The Oaks, part of the Carmel Oaks Living Center at 5550 Noland Road in Kansas City, MO, is a well-kept senior living facility that offers different levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The Oaks has 62 licensed beds and gives residents many living options, like one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with kitchens or kitchenettes in the rooms for those who want to make simple meals. Residents can keep small pets and sometimes even get visits from other animals, which brings some joy and comfort. The community has dedicated areas for residents-like indoor common spaces and a common fireplace-for socializing, relaxing, or joining in games and activities.
There's a focus on compassionate care, serving seniors who might need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or moving about, and insurance of staff being there all the time. Staff can help with medication, diabetes care (including insulin checks), and transferring from bed to wheelchair, though there have been some problems with missed medication and staff being rude or acting unhelpful at times, which has left some residents feeling disrespected and concerned about reliability. Still, many staff members have made extra efforts to brighten residents' days, making people feel welcome and cared for, and bringing a sense of community where neighbors are encouraged to look out for one another.
There are amenities like a fitness center, swimming pool, gym, on-site café and restaurant, high-speed internet, and plenty of spaces for arts, crafts, and group activities. The Oaks offers nutritious meals three times a day made from good quality ingredients, and there's support with laundry, housekeeping, and room maintenance, making it easier for residents to keep up with chores. Residents also have access to community-organized events, off-site activities, and programs that help them stay mentally and physically engaged, with devotional services available off-site for spiritual support.
The Oaks is close to cafes, parks, pharmacies, grocery stores, doctors, restaurants, theaters, and hospitals, so it's convenient for outings or medical visits. The facility has special care for those with Alzheimer's or diabetes and includes long-term care for those who need it. Emergency and non-emergency safety services are available, with some programs giving advice on crime prevention and fostering a secure environment. The Oaks doesn't take Medicare unless the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have certified it. The facility is well-maintained for comfort, and while some things could be improved-like handling medication and treating all residents respectfully-it plays an important role in caring for older adults and giving their families some peace of mind.
