3456 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217
To contact a resident: (716) 877-7171
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Oakwood Senior Living Costs & Pricing
At Oakwood Senior Living, the monthly costs present a compelling value compared to both Erie County and the broader New York state averages. For a semi-private room, residents can expect to pay just $1,550, significantly lower than the county's average of $5,015 and even more so compared to the state average of $4,389. Similarly, for those seeking a studio apartment, Oakwood's price of $2,250 remains competitive against Erie County's rate of $4,223 and New York state's average of $4,532. This pricing structure not only highlights Oakwood Senior Living as an economical choice but also reflects its commitment to providing quality care at accessible rates for seniors in the community.
| Floor plans | Oakwood Senior Living | Erie County | New York |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $1,550 | $5,015 | $4,389 |
| Studio | $2,250 | $4,223 | $4,532 |
Overall Review of Oakwood Senior Living
Pros
Oakwood has shown impressive positive changes since the new ownership, with residents appearing happier.- The new owners are investing in the building, replacing the elevator, polishing floors, and painting.
- There are plans to remodel the dining room, activities room, and lounges, and older furniture is being replaced with more modern pieces.
- The staff is excellent, with Amanda, Jeanette, and Karen noted as especially friendly and helpful.
- The dining room staff are accommodating and prepare homemade meals.
- Oakwood accepts Medicaid, making it accessible to residents who need it.
- The facility is clean, offers scheduled activities, and provides a safe environment with residents who are active.
Cons
Kenwell is for people who don't have a lot of money and don't really have much choice.- The halls are very narrow.
- The building is an old structure.
- It seems cluttered because it is so small.
- There are not any lounging areas.
- There was a subfloor for the activity room and residents had to take a very small elevator to get down.
- Terrible, very dirty.
- Very, very unacceptable place to live.
- The residents' rooms are dirty and the hallways need paint.
- Activities are boring.
- The security is poor and theft is a big problem.
Review
Oakwood Senior Living in Kenmore, NY is best suited for seniors who are budget-conscious and qualify for Medicaid, and who are willing to give a facility in transition a real chance to improve. This is not a polished luxury option, but a property that has undergone ownership change and is actively investing in its infrastructure. Families weighing value against risk will find Oakwood compelling, provided there is a clear willingness to tolerate uneven quality as the new management completes renovations and settles into more consistent operations. Those seeking a highly upscale environment or rock-solid, year-in-year-out reliability should consider other options.
The strongest positives come from the recent ownership change and the visible upgrades underway. The new owners have reinvested in the building, replacing the elevator, refinishing floors, and repainting, and have plans to remodel the dining and social spaces. Staff performance frequently stands out in reviews, with specific thanks directed at individuals who are friendly, responsive, and helpful. The dining program is described as accommodating, with homemade meals that can be a meaningful daily comfort, and the facility is noted to provide all levels of care, which matters for residents who may need escalating assistance without moving again. For Medicaid-dependent residents, Oakwood’s willingness to accept that funding source is a practical, concrete advantage.
Yet the downsides carry serious weight in a decision calculus. The physical plant remains old in structure, with narrow hallways and a small, aging footprint that can feel cramped and cluttered. Several reviews point to cleanliness problems, dirty rooms and hallways, peeling paint, and floors that fail to meet expectations for a care setting. Security and oversight concerns echo loudly in some testimonies: theft reports, a perception of lax control around who leaves the building, and calls for better responsiveness to resident needs. Activities, while present, are described by some as boring or repetitive, and there is a sense that outings and stimulation may be limited by the facility’s transportation and programming options. These are meaningful drawbacks for families seeking peace of mind alongside daily engagement.
The key pros and the main cons sit in tension: the modernization efforts and capable staff can transform the experience over time, but the current reality, cleanliness lapses, outdated physical design, and inconsistent security, can undermine confidence in day-to-day safety and comfort. For residents who arrive with modest needs and a tolerance for ongoing improvement, Oakwood could become a solid value as renovations complete and routines stabilize. However, for those who require highly reliable cleanliness, aggressive security, and a dynamic activity calendar from day one, the risk of ongoing disruption may outweigh the potential benefits of reduced living costs and Medicaid accommodation.
Alternatives should be strongly considered for families prioritizing security, cleanliness, and engaging programming. Facilities with a more modern footprint, clearer maintenance standards, and consistently structured activity schedules may better serve residents who value predictability and a turnkey level of care. If proximity to family, robust outings, and a proven track record of immediate responsiveness to incidents are non-negotiables, shopping other options is prudent. The history of mixed reviews indicates that Oakwood can improve, but it is not yet consistently delivering the reassurance that many families expect from an assisted living community.
For a well-informed decision, prospective movers should plan multiple visits to Oakwood, ideally at different times and days, and speak directly with current residents and their families. Ask pointed questions about how quickly call bells are answered, what the routine cleaning schedule looks like, and how security is managed on a daily basis. Request concrete examples of recent maintenance work, and review any incident and communication records available from the administrator. Concrete assurances should accompany a transparent roadmap for ongoing renovations, staff training, and programming expansion. In the balance, Oakwood offers potential value with real upside, but only for discerning families prepared to monitor progress closely and to accept a transitional period as the community refines its operations.
Assisted Living
Activities on-site
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Financing advice
Garden
Guest parking
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Laundry
Buffalo Niagara International (8 miles away)
Transportation & parking
Ambulatory care
Diabetic care
Medication management
Meals provided
English
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