Oaks at Cedar Shoals

I have been continuously impressed with the Oaks, specifically with the management team in the building. I work in a different sector of the medical industry, and I know the directors are the ones who make an assisted living home either amazing or sub-par. You can sense immediately that they genuinely care about their residents, they want each resident to enjoy an array of joyful activities, and they have sought out caregivers that do their jobs well. It is a smaller community and the building is older than others, but it is so cozy and welcoming. More importantly, they are open to feedback and truly want to be made aware of any issues, and how they can improve. I would feel extremely comfortable having any of my loved ones move into Oaks.

My honest answer is that Mom did not have a great or even decent experience at Oaks. Her clothing and other valuables were often (over and over) stolen from the workers, who had no accountability as to their theft, by management. In addition, the food they served was really horrible! Many days they served potato chips as a 'vegetable'. The bottom line is that after Mom repeatedly said to me: 'I feel so violated.' (From the ongoing thievery), I chose to move her to Legacy Village, where we have had a much better experience. I feel that the problem originates from the top. The Executive Director at Oaks was always behind locked/closed wood door; completely unavailable and not engaged.

My siblings and I chose Oaks at Cedar Shoals when it became clear our centenarian mom needed the structure, care and safety of a senior living facility rather than continuing to stay in her own home. Now, two years later we've found the Oaks staff, other community residents and location the best fit for meeting her and our needs. Caring attitudes and friendly smiles and genuine warmth are hallmarks of our experiences. Mom has always been fiercely independent, but as time has passed she knows she needs people around her who step forward with a helping hand. She participates in a mix of activities which meet her physical and mental and social health needs. The Oaks leadership team as well as staff associates are always available to us. Mom's advancing age brings interesting challenges at times, but we know she is (and we are) in the best place for meeting those needs.

Food is not nourishing and usually almost inedible - the taste and quality is so very bad. Thievery is so common and not even commented upon by management. My Mom has said to me so many times: ‘I feel so violated.’ (From the stealing of even the smallest of her belongings.)

Beautiful facility and very friendly, helpful staff!