Assisted Living/Nursing Home Facilities

[ctchandler]

Since this thread is for anything “OKC”, I thought I would ask all you good folks about your experiences. I am looking for advice for a friend (Ok, the friend is “Me”, or maybe my "Evil Twin"). I am looking for an assisted living facility that also has a has a nursing home facility in their complex. I am interested in the North/Northeast area of Okc or South/Southeast area of Edmond but not excluding others. However, I would like to stay as close to my sons as possible and Norman, Moore, or South OKC (my origin) is really not practical even though their prices seem to be a good bit lower. I am not ruling out South OKC or the Mid/Del area. I have visited Copper Lake, Edmond Mansions, and Bradford Village in Edmond. A couple of places near Hefner and Pennsylvania. I'm mainly interested in any real experience you have had if you or anyone in your family have been in one of these facilities.
Thanks,
C. T.

[old okie]

Our recommendation is Sommerset Assisted Living Center, located near SW 119th & S Penn. My mother has been a resident there for a number of years. She has been extremely pleased with the staff, facilities, and amenities...and we have been happy because they have safe rooms of sufficient size for all residents and staff. The apartments come in more than one size; there are many activities for residents. However, they are not a full-scale nursing home. While they have levels of care--quite extensive, actually, they are not a full-service nursing home.

Since you mentioned that your family members live in Moore-Norman-S OKC area, this might be a good option. Also, it is a one-story facility--no dangerous stairs or elevators to be 'stuck'!

When we were evaluating places for Mom, we looked at several in the far SW part of OKC, and Sommerset just "felt" right. Price-wise, it was very competitive.

You might want to check it out.

[ctchandler]

Old Okie,
I guess my comment about my sons wasn't clear, one is in far North East OKC and the other is in North West Edmond, that's the reason for my comment about "Norman, Moore, or South OKC (my origin) is really not practical". I will check them out though because as I said, I wasn't excluding South OKC.
Thanks for the information,
C. T.

[pedmond]

CT..
My mother was in the assisted living and then the nursing home part of Epworth Village. It was more expensive than some of the others, but in her case it was the best fit. I've known a number of people who have lived in some of the cottages/duplexes and the assisted living apartments at Bradford and they liked them quite a lot. And, I've also known people who lived at Copper Lake and they too seemed to have liked them. Best of luck.

[mugofbeer]

Any possibility you could elaborate on what "more expensive" means for Epworth? I have elderly parents who are considering assisted living.

[zookeeper]

You know, this whole Assisted Living concept is getting ready to explode with my generation (the Baby Boomers) getting older and wanting interaction (especially after spouses pass), companionship, friendship, good meals, recreation, safe environment, etc. For a huge number of people now and right around the corner, this is the perfect way to spend the autumn and winter of our lives. I have read that they are trying to appeal to people even younger than they have before as the age mix brings a good variety to the relationships people develop. I'm amazed at some of these facilities. I'm still in my 50's and thinking, "Wow, this is realllly nice. I could do this!"

C.T., I know of a place that's really nice in the general area you're looking, but I have to call a relative this weekend and find out the name. I'll get back with a PM as soon as I get the info.

[old okie]

Old Okie,
I guess my comment about my sons wasn't clear, one is in far North East OKC and the other is in North West Edmond, that's the reason for my comment about "Norman, Moore, or South OKC (my origin) is really not practical". I will check them out though because as I said, I wasn't excluding South OKC.
Thanks for the information,
C. T.

My apologies, C.T., I misunderstood. However, it does sound like there are some lovely facilities in the area you need and that others here are reporting. I just have no personal knowledge of those in the NW part of town or in Edmond...but someone else reading this thread might be looking for something SW and will find that information of use.

I do know from Mom's experience that it is really important for you to walk in and "feel at home"--and I think that is something you can sense when you go visit the various facilities. And it is critically important to visit each facility, have them show you around the complete facility...not just the "public" spaces and the "model" apt., but walk the halls and if possible visit with some of the residents. If you can, take one of your sons with you; extra sets of eyes help you see things you might have missed otherwise.

In today's competitive assisted care market, it is no longer necessary to "sign over all your assets," to the facility, as was the case in some places in the past. Contracts should be 'month-to-month' only, full services such as laundry, housekeeping, medicine distribution, and three meals per day should be standard in the cost--not as add-ons, unless that's what you prefer. Also, is there an option for specialized meals, if medically necessary?

I can give you all sorts of tips and hints that we have learned over our years of experience with Mom's situation. Feel free to PM me, if you wish...although, I think a discussion such as this is relevant for many others too, as people look to help older relatives or friends adjust their living situations.

Best of luck in finding the right place for you!

[ctchandler]

Zookeeper,
Thanks, looking forward to your recommendation.
C. T.

C.T., I know of a place that's really nice in the general area you're looking, but I have to call a relative this weekend and find out the name. I'll get back with a PM as soon as I get the info.

[ctchandler]

Old Okie,
Thanks, I appreciate any/all ideas. As for PM, I agree with you, what you find might be interesting/helpful to others on this board, so PM is not necessary.
C. T.

I can give you all sorts of tips and hints that we have learned over our years of experience with Mom's situation. Feel free to PM me, if you wish...although, I think a discussion such as this is relevant for many others too, as people look to help older relatives or friends adjust their living situations.

Best of luck in finding the right place for you!

[pedmond]

Any possibility you could elaborate on what "more expensive" means for Epworth? I have elderly parents who are considering assisted living.

More expensive in terms of overall cost/month at Epworth compared to other assisted living facilities. It's been a number of years since my mother was there so I don't recall the exact makeup of the overall costs. One thing you will find, is that none of them are inexpensive.

CT, another assisted living facility you could look into is the one at Coffee Creek(Covell & Kelly). I also knew some people who lived there and they too seemed to like it. It's close to Uptown Market and the Edmond Senior Center at Mitch Park.

[ctchandler]

Pedmond,
I believe that Touchmark at Coffee Creek is the one you are referring to.
C. T.