Challenges in Securing Long-Term Care in Oklahoma

Rumor had it that a long term care facility an hour from the metroplex was already to accept me with open arms. That was over a week ago. Haven’t heard anything since. Getting into a care facility is proving to be impossible here in Oklahoma.

A few weeks ago Adult Protective Services were called on my behalf. My house isn’t handicap accessible and I need wheelchair accessible housing. I can transfer from a recliner or wheelchair to a hospital bed, but I still have pain in my ankles every time I walk. I can transfer but it is painful.

After APS was called on my behalf, I was sure I would get a placement within a couple of weeks. Normally they don’t get involved unless a situation is dire and beyond redemption. Well, both are the case in my situation.

I doubt my house can be made wheelchair accessible. Even if it could, I couldn’t afford even property taxes on this place after my parents are gone.

I’m just tired of the run around. I’ve had more problems with social security, Medicaid, healthcare, social services, hospitals, case workers, etc. in the two years I’ve lived in Oklahoma than my last seventeen years in Nebraska. Apparently, service quality varies greatly from state to state.

I’m to where I’m at my wit’s end. I’m tired of fighting and getting zero for results. I’ve grown hopeless and despondent. I sleep twelve hours a day to numb the pain. I’ve told off my parents a few times in the last several weeks because of frustration. I’m becoming something I don’t like. In short, I’m becoming the whining and bitter old man I promised myself I would never become.

I just want a permanent placing in a nursing home to where I can have wheelchair access and my day-to-day medical care provided. Apparently in the richest country in the history of the world that isn’t an option.

4 thoughts on “Challenges in Securing Long-Term Care in Oklahoma

  1. Dear Zach,

    Sadly this is a too common problem in most states – at least the ones I am familiar with. So so sorry for your pain. Hope you can find your moments of joy! Truly, with all the upheavals slapping us in the face everyday, it is hard to find – even if one isn’t having difficulties in their own life.

    Please do keep us posted. I must say I admire your commitment to writing. And love hearing from you – even if the news is sometime a real bummer.

    Hang in there!! Hi to your folks for me.

    Patsy

    • Hi Patsy

      I was talking to my mom about this the other day and wouldn’t it be ironic if, after months of dinking around, I could eventually walk well enough I wouldn’t even need a long term care facility. I’ve lost a bunch of weight over the last several months. I can transfer from recliner to bed to wheelchair a few times a day already. Sure I want to lose more weight to lighten the load on my heart and joints. My goal is to eventually be at the weight I was when I started college. I’m sure I have another 100 pounds to go. But I have lost close to 200 pounds in the last five years.

      • Your progress is reason enough to give you hope. I admire so much how far you have come through your trials and tribulations. And I happen to know your mom knows a thing or two. 🙂 Have a great day.

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