81 Oaks

Pros

• They describe 81 Oaks as beautiful, with an open lobby and dining spaces that invite socializing.
• They note the community is dog-friendly and features regular pet therapy sessions in memory care.
• They were impressed by the new executive director and the professional, enthusiastic leadership team.
• They praise the open-all-day dining room and chef-driven meals that are delicious.
• Executive Chef Anthony is well-liked and brings delicious meals and desserts.
• They appreciate that families can eat with their loved ones during visits and residents can dine with friends throughout the day.
• They highlight extensive amenities, including a theatre, game room, library, gym, spa, and private dining rooms.
• They describe the staff as friendly, caring, and dedicated to residents' happiness.
• They would highly recommend 81 Oaks to others.

Cons

• The memory care unit doesn't have enough staff.
• Residents live in unsanitary conditions.
• They refer loved ones to Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital and don't provide other options.
• The building is new and already has rodents.
• Administration is terrible and doesn't communicate effectively with staff.
• Not greeted at the reception desk; no one greeted visitors.
• Food was bad and served slowly, with dirty dishes not cleared.

Review

81 Oaks Senior Living presents itself as a welcoming, open, and thoughtfully designed place where residents can socialize, dine, and enjoy a sense of community. The lobby and dining spaces are described as large and inviting, creating a natural hub for people to gather, chat, and share meals. One reviewer specifically noted how the environment encourages everyday interactions with both residents and staff, and even mentioned the presence of friendly dogs that wander through the lobby, highlighting the dog-friendly atmosphere as a perk for both dog owners and animal-loving visitors. The memory care wing also features regular pet therapy sessions, adding another comforting dimension to the resident experience.

For families, the experience can feel particularly rewarding. When their mom moved into the assisted living side, the family observed warmth and friendliness from both residents and staff, along with meaningful daily interactions. The dining room's open-all-day access was a standout feature, enabling the uncle to eat whenever he preferred while staying connected with peers and the attentive servers. This flexibility and emphasis on social dining helped create a sense of normalcy and routine that many families value in senior living communities.

A notable turning point for many who spoke about 81 Oaks is the management shift that occurred over the summer. The owner's decision to bring in new leadership, including an executive director and her assistant, brought a sense of renewed professionalism and enthusiasm. Descriptions such as "a very professional, enthusiastic group of Directors who are happy and interested in the residents every day" convey a belief that the staff now engages with residents more actively and consistently. One resident even highlighted the presence of Executive Chef Anthony, noting that his smiling face and delicious meals were a meaningful part of daily life in the community.

Beyond the general atmosphere, the dining experience stands out as a consistent high point. Several reviewers praised the food as delicious, with the kitchen described as a full-service, chef-inspired operation. The culinary leadership is linked to experiences like lunchtime visits with family and the opportunity to enjoy meals in a spacious, well-appointed dining room. There is also appreciation for the overall operations - three living-quarter layouts to choose from, a theater, game room, exercise facilities, and a full-service salon - creating a sense of a modern, comprehensive senior living campus rather than a traditional, institutional setting.

However, the reviews are not uniformly glowing. One strongly worded caution warns readers about the memory care unit, alleging serious concerns: not enough staff, residents living in unsanitary conditions, and a suggestion that referrals to Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital may be used to steer families toward 81 Oaks rather than presenting other options. This note reflects a significant frustration and a call for prospective families to be cautious when considering memory care services at the community. It's a reminder that no setting is perfect for every individual, and that concerns about staffing and quality can color perceptions of a place.

There are also more pointed personal critiques from other visitors. A reviewer described a negative reception experience at the front desk, mentioning that no one greeted them, the dining experience was slow with food of questionable quality, and staff attire appeared unprofessional. Statements about staff appearing distracted or disengaged and about dirty clothing or hats emphasized a contrast between moments of warmth and moments of disconnect. Such voices illustrate the importance of consistency in hospitality and the impact of first impressions on overall impressions of the community.

Yet even within mixed feedback, there are vivid stories of positive moments. A family who conducted a respite stay in the memory care unit praised the warmth and attentiveness of the staff, noting that the people went out of their way to help the resident feel comfortable. Lunch during a Halloween event helped the resident acclimate, and the family left reassured about the potential for future respite stays. Another reviewer described the atmosphere as spa-like rather than purely clinical, emphasizing a sense of calm, beauty, and a high level of service.

Across multiple perspectives, 81 Oaks is portrayed as a beautiful, well-appointed community with a strong emphasis on dining, social engagement, and staff dedication. The campus features spacious, well-decorated interiors and a calendar packed with events, from social gatherings to technology workshops and exercise classes. The on-site team includes a licensed stylist delivering personal grooming in a dedicated salon, and even a local nonprofit connection through a founder who runs a private salon operation as part of the wellness ecosystem. One visitor even proclaimed, "Not my Grandmother's retirement home!! So much more than I imagined!!" illustrating the sense that 81 Oaks can feel both contemporary and comforting at the same time.

In sum, the story of 81 Oaks Senior Living is one of notable strengths built on a bright, communal atmosphere, strong dining services, and active leadership - especially since the management upgrade. Families consistently praise the openness of the living spaces, the accessibility of dining, and the rapport with staff. There are, however, legitimate concerns raised by some reviewers about memory care staffing and cleanliness, and about the initial reception experiences that can shape first impressions. Taken together, the reviews paint a picture of a community that many find exceptionally appealing and uplifting, while also reminding prospective residents and their families to explore all facets - especially memory care - through their own visits and conversations with staff. Overall, 81 Oaks emerges as a place that combines beauty, hospitality, and a diligent effort to nurture connections among residents, families, and caregivers.

This area of Sarasota, Florida offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a vibrant and convenient lifestyle. With several places of worship nearby, residents have easy access to spiritual support and community engagement. There are numerous restaurants and cafes within a short distance, providing plenty of options for dining out or enjoying a cup of coffee with friends. The proximity of various physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals ensures that healthcare needs can be easily met. Additionally, the presence of parks allows for outdoor recreation and relaxation. And for those who enjoy entertainment, there is a theater close by for movies and cultural events. Overall, this area provides seniors with a range of resources to support their well-being and enjoyment of life in Sarasota.

Places of Worship

• Sarasota Baptist Church (1.3 miles)
• Church Of Hope (5.1 miles)
• Church of the Palms (5.9 miles)
• St Thomas More Catholic Church (6.5 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• Miller's Ale House - Sarasota (2.8 miles)
• Arby's (2.8 miles)
• Gecko's (3.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.5 miles)
• Evie's Tavern on the Range (4.1 miles)
• Nick's Bar (4.4 miles)

Cafes

• First Watch #112 (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.5 miles)
• Munchies Cafe (6.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (7 miles)

Physicians

• Sarasota Neurology (2.8 miles)
• Intercoastal Medical Group, General and Vascular Surgery Colon & Rectal Surger (2.9 miles)
• Kennedy White Orthopaedic Center (2.9 miles)
• Gulf Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology (2.9 miles)
• Doctors Hospital of Sarasota Orthopedic Center (2.9 miles)
• Sarasota's Clinic for Ears, Nose and Throat (3.3 miles)
• Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota (3.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Cooper Drug (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Prime Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.5 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (4.7 miles)

Hospitals

• All Children's Specialty Care of Sarasota (3.1 miles)
• Homesights Consulting (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Urfer Family Park (3.7 miles)
• Nathan Benderson Park (6.9 miles)
• Osprey Junction Trailhead (6.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Sarasota 12 (6.2 miles)