Oaks at Ellijay

Pros

• The residents at The Oaks are happy and well cared for, with many expressing satisfaction about their living conditions and the attentiveness of the staff.
• The staff is described as friendly, accommodating, and genuinely caring towards the residents, making them feel at home.
• Activities and social functions offered at The Oaks provide residents with plenty of opportunities for engagement and interaction.
• Many residents enjoy the food, which comes with a variety of options, and special meals are prepared for holidays.
• The facility maintains a clean environment that lacks unpleasant odors, contributing to a positive atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
• Some families appreciate the regular communication from staff regarding their loved ones’ well-being and needs.
• Residents have expressed enjoyment in participating in gardening activities during warmer months, enhancing their overall experience.

Cons

• The facility was sorely understaffed, resulting in a lack of attention for residents, with one resident left alone for hours and another falling without assistance.
• Caregivers seemed to lack knowledge and experience, leading to concerns about the quality of care provided.
• The food was often described as horrible or mediocre, with residents frequently expressing dissatisfaction.
• Instances of items going missing from residents' rooms were reported, raising concerns about security and oversight.
• Communication with staff during after-hours and weekends was inadequate, leaving family members unable to address urgent concerns.
• Some residents felt isolated due to room placements away from communal areas, affecting their overall happiness and social interaction.
• Management appeared dismissive when addressing complaints or concerns from families regarding care issues or resident needs.

Review

The Oaks at Ellijay is a senior living facility that has garnered mixed reviews from residents and their families, reflecting a spectrum of experiences that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the establishment. Many reviewers have praised the atmosphere and cleanliness of the facility, describing it as inviting with a friendly staff that genuinely seems to care about the well-being of its residents. For some families, these traits make it feel like home rather than an institutional setting. Residents appreciate the variety of activities offered, such as gardening, bingo, movies, and special holiday meals which foster engagement among residents.

However, not all feedback has been positive. Several reviewers expressed concerns about understaffing and inadequate attention to individual needs. One family reported that their loved one was left alone for extended periods without anyone checking on him, which resulted in unfortunate incidents like falls going unnoticed for over an hour. The consistency of care appears to be an issue—while some staff members exude warmth and attentiveness, others seem less knowledgeable or engaged. This disparity can leave family members apprehensive about leaving their loved ones in what should be a safe environment.

The quality of food served at The Oaks also received mixed reviews; while some residents reported satisfactory meals with options for customization based on preferences, others described the food as mediocre or unappetizing. Families noted that meal service could be slow due to limited staffing and highlighted issues with food quality over time. A few residents even raised concerns about missing personal items from their rooms, adding to their anxiety regarding security and caretaking practices within the facility.

On a more positive note, several families shared heartwarming stories about how much their loved ones appreciate being at The Oaks. One daughter recounted how her father felt he had "died and gone to Heaven" after moving into this community—an indication of exceptional satisfaction with care received. Activities are plentiful; many residents find joy in participating or simply enjoy being part of an active community where they can socialize with peers.

Despite some negative experiences related to communication—especially during weekends or after hours when management accessibility diminishes—a number of satisfied family members emphasized good rapport with staff who send updates regarding their loved ones’ well-being regularly. Reports indicate that long-term resident happiness speaks volumes about the community's overall quality; many established residents appear content after years spent at The Oaks.

Overall, while some families recommend The Oaks warmly and mention specific aspects they cherish—like engaging activities and attentive staff—others caution potential new arrivals by highlighting significant areas for improvement such as ensuring adequate staff coverage at all times and enhancing training procedures for caregivers. These insights offer prospective residents’ families valuable perspectives on what they might expect when considering this facility for their elderly loved ones amidst both glowing reviews and pointed critiques alike.

This part of Ellijay, Georgia offers a variety of amenities and services that may be of interest to seniors looking for a pleasant place to live. In terms of dining options, there are several restaurants nearby, ranging from takeout spots like Mr P's to sit-down establishments such as Cantaberry Restaurant and River Street Tavern. Additionally, there are various places of worship in the area for spiritual fulfillment, including the Southern Baptist Convention and First Baptist Church. For medical needs, there are several physician offices and hospitals within close proximity, ensuring access to quality healthcare. Transportation options are also convenient with U-Haul locations nearby. Overall, this part of Ellijay provides a peaceful and well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle down in a welcoming community.

Restaurants

• Mr P's Take Out Food (0.5 miles)
• Cantaberry Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• River Street Tavern (0.7 miles)
• La Catrina (0.7 miles)
• Double L Log Cabin (1.2 miles)
• Carniceria Y Tienda La Mexicana (1.3 miles)
• Arby's (1.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Southern Baptist Convention (0.6 miles)
• First Baptist Church (0.6 miles)
• Nine Mile Gates Chapel (1.1 miles)
• Abundant Grace Ministry (1.3 miles)
• Autumn Ridge Community Church (1.6 miles)
• Promise Land Ministries Church (2.2 miles)
• East Ellijay Baptist Church (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Ellijay Coffeehouse (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Sips & Bites (14.4 miles)
• Starbucks (15 miles)

Physicians

• Blue Ridge Mountain Internal Medicine PC (0.6 miles)
• North Georgia Eye Clinic (0.9 miles)
• North Georgia Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine (1.3 miles)
• Mountaintop Medical Center (1.5 miles)
• Georgia Mountains Health (1.7 miles)
• Tri County Diagnostic Center (1.8 miles)
• Apple Medical Center (1.8 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (1 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (3.1 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (3.4 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (13.9 miles)
• Railcar 2975 BRSR (14.4 miles)

Hospitals

• DaVita Ellijay Dialysis (1.2 miles)
• Medical Offices Of North Ga (1.3 miles)
• Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Diagnostic Center (1.5 miles)
• North Georgia Medical Center (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Huff's Express (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Ingles (2 miles)
• Ingles (2.1 miles)
• Fannin Drugs (13.8 miles)
• Blue Ridge Pharmacy (14.3 miles)

Theaters

• GTC Mountain Cinemas (3.3 miles)
• Swan Drive In (14.3 miles)

Parks

• Blue Ridge City Park (14.4 miles)
• Blue Ridge Baseball Field & Pool (14.6 miles)