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Senior Resources

Estate Planning

Oklahoma Bar, an arm of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, offers information on a variety of topics to individuals.


Estate Planning

Estate Planning at a Glance
Elements everyone should consider to guarantee your wishes are carried out.

Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled. Yet, it's this kind of planning that can make all the difference in an emergency.

Oklahoma Statutes O.S. Title 84,  Wills and Succession

Shopping for Funeral Services
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy goods and services separately. You do not have to accept a package that includes items you do not want.

“Simple and Cheap” My Father Said
Funeral Consumers Alliance is the only national consumer organization that monitors the funeral industry, keeping a close eye on industry trends and advocating for fair practices on the behalf of consumers.

Wills for Heroes
The Wills for Heroes program is designed to provide free wills to emergency personnel in Oklahoma.

Legal Help

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and local Area Agencies on Aging have partnered to create the Oklahoma Sixty Plus Legal Aid Services Helpline, OK-SPLASH.

Low- or No-Cost Legal Assistance in Oklahoma
For the low cost or no cost assistance, you need to meet certain income or other qualifications before service can be provided.

Oklahoma Free Legal Answers
Submit your legal questions and a volunteer lawyer will respond at no cost. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association, American Bar Association and Oklahoma Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission.

Probate

Avoiding probate in Oklahoma from NOLO

Probate information from the Tulsa County Court Clerk

Transfer on death (TOD) registration allows you to pass the securities you own directly to another person or entity upon your death without having to go through probate. By having a TOD registration, the executor or administrator of your estate will not have to take any action to ensure that your securities transfer to whomever you have designated.

Transfer on Death Deed (or Beneficiary Deed)
Information from Legal Aid

Oklahoma Small Estate Affadivit form
This form is to be used to transfer the ownership of a vehicle subject to the disposition by will, when the total value of the estate is no more than $50,000.00.

Oklahoma Transfer on Death Deed form
This form allows the owner of real estate to pass it on to another person without a will, trust, or probate court.

 

Health & Nutrition

Health
 

  • Oklahoma 211 Health/Dental: 211 Eastern Oklahoma maintains a comprehensive database of provider agencies and services.
     
  • Depression and Older Adults
    Common signs and symptoms of depression, treatment options, and if you or your loved one may be at risk for depression.
     
  • Find & compare doctors, hospitals, home health services & other providers near you.
     
  • Healthy Aging from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Adopting healthy habits and behaviors, staying involved in your community, using preventive services, managing health conditions, and understanding all your medications can contribute to a productive and meaningful life.
     
  • How to File a Complaint: Health Information for Older People
    Where, and when to file a complaint, from the FTC.
     
  • Oklahoma Health Department Injury Prevention Among Adults & Seniors factsheets
     
  • Medicaid provides health coverage to 7.2 million low-income seniors who are also enrolled in Medicare.
     
  • Medicaid in Oklahoma
    Explore key characteristics of Medicaid in Oklahoma, including documents and information relevant to how the programs have been implemented by Oklahoma within federal guidelines.
     
  • Medicare
    Find providers, compare plans, apply, and find options for getting help to pay for costs.
     
  • Medicare Supplemental Insurance
    Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps fill "gaps" in Original Medicare and is sold by private companies. 
    Find a Medigap insurance policy that works for you
    Oklahoma Insurance Department Supplemental Insurance factsheet
     
  • MyHealthfinder is a prevention and wellness resource that health professionals can recommend to individuals and families. The tool gives users personalized recommendations for preventive services like screenings and vaccines.
     
  • National Institute on Aging Cognitive Health
    Many older adults worry about memory loss and thinking abilities as they age. What causes it? Can memory loss be prevented?
     
  • Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
    Independent living services, such as medical equipment, assistive technology, specialized skills training and home modifications enhance the ability of individuals with severe disabilities to live independently and function within their families and communities.
     
  • Oklahoma Device Reuse Program
    Any Oklahoman who is in need of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), regardless of income. Priority will be given to SoonerCare members, but any resident is eligible to receive DME with a completed application.
     
  • OU Dental Clinic provides patients of all ages with access to comprehensive oral healthcare services, from routine dental cleanings and fillings to advanced procedures such as restorations and emergency extractions - all in a state-of-the-art clinical setting. 
     
  • Tulsa Community College Clinics offer free physical therapy, dental hygiene, and sonograms.
     
  • Find nutrition information for older adults to eat healthy, reduce disease risk, and deal with changes that affect appetite and eating at USDA.gov.
     
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Healthy Aging
    Adopting healthy habits and behaviors, staying involved in your community, using preventive services, managing health conditions, and understanding all your medications can contribute to a productive and meaningful life.


Nutrition
 

Housing

 

 

Jobs & Employment

Oklahoma Works

Oklahoma Works
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. WIOA is implemented in Oklahoma in strategic coordination with core partner agencies.


Looking for supplemental income? Return to your old job (only part-time), explore a few creative encore career ideas:


 

Learning & Enrichment

Audit College Courses
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved a policy authorizing institutions of the State System to waive the fees for Oklahoma residents who are sixty-five (65) years of age, or older, for auditing of academic courses contingent upon space being available in the classrooms and laboratories housing such courses. Contact the college or university for more information (TCC, OSU, OU, RSU).

Becoming an Outdoorwoman (BOW)
Hosted by Camp Fire Green Country, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, BOW is an educational program offering hands-on, outdoor workshops to adult women. All BOW Workshops emphasize a supportive environment for novices conducive to learning, making friends, and having fun. The Oklahoma BOW Workshop is held annually, usually on the first full weekend of October.

City of Tulsa recreation programs
Tulsa Parks operates six community centers and two specialty centers located in parks throughout Tulsa, each offering a variety of classes, activities, and events.

Jenks Community Education
Activities and classes with Jenks Community Education are a great way to learn new skills, discover a  new passion, and have fun.

Tulsa County Parks offers a variety of classes at their facilities.

 

Recreation

America the Beautiful Pass
An America the Beautiful Senior Pass covers lifetime admittance to public lands for anyone 62 years or older. Passes may be purchased at any federal recreation site that charges an entrance or standard amenity (day use) fee, or online. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks, national wildlife refuges, as well as day use fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Oklahoma Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License
Oklahoma residents who turn 65 or older during the current calendar year are eligible for a Lifetime Senior Citizen Hunting or Fishing License for $15 or a Lifetime Senior Citizen Combination Hunting/Fishing License for just $25.

The following Senior Centers provide a variety of activities:

 

Retirement Planning

Investing & Retirement
Seniors are often the target of fraud. However, with some basic understanding of how scam artists work, you can avoid fraud and protect your hard-earned money. Learning how to invest safely can mean a huge difference in your retirement years.

  • Health & Human Services Retirement Planning & Security
    It's important to plan for retirement so that you can enjoy financial security later in life without the risk of outliving your assets.
     
  • Investor.gov is your online resource to help you make sound investment decisions and avoid fraud.
     
  • Retirement Planning & Security from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. It's important to plan for retirement so that you can enjoy financial security later in life without the risk of outliving your assets.
     
  • Tax Information for Retirement Plans
    Information for individuals from the Internal Revenue Service
     
  • USA.gov
    Get the basics on retirement planning and pension benefits, such as how Social Security works, retiring from the civil service, and managing a private pension.
     

Personal Finances & Budgeting


Scams & Fraud

  • FBI common scams: Elder Fraud Seniors are often targets of fraud because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers.
     
  • Federal Trade Commission
    Scams against older adults
     
  • National Elder Fraud Hotline
    Resources from the National Elder Fraud Hotline, which provides services to all adults ages 60 and older, who may be victims of financial fraud.
     
  • U.S. Department of Justice Senior Scam Alert
    The Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force provides a list to warn and educate the public about trending elder fraud threats.

Staying Safe

Safety

 

Transportation

Oklahoma 211 transportation services listings (transit, repair, medical, etc.)

Area Agency on Aging
Transportation is available to people 60 years of age and over who are unable to use existing transportation services or limited options are available for individuals without means of transportation. Transportation is available on a limited basis for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and congregate senior dining depending on the area in which you live.

Tulsa Transit offers reduced fares to seniors, Medicare card holders, persons with disabilities, active duty military, and veterans.

The Tulsa Transportation Resource Center lists specialized transportation services in the Tulsa area.

Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities in, and around Tulsa abound. Here are some to consider:

City of Tulsa Animal Welfare
City of Tulsa Animal Welfare provides a variety of services and programs to the community and ways for you to become involved in the care of thousands of homeless dogs, cats, and other animals.

City of Tulsa Parks Adopt-a-Spot
Tulsa Parks provides regular maintenance to city parks, but can accomplish more with your help.

Corps of Engineers
The Corps of Engineers is the steward of almost 12 million acres of land and water held in the public trust, offering many volunteer opportunities in recreation and natural resource management. Volunteers can gain valuable skills, work outdoors, meet new people, see new areas of the country and achieve a proud sense of contributing to the environment.

Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.E.T.)
The M.E.T. is involved in environmental activities throughout the year, and loves working with volunteers interested in learning about recycling, and sustainability.

Oklahoma's Blue Thumb
Blue Thumb is the education arm of the Water Quality Division of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, with the mission of stream protection through education. It is a premiere volunteer citizen science organization that trains volunteers to monitor creeks and streams and share their knowledge of water quality with others.

Oxley Nature Center
Volunteers are the lifeline of the Oxley! Volunteer positions include naturalist, visitor center host, trail work crew, and marketing/PR team.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
RSVP of Tulsa enhances our community by engaging volunteers age 55 and over, matching their experiences, talents and interests to meaningful service.

RiverParks Authority
Have fun and make new friends while helping your community! River Parks produces a multitude of events that are financed through private sponsorships to build awareness and encourage use of River Parks, and volunteers help these events succeed.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
SCORE is a nationwide volunteer organization dedicated to helping individuals intending to start a small business and those already in business desiring advice, and is a resource partner with the U. S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to serve in a variety of roles — from knowledgeable business mentors to local community advocates.

Serve Tulsans
Serve Tulsans is a volunteer based initiative that seeks to build up and coordinate local human capital in an effort to address the public problems. The hope is that by encouraging community members to join together in meaningful projects they will create lasting relationships, impact their neighborhoods and the city as a whole.

Tulsa County Public Defenders
The Tulsa County Public Defender’s office relies on volunteers in its juvenile, civil, and criminal divisions. All volunteers work under the direction of an attorney or support staff.

Tulsa County Sheriff Reserve Deputy
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Program is a vital part of the Sheriff’s Office. The purpose of the TCSO Reserve Deputy Program is to provide trained civilian volunteers to augment the manpower of the Sheriff’s Office. Reserve deputies work in all areas of TCSO, as well as at many special events throughout the year. These dedicated reserve deputies volunteer their time in a myriad of events such as the Special Olympics and Tulsa State Fair.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Join the corps of dedicated PAC usher volunteers, and will contribute to the well-being of the arts and economy in Tulsa and surrounding communities.

Tulsa Zoo
The Tulsa Zoo is searching for adults who enjoy being outdoors, helping others learn, working with animals and meeting new people.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Learn to prepare taxes and make a difference in your community at the same time. You will receive training to provide free tax help for low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns. As a volunteer, you will join the thousands of others who each year prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteer.gov
Ever dream of being a campground host? Browse volunteer opportunities in our public lands at volunteer.gov.

Caregiving

Eldercare Support

  • Caregiver Resources and Long-term Care Long-term care—through in-home assistance, community programs, or residential facilities—enables you to stay active and accomplish everyday tasks. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services share resources available to help older adults continue to live in their homes and participate in their communities.
     
  • Caregiver stress
    Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Stress from caregiving is common.
     
  • Caring for Yourself When You're Caring for Another (CDC)
     
  • Dance for Parkinson's
    This dance class meets in person at the Tulsa Ballet's Brookside campus. Classes are free to all Parkinson's Disease patients and their caregivers.
     
  • Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Whether help is needed with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.
     
  • Help & Support for Caregivers
    Get tips and information to help you care for your loved one with special medical needs, including programs for family members of veterans and people with disabilities to get paid to provide care.
     
  • Home health care helps older adults live independently for as long as possible, even with an illness or injury. It covers a wide range of services and can often delay the need for long-term nursing home care.
     
  • Diminished mental capacity, due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, may impair a person’s ability to make appropriate decisions. This is particularly true in the area of finances. If you are a caregiver to someone you think may have dementia, Investor.gov shares of steps you can take to safeguard your loved one's finances.
     
  • Longtermcare.gov provides helpful Information on decision making, planning, costs, Medicare & Medicaid, and where to find services that can help
     
  • MedlinePlus Caregiver Information
     
  • Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients If you're helping your family member or friend through cancer treatment, you are a caregiver. This may mean helping with daily activities such as going to the doctor, making meals, coordinating services and care, or giving emotional and spiritual support.

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult.  It is a term used to describe five subtypes of elder abuse:  physical abuse, financial fraud, scams and exploitation, caregiver neglect and abandonment, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse.

Oklahoma Laws on Elder Abuse

Long Term Care

Long-term care (LTC) is a range of services and supports you may need to meet your personal care needs.

What is Long Term Care, and Who Needs It?

Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home
Suggestions to help you continue to live independently.

Directory of Oklahoma Licensed Long Term Care Facilities

Find & compare nursing homes, hospitals & other providers near you.

How to Choose a Nursing Home
A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, provides a wide range of health and personal care services.

Long Term Care Insurance

Oklahoma Department of Health Long Term Care Service
The Long Term Care Service of Protective Health Services oversees the health and safety of residents living in licensed long-term care facilities.

Paying for Care
Many older adults and caregivers worry about the cost of medical care. These expenses can use up a significant part of monthly income, even for families who thought they had saved enough.

Residential Facilities, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes
At some point, support from family, friends, and local programs may not be enough. People who require help full-time might move to a residential facility that provides many or all of the long-term care services they need.