North Oaks has been part of the Pikesville community for over 30 years, sitting on a scenic hilltop with 8.5 acres in Northwest Baltimore County, and you can tell from the turret, the shingle siding, and those stone accents on the building that they've got their own look, so you don't mix it up with any other place, and when you step inside, you find an inviting reception area, comfortable seating, and nature-themed artwork that makes it feel a bit more like home rather than an institution. Residents have several choices when it comes to living here, like independent living for older adults who want to downsize but keep active, assisted living for those needing help with daily activities, memory care services designed for people with dementia, and a skilled nursing facility for those who need serious medical care after being in the hospital or experiencing illness or surgery, so folks don't have to move if their needs change - that's the benefit of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, because it helps people age in place.
The facility has both private and furnished rooms, with options for walk-in closets, private bathrooms, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and all utilities are included, and there are unfurnished apartments if someone wants to bring their own things. There are housekeeping and laundry services, dry cleaning, and even move-in coordination to make things easier. Pets are allowed, so folks don't have to leave their companions behind. To stay active, people can use the fitness center, pool, tennis court, and plenty of scheduled social and recreational activities - movie nights, game room, planned outings, meditation, and worship groups - and an activities director keeps things moving with ideas for new events, and they've even got awards for their activity programs.
There are dining rooms where meals, planned by chefs and meal planners, are served restaurant-style, with scheduled mealtimes, and special dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions are all accounted for, which takes a lot of worry off folks who have to watch what they eat, and the kitchen is well-equipped, with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, for those who like a look at where food gets made. North Oaks provides 24-hour supervision and care, with nurses always on hand, so assistance with activities of daily living - bathing, dressing, transfers - comes when someone needs it, but residents can refuse help if they want to try things on their own, and that goes for help with medication too, since medication management services are available.
The community offers several types of therapy, like speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and there's rehabilitative care for folks who need to recover from illness or injury; the skilled nursing and rehab center provides higher levels of care, even right after a hospital stay. Safety and respect are taken seriously, including for residents' personal belongings, jewelry, and collectibles, and it's a place where wheelchair access, elevators, safe parking, air conditioning, and private restrooms are standard. North Oaks has a beauty and barber salon, a residents' lounge, a library, and even high-speed internet, so people can stay connected with family or just keep up with news. There are services like transportation, move-in help, a concierge for scheduling rides, and health services focused on wellness, nutrition, and keeping people fit, and folks can find support for spiritual needs or quiet time, since there's space for meditation and fellowship.
Amenities are designed to let seniors live as maintenance-free as they want, with regular cleaning, prepared meals, and a wide range of activities, plus community-sponsored groups and access to cultural, social, and educational events. North Oaks connects with Meta platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, and has a Facebook login feature, which gives families a window into community life and a way to stay in touch. All care plans are individualized, aiming to give residents just the services they need, whether it's medication help, daily care, therapy, or support with health and well-being, and residents can enjoy their privacy or join in community life as much as they like, making it possible to find the right balance, whatever stage of later life they're in.