Page Reviewed / Updated – April 21, 2023

Program Description

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) offers the Adult Day (Care) Services Program, sometimes referred to as Adult Day Health Services, to help elderly state residents who might otherwise require nursing home or assisted living care. This program helps eligible applicants remain living in the community by covering some, or all of the cost, of adult day care.

The health, personal care, and recreational services provided in adult day care allow an individual to remain living at home or with family members and still receive the level of care they require without being placed in 24/7 residential care. This program also serves to provide respite for primary caregivers. All program participants are assessed during the application process, and if approved, a Care Delivery Plan is created.

Eligibility Guidelines

General Requirements

For acceptance into the Adult Day Services program, candidates must be at least 60 years of age and legal Oklahoma residents. They must require care or supervision or be unable to function 100% independently. However, their condition must not necessitate around the clock care. An exception to the age limit is granted in cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s, other related dementias, and for individuals requiring care to recover from stroke.

Financial Requirements

Income Limits
The applicant’s monthly income is a factor in determining their eligibility and also if a co-payment will be required to receive services. As of 2023, the income and co-payment amounts remain the same as the last couple of years. Those whose monthly income is less than $868 are automatically eligible financially and will receive adult day services free of charge. A married couple is permitted the same amount of monthly income as a single individual (no greater than $868).

Applicants whose incomes exceed these limits but do not exceed $2,083 (as of 2023) are eligible to receive adult day services with fees based on a sliding scale. (Co-payments are paid directly to the adult day care facility). While there are out-of-pocket costs, these are very affordable relative to paying the full market rate for adult day care. Those who have incomes over $2,083 may still receive services but will pay the total cost of services.

Asset Limits
Information regarding the applicant’s financial assets (as opposed to their income) is not collected during the application process and therefore not considered to be an eligibility factor.

Benefits and Services

In Adult Day Care (Centers), the following types of services are typically provided:

  • Assistance with the activities of daily living / personal care – mobility, hygiene, eating, dressing, etc. 
  • Basic nursing services
  • Bathing (although there may be an additional charge)
  • Congregate meals / snacks
  • Medication oversight
  • Health monitoring / medication administration & oversight
  • Recreational activities / socialization
  • Supervision
  • Transportation assistance to / from adult day care center

Each individual program participant will receive a Care Delivery Plan, which outlines the specific services that will be available to them.

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How to Apply / Learn More

To apply for the Adult Day Services program, one should identify the Adult Day Care Center within Oklahoma that they wish to attend and request assistance from them with the application. 

For more information about this program, click here, or call the Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ Aging Services Division at 405-521-4229. Assistance is available to find local adult day care centers here.