Shady Oaks Assisted Living stands as a warm and loyal home, distinguished by its commitment to providing strong nursing care within a cozy, familial environment. Founded by a family deeply rooted in senior care since 1964, Shady Oaks was purpose-built in 1975 as one of the earliest assisted living communities in Connecticut. The care home has flourished under the passionate guidance of Tyson Francis Belanger, a dedicated and well-trained caregiver whose values are anchored in service, learning, and exceptional care quality. Tyson is a Red Cross trained CNA and a Marine Iraq veteran, also holding a Harvard PhD, which is a testament to the high standards and dedication present at Shady Oaks.
What sets Shady Oaks apart is its unwavering focus on delivering care that goes beyond the standard assisted living model, positioning itself as an option with higher acuity care that remains more affordable than live-in home care and more intimate than traditional skilled nursing facilities. Residents enjoy the comforts of home, highlighted by features such as a backyard in spring, birdfeeders, and sparrows, all set to the uplifting backdrop of inspiring oldies music. This commitment to fostering a true sense of home extends to the wellbeing and security of all residents.
The care offered at Shady Oaks excels across a range of complex needs, including dementia, heart disease, stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, mobility assistance, and hospice care. The community is known for its high staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring that help is available around the clock with 24/7 certified nursing assistants and staff trained in lift transfers and detailed personal care. These high standards also translate to excellent communication with families, providing peace of mind and a sense of partnership in care.
Financial stability and accessibility are also prioritized at Shady Oaks, with support available from VA and Connecticut aid programs of up to $5,000 per month. The community’s diligent financial stewardship is evident in the fact that over eight years, only a small percentage of residents—just 3%—have ever run out of funding during their stay. Many residents find comfort in knowing they can remain in the community for the entirety of their journey, with 95% of residents staying through to their passing.
Throughout its history, Shady Oaks has welcomed residents from over sixty Connecticut towns and more than ten states, serving families predominantly from the immediate communities of Bristol, Forestville, Farmington, Unionville, Avon, Canton, Plainville, New Britain, Southington, Plantsville, Burlington, Berlin, and Waterbury. Other residents have joined from towns and cities across the state, reflecting the broad reputation that Shady Oaks has earned for quality and compassionate care.
The community is also known for its strong and effective approach to health and safety, exemplified by a record of resilience during challenging times—such as maintaining exceptionally low rates of illnesses. Shady Oaks Assisted Living remains a beacon for families who value enduring service, a homely atmosphere, and steadfast care. It is a living testament to a family’s longstanding tradition of looking after others as if they were their own.