Oakwood East Retirement Center

Pros

• The visitor found Oakwood East to be very nice and welcoming.
• The staff member who conducted the tour was friendly and helpful.
• The communal living room provided a comfortable space for everyone to gather and watch TV, fostering a sense of community.
• The layout of the residence, with separate bedrooms, offered privacy while still promoting togetherness.

Cons

• The facility is not wheelchair accessible due to the presence of stairs.
• The bedroom doors are too small for wheelchair users, limiting accessibility.
• Residents would have to rely on a walker to access the bedrooms, which may be inconvenient.
• While one staff member was friendly, the overall experience may not meet the needs of those with mobility challenges.
• The layout resembles a house with separate bedrooms, which may not provide adequate communal spaces for socialization.

Review

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Oakwood East, a community that presents itself as a warm and welcoming environment for its residents. Upon entering, it was evident that the charm of this establishment lies in its homelike atmosphere. The layout is reminiscent of a traditional house, featuring separate bedrooms scattered around a central living area. This design fosters an intimate setting where residents can enjoy both personal space and communal interactions.

One notable aspect of Oakwood East is its living room, which serves as a gathering point for all residents. This main area becomes a hub of activity where individuals come together to socialize and participate in group activities, such as watching television. It's easy to see that this space is designed with community in mind—encouraging connections among residents while providing a comfortable environment for relaxation and entertainment.

However, my experience at Oakwood East quickly highlighted some accessibility concerns worth mentioning. One significant drawback was the presence of stairs within the facility. For individuals who rely on wheelchairs or have mobility challenges, these stairs pose considerable barriers that could hinder full participation in the community life offered here. It became clear to me that potential residents who require wheelchair access might find themselves limited by this architectural feature.

Additionally, I discovered that the doors leading into the bedrooms were not designed with accessibility in mind either. They appeared too narrow for someone using a wheelchair effectively to navigate their way into these private spaces without difficulty. Instead, it seemed individuals would have no choice but to transition from using their wheelchair to employing a walker just to reach their bedrooms. This lack of accommodation could significantly impact the comfort level and independence of future residents with similar needs.

During my visit, I did have the pleasure of meeting one staff member who generously guided me through the facilities and provided insights into daily life at Oakwood East. His warmth and friendliness were unmistakable; he clearly takes pride in ensuring that visitors feel welcome and informed about what the community has to offer. His dedication reflected positively on the overall ambiance of Oakwood East—a place where staff members genuinely care about creating supportive surroundings for individuals seeking assistance while maintaining their autonomy.

In conclusion, while my visit to Oakwood East revealed many appealing features—such as its inviting common areas and committed staff—the challenges related to accessibility cannot be overlooked. It’s crucial for any prospective resident or their family members considering this community to weigh these factors carefully against their personal needs and preferences regarding mobility support. Ultimately, finding an accommodating residence should prioritize both comfort and accessibility so everyone can enjoy a fulfilling quality of life within such supportive environments.

This part of Tarpon Springs, Florida offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors considering the area for living. With several physicians' offices nearby, including Academic Alliance In Dermatology and Premier Community Healthcare Group, medical care is easily accessible. There are also various dining options such as Johnny's Fillin' Station and Tap Room and Captain Jacks Waterfront Grill, providing opportunities for socializing and enjoying meals out. For prescription needs, there are multiple pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens within a short distance. Additionally, AdventHealth North Pinellas hospital is nearby for any emergency medical services. Parks like Anclote Key Preserve State Park offer outdoor recreational opportunities, while places of worship such as Metropolitan Ministries provide spiritual support. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community with essential services for seniors looking to settle in Tarpon Springs.

Physicians

• Academic Alliance In Dermatology (0.3 miles)
• Holiday Family Care (3 miles)
• Perfect Motion Medical (3.7 miles)
• Premier Community Healthcare Group (4 miles)
• Advanced Gastroenterology Associates (4.2 miles)
• True Eye Experts of Trinity (4.6 miles)
• Shahina Javeed (4.7 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Johnny's Fillin' Station and Tap Room (1.2 miles)
• Burger King (1.3 miles)
• Morgan Maes Oyster Hou (1.5 miles)
• Mr Souvlaki (1.6 miles)
• Captain Jacks Waterfront Grill (1.8 miles)
• Hellas Bakery (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• 1st Choice Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.1 miles)

Hospitals

• AdventHealth North Pinellas (1.5 miles)
• Medical Center Of Trinity (6.3 miles)
• Mease Countryside Hospital-Medical Arts Building (7.3 miles)
• Mease Countryside Hospital (7.3 miles)

Parks

• Anclote Key Preserve State Park (1.6 miles)
• Canal Park (6.3 miles)
• Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park (6.6 miles)
• Stirling Park (7.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Metropolitan Ministries (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Woodlands Square 20 (6.5 miles)