The Oaks Healthcare Center
Save1501 Clayton Avenue, Poteau, OK 74953
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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The Oaks in Poteau comes through in some parts as a place of warmth, care, and purpose, while in others it reveals a troubling pattern of understaffing, gaps in supervision, and a management style that many families find frustrating or even frightening. Across multiple accounts there is a clear split between what some patients and visitors experience during therapy and rehab sessions and what others see in day-to-day care. On the positive side, several reviewers praise the rehab team, especially a therapist named Jeremiah who is described as exceptional and a key reason families feel their loved ones can recover and return home independently. The rehab wing is repeatedly depicted as a bright, well-organized space with good equipment, and the food, in some instances, is described as satisfying. A few families mention clean rooms and a generally neat appearance, with some staff members who are friendly, attentive, and capable when called upon.
Yet the walk through the Oaks is frequently shadowed by the problem of staffing. A recurring complaint centers on severe understaffing - an almost universal thread of concern in the reviews. One reviewer captures the sentiment with a stark image: "1 nurse to 30 people." In such a ratio, essential tasks can get delayed or forgotten: vitals may not be taken, pain medications can sit unused, and basic routines that keep residents comfortable and safe may fall through the cracks. There are firsthand stories of extended waits, and one husband recounts an eight-hour stretch in which no one came to check on his wife's vitals or attend to her needs. In that same vein, there are reports of Foley bags left unattended and medications being withheld or not given as scheduled, including basic comforts like Tylenol. The consequences of these gaps are serious enough to push families toward escalation - calling representatives, senators, and other authorities - when they feel that the care their loved ones deserve is being compromised.
The management and administrative climate at The Oaks is another source of anxiety for many reviewers. Several contributors describe a breakdown in communication about concerns, culminating in a sense that issues are not being addressed in a meaningful way. A family's decision to install cameras in a loved one's room - an act born of frustration - highlights a fundamental lack of trust in the facility's ability to monitor and respond to problems. Instances of unsanitary conditions - such as a "drink cart" in the dining room with a dirty ice scoop left in the communal ice - underline broader fears about cleanliness and infection control. There are also troubling anecdotes about privacy violations and staff drama, with claims that HIPAA guidelines are breached and that internal tensions spill over into residents' daily care. Some reviewers describe a sense that the administrative staff and CNAs are overwhelmed or misaligned in their roles, and that rumors or personal conflicts can interfere with the residents' well-being.
There are, however, moments and messages of hope that complicate a purely negative portrait. A number of residents' families speak of kindness and attentiveness from aides and nurses who are on the floor and who genuinely try to do right by their patients. Some residents respond positively to activities, socialization, and the care that feels personal and compassionate. The presence of a therapy dog - an affectionate, friendly dog named Odie - adds a touch of warmth and joy, with photos showing smiles as patients engage in rehabilitation exercises. In these instances, staff members who greet patients with a smile and take time to acknowledge them are highlighted as bright spots in an otherwise challenging environment. Several reviewers also note that the facility has improved under new management in recent times, pointing to staff who are more approachable, a more encouraging atmosphere, and a better overall environment that feels cleaner and more Christian in tone.
The mixed experiences extend to visits from friends and family who see the facility through a variety of lenses. Some describe it as a "great place to stay," with excellent service, a thriving rehab program, good food, and a clean, updated space; in these accounts, staff members - ranging from the kitchen to the therapy gym - are described as caring and competent, and the setting itself feels welcoming and uplifting. A few reviewers emphasize the social and spiritual atmosphere as a comforting feature, noting that the place feels "Christian" and "inviting," with staff who are "friendly" and who work hard to make residents feel at home. On the other hand, other visitors recount scenes of distress: a grandmother left crying in a dark room, a staff member's abrasive or unprofessional behavior, and an overall impression that the care environment can swing from commendable to concerning within a short period.
Despite the inconsistencies, the collection of reviews returns often to a central question: for whom is The Oaks truly serving, and what level of care is sustainable given the staffing realities and administrative pressures described? The voices converge on a cautionary note worth taking seriously: if you're considering The Oaks for a loved one, you should be prepared for days that feel well-run and compassionate, and others when care appears to be delayed, communication falters, and basic needs go unmet. Potential residents and their families are advised to observe closely, communicate openly with management, and consider measures like frequent visits and even room cameras when appropriate - tools some families felt compelled to use to ensure their loved ones' safety. In short, The Oaks presents a dichotomy: a facility with strong rehab capabilities, caring individual staff at times, and a generally positive atmosphere in parts, shadowed by ongoing concerns about staffing, management, sanitation, privacy, and consistent quality of care across all shifts.
The Oaks Healthcare Center in Poteau, OK is a premier assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to enhance the lives of its residents. With a focus on creating a comfortable and engaging environment, The Oaks Healthcare Center provides everything needed for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement.
Residents can take advantage of amenities such as a beauty salon, cable or satellite TV, and access to community-operated transportation for easy outings. The computer center allows residents to stay connected with loved ones and explore their interests online. The fully furnished apartments provide all the comforts of home, while the dining room offers restaurant-style meals prepared by skilled chefs.
For recreational activities, residents can enjoy the fitness room or unwind in the gaming room. The garden and outdoor space provide tranquil areas for relaxation and fresh air. A small library is perfect for bookworms seeking new adventures between the pages. Wi-Fi/high-speed internet ensures that residents can stay connected with friends and family near and far.
Committed to providing exceptional care, The Oaks Healthcare Center offers 24-hour call systems and supervision to ensure safety around the clock. Trained staff are available to assist with activities of daily living, transfers, bathing, dressing, and medication management. Special dietary restrictions are catered to through diabetes diets and meal preparation services.
Residents can participate in a variety of activities tailored to their interests, including fitness programs, planned day trips, resident-run activities, and scheduled daily activities. Additionally, concierge services are available for any additional assistance needed.
With three pharmacies nearby and five physicians in close proximity, medical needs are easily met. Transportation arrangements are also available for non-medical purposes as well as transportation to doctors' appointments. There are numerous restaurants nearby for those looking to dine out occasionally and plenty of places of worship for spiritual needs.
Overall, The Oaks Healthcare Center provides an exceptional residential community where seniors can live comfortably while receiving personalized care services in an engaging and fulfilling environment.
The Oaks Healthcare Center is located at 1501 Clayton Avenue, Poteau, OK 74953 in Le Flore County, Oklahoma
The Oaks Healthcare Center on seniors.fyi includes 10 photos including images showing decor, landscaping, interior, living room, building, architecture, outdoor, wall art, and more.
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