, the following museums lend free wheelchairs to those in need on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Note: Before your visit, ask about accessibility and discounts. Some museums may require reservations for accessible features or offer senior discounts.
While Oklahoma City is the largest metropolis in Oklahoma, it still has a great deal of green spaces. Many communities take advantage of this by setting aside time to visit local parks. Depending on the community’s location, there are many parks and popular destinations that local residents have to choose from:
OKC goes beyond picnics in the park, with lakes, gardens, and zoos for you and your loved one to enjoy:
Visiting families and friends can enjoy supporting local sports teams with their loved ones. The professional sports teams — the NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the minor league baseball team, the Dodgers — play in stadiums where your loved one can purchase tickets in accessible seating sections. Additionally, the Paycom Center, home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, offers additional accessibility features like the following:
Rivermont Assisted Living Memory Care, Village on the Park at Oklahoma City and Arbor House of Midwest City are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Oklahoma City, OK. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Oklahoma City is $4,557 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 56 memory care facilities near you in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ranges from $1 to $9215. The average Memory Care cost in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is $4,557. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma typically starts at $1. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Oklahoma City city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Alzheimer’s Dementia and Other Forms of Dementia Special Care Disclosure Act. 63 Oklahoma State Courts Network O.S. § 1-879. (2023).
Continuum of Care and Assisted Living. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-890.1. (1997).
Oklahoma State Department of Health. (2021, June 22). Corbett visitation guidance.
Oklahoma Legislature. (2021, April 21). House Bill No. 2566.
Health Grades. (2023). Hospitals near Oklahoma City, OK.
Donovan, L. (2023, April 28). Personal communication [Phone interview].
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Oklahoma City city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Alzheimer’s Dementia and Other Forms of Dementia Special Care Disclosure Act. 63 Oklahoma State Courts Network O.S. § 1-879. (2023).
Continuum of Care and Assisted Living. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-890.1. (1997).
Oklahoma State Department of Health. (2021, June 22). Corbett visitation guidance.
Oklahoma Legislature. (2021, April 21). House Bill No. 2566.
Health Grades. (2023). Hospitals near Oklahoma City, OK.
Donovan, L. (2023, April 28). Personal communication [Phone interview].