Oak Trace Assisted Living

Pros

• The visit was awesome.
• The staff was a big help in bringing in Christmas items for the residents.
• The staff was friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and courteous.
• Willie Newberry looked a little better after they cleaned him up.
• His hair was combed, his shave was on point, and he was awake.
• The sister expressed appreciation for the care and asked staff to keep doing their best.

Cons

• No public transport was available.
• The nurse was very rude and refused to provide any information about the cousin's health.
• The nurse spoke to the visitor in a hateful manner.
• The nurse refused to confirm whether the patient was there or not.

Review

The day unfolded with a mix of obstacles and warmth, painting a picture of the place through the eyes of a visiting family member. One prominent challenge noted was the lack of public transport, which can make hospital or facility visits more difficult for loved ones trying to reach their relatives. Even with that hurdle, the overall tone carried by the visit was one of resilience and appreciation for the people who were there to help.

A strong, uplifting thread in the account centers on a visit that turned into a meaningful moment of care for the residents. The writer described bringing items from Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Main Street in Brighton, AL, intended for Christmas gifts and touches for the residents. The staff were described as a big help in navigating this contribution, assisting with the process and making the drop-off and delivery of items smoother. The sentiment conveyed is one of gratitude for the support received during this charitable effort, and it highlights a collaborative, community-minded atmosphere around the facility.

Beyond logistical help, the staff's demeanor stood out in a very positive way. The reviewer praised the staff as friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and courteous, painting a picture of a team that was not only competent but genuinely considerate. The emphasis on these qualities - friendliness, attentiveness, knowledge, and courtesy - suggests an environment where visitors and families can feel respected and well cared for as they interact with the people who are there to help residents and their guests.

The narrative then shifts to a deeply personal moment involving a family member named Willie Newberry. The writer noted that Willie looked a little better after receiving care and cleaning up - hair combed, a skilled shave, and he was awake. This small but meaningful vignette conveys relief and gratitude: the sense that he was more comfortable and that the staff had done thoughtful, attentive work to help him look and feel better. The writer explicitly expresses gratitude and a request for continued conscientious care, acknowledging the responsibility they place on the staff since they are not able to care for him themselves. The message includes a direct thank you to Mrs. Glenda Liggon, identified as his sister, underscoring the personal connection and the hope that the staff will keep up their diligent efforts.

In the same thread of care and attention, the reviewer reveals a contrasting moment that touches on the broader challenge of family communication in health care. The account describes being told that a cousin was there as a patient, with information down to the room number, but when the family member called for updates, the nurse on duty responded with rudeness and refused to share information about health status or even whether the patient was present. The nurse allegedly insisted that a "code" was required before information could be shared, and the caller expressed significant worry and distress at the perceived hostility. This portion of the narrative highlights how crucial respectful, transparent communication is for families during stressful times, and it stands in stark contrast to the earlier praise for the staff's warmth and professionalism.

Taken together, the remarks present a nuanced portrait of the facility. On one hand, there is clear appreciation for a compassionate, capable staff that goes out of its way to assist with tasks, facilitate charitable efforts, and provide bedside care that helps a loved one feel more comfortable. On the other hand, there is a legitimate call for improved communication practices - ensuring that family members can obtain timely, courteous information about loved ones without fear of harsh tones or unnecessary barriers. The writer's experience underscores a simple truth: when care teams blend genuine kindness and thorough information-sharing, they can leave families feeling supported and confident; when communication falters, even excellent care can be overshadowed by frustration and worry.

Overall, the account reflects a strong sense of community involvement and personal gratitude amid the everyday challenges of hospital or care-facility life. The kindness and competence of staff in one part of the day stood out, while the later interaction with the nurse exposed an area where empathy and clear communication could be improved. With continued focus on both compassionate bedside care and open, respectful family engagement, the experience at this facility can become even more consistently reassuring for patients and their loved ones alike.

Holly Pond, Alabama, offers a peaceful and convenient location for senior living. With a variety of places of worship nearby, residents can easily practice their faith within the community. The town also provides access to essential services such as transportation options like U-Haul and taxi services, as well as healthcare facilities including physicians' offices and hospitals. Additionally, there are several dining options available ranging from local favorites like Parkside Catfish Restaurant to well-known chains like McDonald's and Golden Corral. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy parks like East Side Park and Miracle Field or relax at cafes such as Berkeley Bob S Coffee and Starbucks. Overall, Holly Pond provides a welcoming environment with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and supportive community to call home.

Places of Worship

• Eidson Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church (4.9 miles)
• Hanceville Assembly Of God Church (5.4 miles)
• Mathilda Acosta Church (6.1 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (8.1 miles)
• Corinth Baptist Church (8.8 miles)
• Hebron Church of Christ (9.7 miles)
• Midway Baptist Church (9.8 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (6.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (10.9 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (12.4 miles)
• U-Haul (12.5 miles)
• Perfect Choice Taxi Service (13.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Parkside Catfish Restaurant (7.4 miles)
• Carina's Pizza & Grill (11.8 miles)
• McDonald's (12.4 miles)
• Papa John's Pizza (12.5 miles)
• McDonald's (12.6 miles)
• Burger King (12.6 miles)
• Golden Corral (12.7 miles)

Physicians

• Horizon Surgical PC (10.8 miles)
• Cullman Spine Institute (10.8 miles)
• William E Holcomb (10.8 miles)
• North Central Neurology Associates (10.8 miles)
• Mark Tafazoli MD (11 miles)
• ENT Associates Of Alabama PC (11 miles)
• Steven P Seidel (11.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Muscle & Joint Medicine (10.9 miles)
• Emergency Department, Cullman Regional Medical Center (11 miles)
• Woodland Medical Center (13.2 miles)
• The Sanctuary at the Woodlands (13.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Express Meds (11 miles)
• Blue & Gray Drugs (11.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (11.8 miles)
• Latham's Pharmacy (11.8 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (12.2 miles)
• Borden Family Pharmacy (12.2 miles)
• Parkway Pharmacy (12.3 miles)

Parks

• East Side Park (12.2 miles)
• Miracle Field (13 miles)
• Cullman Park & Recreation Department (13.2 miles)
• Heritage Park (13.2 miles)

Cafes

• Berkeley Bob S Coffee (12.9 miles)
• Starbucks (13.1 miles)