Oklahoma is home to approximately 250,000 United States military veterans. According to a 2023 study, about 5% of them require assistance with activities of daily living. That means roughly 12,500 veterans need help with tasks such as getting out of bed, dressing, bathing, using the restroom, walking, or eating each day—a population comparable to the cities of Choctaw or Guymon. When factoring in veterans who need less intensive support, such as grocery shopping, transportation, household chores, or medication management, the number rises to an estimated 35,000. Altogether, around 47,000 veterans in Oklahoma require physical assistance in their daily lives. If this group were a city, it would be the 11th largest in the state.
However, physical needs are just one part of the equation. Loneliness and social isolation are significant challenges for veterans, impacting both mental and physical health. A 2022 study found that 56% of veterans reported feeling lonely at times, while 19% said they often felt lonely. This loneliness is linked to various mental and physical health issues, including suicidal ideation. Research from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs found that half of veterans feel disconnected from society after leaving military service. These challenges are particularly pressing for older veterans and those with disabilities.
Adult day services are an underutilized yet valuable resource for Oklahoma veterans. Operating on weekdays during business hours, adult day centers provide care and supervision for adults who need support, while also offering respite for their primary caregivers. These centers provide meals, structured activities, and a sense of routine and community. They also assist with daily tasks such as eating and using the restroom.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers the cost of adult day services for eligible veterans who require care. Beyond practical assistance, these centers create opportunities for veterans to connect, fostering the camaraderie they often miss after leaving the military. By addressing both physical and social needs, adult day services offer an effective solution for improving veterans' quality of life.
BetterWay is a veteran-owned and operated adult day center, giving us a unique perspective on veteran care.
Veterans understand other veterans, and firsthand military experience helps us build meaningful connections. We are committed to honoring and serving those who have served our country.
One of the greatest privileges of working with veterans is hearing their stories. At BetterWay, we take the time to learn about each veteran’s background—their branch of service, where they were stationed, their job, and much more. We celebrate their experiences by incorporating them into our daily interactions. Whether it’s watching old service footage, looking through photo albums, or reading letters from loved ones, we recognize each veteran as an individual with a valuable story.
Beyond valuing personal stories, we cultivate a culture of appreciation for military service. We integrate military history and recognition into our activities, ensuring that both veterans and civilians understand the cost of freedom. From patriotic music sessions and military-themed crafts to history lessons and recognition events on holidays, we honor veterans in meaningful ways. Every branch’s emblem is displayed on our walls, ensuring every veteran feels seen and valued.
When a veteran enrolls at BetterWay, we ensure they have access to all available resources and benefits. We guide them through VA healthcare enrollment, verifying their eligibility for free or discounted care. We also assist them in navigating the VA system to obtain benefits such as hearing aids or adult day services. For veterans with service-related disabilities, we connect them with Veteran Benefit Officers who can help them apply for VA disability compensation. Our goal is to ensure every veteran gets the support they deserve.
At BetterWay Adult Day Center, we honor veterans daily. Through our leadership, activities, and culture, we recognize their sacrifices and contributions to our nation. Our center provides both essential assistance and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal solution for veterans needing support with daily activities or social engagement.
If you want to learn more about veteran care or adult day services in Oklahoma, give us a call today.
