AARP Eye Center
En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.
AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.
Caregiver Support
Oklahoma Caregiver Coalition (405-271-2710)
Supports caregivers through education, advocacy and access to resources. Includes an online Resource Directory search tool.
Oklahoma State University Extension Caregiving Education (405-744-5398)
Information, caregiving classes and resources for family caregivers.
Sooner Success Respite Program (405-271-2710; 877-441-0434)
Assists with finding resources and information about respite care, including the Lifespan Respite Grant Voucher program, which offers vouchers to caregivers who do not qualify for other respite programs.
Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support (855-260-3274)
Provides information about services and benefits available to caregivers of veterans, including a stipend to help with expenses, training, in-home assistance and medical coverage.
Finances
Caring For Caregivers Tax Credit
Eligible family caregivers can receive up to $2,000 in tax credit for out-of- pocket costs incurred by the unpaid family caregiver for a limited set of services such as transportation and durable medical equipment. The credit increases to $3,000 a year if they’re caring for a veteran or someone with dementia.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (405-522-5050; 866-411-1877)
Helps eligible households with home energy expenses, which may include heating/cooling bill payment, crisis bill payment and/or heating/cooling equipment repair/replacement.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (405-522-5050)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.
Legal
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Inc. — OK-SPLASH Program (918-308-5295; 855-488-6814)
Provides free legal advice, counseling and community education to Oklahomans 60 or older.
Senior Medicare Patrol (800-522-0071)
Helps caregivers learn how to protect themselves from Medicare/ Medicaid fraud, abuse and waste.
Health
ADvantage Waiver Programs (405-522-7300)
Provides programs for adult day health, home-delivered meals, skilled nursing, case management, therapy and specialized medical equipment and supplies.
NeedyMeds (800-503-6897)
Provides information on health care plans and connects people to programs that can help them afford medications and other health costs.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority — SoonerCare (800-987-7767)
Health coverage program helps pay some or all medical bills for eligible Oklahomans unable to afford them.
Rx for Oklahoma Prescription Assistance (877-794-6552)
Helps low-income older residents and people with disabilities pay for their prescription medications; may include financial assistance for drug plan premiums and other drug costs.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (800-763-2828)
Provides counseling, assistance and advocacy relating to Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, long-term care and other related health coverage plans for Medicare beneficiaries, their representatives or people soon to be eligible for Medicare.
Housing and Facilities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman (405 521-2281 | )
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.
Information and Services
Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (405-521-2281; 800-211-2116 Senior Info Line)
Provides free services to residents 60-plus including home-delivered meals, health promotion, nutrition education, in-home assistance, outreach, legal services, transportation and more. Aging Services Division
Community Action Partnership Senior Transportation Services (405-297-2583)
Provides transportation for Oklahomans 60 and older to congregate meals, medical appointments and designated grocery stores.
Department of Transportation (405-522-8000)
Provides an interactive map of statewide transit services.
End of Life
Oklahoma Hospice & Palliative Care Association (405-985-9197)
Provides hospice patients and their families resources to help make choices regarding serious illness and end-of-life care.