AARP Oklahoma

Our state is experiencing a health care crisis and there is no sign of that letting up. While physicians play an important role, it is a variety of professional nurses who provide care for us at all levels. SB 839 would allow our Nurse Practitioners to practice to their full education and training while SB 801 would remove an antiquated requirement for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists that is threatening rural hospitals from being able to provide surgeries.

Oklahoma ranks first in the nation in the use of antipsychotic drugs without a psychiatric diagnosis in nursing home residents. Oklahoma nursing home records show one in five residents are inappropriately prescribed antipsychotics despite the medications' serious side effects. Instead of treating our nursing home residents with respect and dignity, and providing proper care, our nursing home owners simply sedate them with drugs that carry dangerous and deadly side effects. Chemical restraint of our seniors must be stopped.

In recent years, gift cards have taken off in popularity. Unfortunately, scammers have a keen interest in gift cards, too – only for them, they are being used to pry money from you as a form of payment in their latest con.

AARP Oklahoma livability surveys for the communities of Tulsa, Norman, Shawnee and Vinita have been extended to be open until February 28. The surveys will gather community feedback to determine attitudes and opinions on a variety of topics, such as housing, outdoor spaces, transportation and streets, health and wellness, social participation, educational opportunities, volunteering and civic engagement and job opportunities.

Beginning February 1 and continuing through April 15, 2019, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. Since its inception more than 50 years ago, Tax-Aide has served more than 50 million taxpayers and is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service.

Learn How to Avoid Their Scams at AARP’s Free, Two-Part Webinar

Year after year, Oklahoma nursing home care ranks among the worst in the nation. Now, a News on 6 investigation, Oklahoma Nursing Homes Rank Among Worst in Nation, underscores the severity of the problem. Watch the special report HERE.

AARP Oklahoma and The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter today announced support for Senate Bill 142. SB 142, introduced by Senator Stephanie Bice (R-Oklahoma City) and Representative Tammy West (R-Bethany), will require a nursing home resident to have a psychiatric diagnosis prior to the prescription of antipsychotic medications.

AARP Oklahoma wants to ensure that residents in the state’s nursing facilities receive proper care and attention.

An online survey designed to provide information to improve the quality of life for older citizens kicks off in four Oklahoma communities this week. AARP will gather opinions from residents in Tulsa, Norman, Shawnee and Vinita to determine attitudes and opinions on a variety of topics, such as housing, outdoor spaces, transportation and streets, health and wellness, social participation, educational opportunities, volunteering and civic engagement, and job opportunities.