Dominican Oaks sits behind Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital in a quiet, wooded spot at 3400 Paul Sweet Road in Santa Cruz, and you'll notice tall redwoods all around, plus public transportation is just four blocks out if you want to get around town. The community offers private one- and two-bedroom apartments that have full kitchens, bright living spaces, and private patios, and they keep apartments and grounds well-maintained all year. For those needing extra help, they offer assisted living and memory care services, like supervision, help with bathing, dressing, and medication management, and a 24-hour call system if you need it, while wheelchair access and designated parking make it easier for disabled residents to get around. Dominican Oaks provides Alzheimer's care in a safe environment with therapies meant to help folks with confusion and prevent wandering, and they even have home care from trained aides for those who wish to remain in their homes.
You'll find a real mix of people who like to stay active, because Dominican Oaks is known for its programs and activities planned by both residents and staff, so there's always something to do, whether that's exercise classes, social events, cultural outings, or just playing billiards or relaxing in the garden. Folks can choose from several floor plans, and the apartments are spacious, comfortable, and designed for privacy, but the amenities are all nearby, like a beauty salon, technology center, fitness rooms, walking paths, sports courts, a putting green, and a library, and folks often gather for meals prepared by the chef in the full-service restaurant, where you'll get three homemade meals each day. Utilities are included, and weekly housekeeping with some laundry service keeps chores simple, while optional covered parking, a laundromat, and on-site banking are handy for daily needs, and there's even a newsletter to keep everyone informed.
Dominican Oaks has 206 retirement apartments but is licensed for up to 142 residents, so there's a good balance of space and community, and people say staff here are friendly, kind, and helpful to both residents and visitors. There's a focus on security, wellness programs, and support for daily activities, and the community hosts social, physical, and mental engagement opportunities, plus local transportation helps residents get to nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, financial services, or visit the beach and boardwalk, which are just a few miles away. The grounds are kept peaceful, the setting feels safe and pleasant, there's a lot of companionship, and the care team tries to help each person live as independently as possible, while still offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care all in one place.
