400 Highway 18 West, Clear Lake, IA 50428
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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Oakwood Care Center emerges from these reviews as a place that many families remember fondly for its warm atmosphere, professional staff, and a consistent sense of care. Across multiple visits and experiences, the setting is described as clean and well-kept, with residents and visitors often greeted by friendly faces. The overall tone in many accounts is one of appreciation for a community where kindness and professionalism seem to be the norm, creating an environment that feels welcoming rather than clinical.
Visitors repeatedly note that the facility maintains a cheerful and uplifting mood. The combination of pleasant interactions with staff and the happiness observed among residents contributes to the impression that Oakwood is more than just a place to stay - it is a place where daily life is thoughtfully supported. In addition to interpersonal warmth, several reviewers highlight a structured routine of activities that are designed to engage residents, reflecting a genuine emphasis on quality of life. The nursing staff is specifically praised for responsiveness and attentiveness, with caregivers who seem to be on top of medication, comfort, and coordination of care.
Family members who had loved ones living at Oakwood recount deeply positive personal experiences. One reviewer describes how their grandmother's five months at Oakwood were marked by kindness toward the entire family, emphasizing that staff treated residents with respect and offered a variety of enjoyable activities. This sentiment is echoed by others who talk about staff going the extra mile to ensure residents are comfortable and engaged. The presence of hospice services, such as St. Croix Hospice, is mentioned as a complement to the care, reinforcing the sense of an integrated, patient-centered approach that supports both residents and their families during difficult times.
A number of reviewers provide a strong, heartfelt endorsement of Oakwood's caregiving team. They describe a culture of compassion and professionalism that extends to both direct care staff and administrators, with particular gratitude for the way staff members interact with families. One family member emphasizes that a grandmother who spent years as a resident was treated with kindness and respect, reflecting a persistent trust in the facility's ability to maintain dignity and high standards of care over time. The recurring theme is that Oakwood's caregivers are not only capable but genuinely invested in the well-being of residents and their loved ones.
Not all experiences painted Oakwood in a uniformly perfect light. Several reviews recount challenging experiences with in-home sitting and care provided through Oakwood. In these cases, expectations around punctuality, professionalism, and continuity of care were not met. Incidentally, one reviewer described a first visit that was significantly late and lacked professional dress, followed by a second visit with an even longer delay and an unprofessional accompaniment. Communication gaps - where a coordinator failed to follow up promptly - contributed to frustration, delays in refunds, and a general sense of poor customer service. These accounts stand in contrast to the facility's positives, suggesting that while the on-site environment may be praised, some aspects of at-home or off-site services require improvement.
The negative feedback extends into more recent personal experiences as well. In a respite care scenario for a father-in-law under hospice, the reviewer reported a pattern of insufficient attention and basic care - leaving the patient in a room most of the time, with swollen feet and legs, minimal clothing changes, and an uncomfortable workaround using a toilet seat in the room rather than the standard bathroom. Such details underscore concerns about the consistency of care and the day-to-day practices in certain settings. These accounts are important reminders that the quality of care can vary by service type and staff availability, even within the same facility.
Amid these concerns, there are vivid acknowledgments of dedicated efforts and positive outcomes. A separate account highlights a period when a family member spent three weeks at Oakwood after a severe battle with COVID, during which the nursing and rehab teams were credited with helping the patient regain strength and return home. The report emphasizes not only the professional competencies of the staff but also the emotional support extended to visiting family members, illustrating how a strong care network can significantly impact the recovery and morale of a patient and their loved ones. This perspective reinforces the idea that Oakwood can deliver exceptional care under the right circumstances and with consistent, coordinated teamwork.
There are moments that stand out for their lighthearted or personal nature, adding texture to the overall picture. One reviewer even recounts an unusual experience - the claim that they were locked in a closet and given ketchup under the door, described with a wink and heart emoji as "best vacation ever." While clearly not a typical or professional outcome, the anecdote adds a sense of raw, human impression and perhaps a reminder of the wide spectrum of experiences people bring to their reviews. It serves as a reminder that not every moment at a care facility can be neatly categorized, and some memories are colored by humor or surprising events.
Toward the end of the collection, praise for specific staff members surfaces repeatedly. A mom who stayed briefly at Oakwood before passing describes the staff as awesome - kind, patient, and compassionate. The recognition extends to individual caregivers with names like Amy, Kay, Kim, Trish, the Hawkeye, Brandon the scientist, Tonya, Marc, Lauren, and Mary. These mentions suggest that the people working at Oakwood can leave lasting, positive impressions on families when their care and demeanor align with loved ones' needs. The specificity of these commendations underscores how precious personal attention and genuine empathy can feel to families during vulnerable times.
Taken together, the stories paint a nuanced portrait of Oakwood Care Center. The facility is portrayed as a clean, welcoming place with a strong sense of community, where residents often experience attentive nursing care, meaningful activities, and supportive visits from hospice professionals. Families repeatedly express trust in the staff's kindness and professionalism, while also acknowledging that some experiences - particularly around in-home or respite care - can fall short of expectations, with communication gaps and inconsistent practice cited as sources of frustration. The overall message is that Oakwood has the potential to be an exceptionally caring environment, but like any complex care setting, it benefits from ongoing attention to consistency, responsiveness, and clear communication across all services.
The Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, IA is an assisted living community that provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors. The community offers a wide range of amenities to enhance the residents' quality of life.
For those looking to pamper themselves, there is a beauty salon where residents can get their hair styled or enjoy other grooming services. Residents can also relax and unwind in their fully furnished apartments, complete with private bathrooms and cable or satellite TV.
The Oakwood Care Center also promotes an active and social lifestyle with its various amenities and activities. Residents can stay connected with friends and family through Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access or participate in activities at the computer center. There is also a small library for those who enjoy reading.
The community offers restaurant-style dining where residents can enjoy delicious meals prepared by the staff. Special dietary restrictions are accommodated, including diabetes diets. In addition, housekeeping services ensure that apartments are kept clean and tidy.
Transportation services are available for non-medical needs as well as transportation arrangements for doctors' appointments. Community-operated transportation allows residents to explore nearby cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals.
To ensure the safety and well-being of its residents, the Oakwood Care Center provides 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is also offered to ensure that medications are taken properly. A mental wellness program is available to support the emotional well-being of residents.
In addition to these services, the community offers various recreational opportunities such as fitness programs and planned day trips. Resident-run activities provide opportunities for socialization among the residents.
Overall, Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake provides a comfortable living environment with excellent amenities and care services designed to meet the unique needs of each resident while promoting an active lifestyle.
Oakwood Care Center - Clear Lake is located at 400 Highway 18 West, Clear Lake, IA 50428 in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
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