How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (Oklahoma has 11 AAAs) / Oklahoma Department of Human Services - OKDHS (state level)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: okdhs.org/aging; oklahoma.gov/soonercare; ok.gov WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Oklahoma; OKDHS local office

Online Option

okdhs.org/aging; oklahoma.gov/soonercare; ok.gov

Where to Go

Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Oklahoma; OKDHS local office

County-specific variations apply

Oklahoma's 11 AAAs each cover multi-county regions. Oklahoma County (OKC) and Tulsa County have the most extensive urban senior services. Rural Oklahoma (western Oklahoma, southeastern Oklahoma - the "Green Country" region, and the panhandle) faces significant geographic challenges with long distances. Tribal communities: Oklahoma is unique nationally for having the largest urban Native American population and numerous tribal nations; many tribes (Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Creek Nation, Osage Nation, etc.) operate their own tribal elder programs and services that operate alongside state AAA programs.

Oklahoma Notes

Important state-specific details

OKLAHOMA SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free Medicare counseling - contact your regional AAA or OKDHS; Oklahoma has many volunteers helping seniors navigate Medicare.
ADVANTAGE WAIVER: Oklahoma's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver for adults 65+ - provides home-based care; apply through SoonerCare/OKDHS at (800) 987-7767.
SENIOR VALUATION FREEZE: property tax freeze for homeowners 65+ within county income limits (generally up to $99,000); apply with county assessor; no application needed once approved.
LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program - important given Oklahoma's climate (both hot summers and cold winters); apply through county OKDHS offices.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through OKDHS APS - (800) 522-3511 (APS 24-hour hotline).
TRIBAL SENIOR SERVICES: dozens of Oklahoma tribal nations operate senior programs; major tribal nations have extensive elder care - contact individual tribal nation's social services for tribal members.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma: oklaw.org | 1-888-534-5243.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

OKDHS Aging Services - okdhs.org/aging | (405) 521-2327 | 1-800-211-2116; SHIP: contact AAA or (405) 521-2327; APS: (800) 522-3511; 2-1-1 Oklahoma: dial 211