Island Oak Living Center

Pros

• The physical therapist showed a genuine interest in helping the residents improve their mobility.
• The rooms are reasonably clean, providing a decent living environment for the residents.
• The facility is located in the Angel Oak area, which can be considered a desirable location.

Cons

• The facility lacks a proper dining area, forcing residents to eat in a common area.
• The food quality is very low, and the posted menu choices are not offered to residents.
• Servers do not wear gloves while handling food.
• The environment is excessively noisy, primarily due to inattentive nurse aides who spend more time socializing than attending to residents.
• Staff members were observed filling out lottery tickets during work hours instead of assisting residents.
• There is minimal interaction between staff and residents.
• The rooms are small, despite being reasonably clean.
• Previous state reviews reported many issues with the facility back in 2018.

Review

The experience of a family member with a loved one at a facility in the Angel Oak area paints a troubling picture of the living conditions and quality of care offered to residents. The reviewer emphasizes their discontent with the environment, which they describe as "dismal at best." A significant concern is the lack of adequate dining facilities; instead of having a dedicated dining room, residents are forced to eat in the common area. This arrangement not only adds to the lack of privacy but also raises questions about the overall dignity afforded to those living there.

Equally alarming is their description of the food served. The reviewer notes that during their visit, they witnessed what appeared to be low-quality meals being served. Although they mention that there was a menu posted for food choices, there was no evidence that staff members engaged with residents by asking their preferences or offering any options, which can detract from residents' autonomy and choice. Additionally, they express deep concern about food safety practices when they observed servers not wearing gloves while handling food—an unsettling oversight that could put residents' health at risk.

Noise levels within the facility were also highlighted as problematic. The reviewer observed that much of this noise stemmed from nurse aides who appeared inattentive and distracted. Instead of attending to resident needs, these staff members allegedly spent considerable time socializing among themselves or engaging in personal activities such as playing music on their phones. In one concerning instance, three aides were noted as occupying themselves by filling out LOTTO tickets at the center desk while neglecting their responsibilities—a stark reminder of where priorities may lie in this environment.

Interactivity between staff and residents seems remarkably lacking according to the reviewer's observations. They reported seeing almost no meaningful engagement or communication between caregivers and those under their supervision. Such interactions are crucial for fostering a supportive community atmosphere and can significantly impact residents' mental well-being as well as feelings of isolation or depression often experienced in care facilities.

While the overall assessment is predominantly negative, there was one positive highlight mentioned: the physical therapist assigned to work with the reviewer’s mother. The therapist reportedly demonstrated genuine interest and commitment to helping her regain mobility, which was seen as an encouraging sign amidst an otherwise disappointing situation. This isolated positivity underscores that some dedicated professionals remain committed even when systemic issues prevail within the larger facility framework.

In conclusion, based on this detailed account, it would be wise for prospective patients and families seeking care options to thoroughly scrutinize this particular facility before making arrangements. The reviewer strongly advises others to consider other alternatives given their experience, reflecting an urgent need for improvement in both operational standards and caregiving practices at this location. They stress that ongoing awareness—particularly regarding prior state reviews indicating problems—should inform decisions made by families searching for appropriate long-term care environments for their loved ones. The urgency felt by this reviewer resonates deeply, highlighting not just individual experiences but broader implications for elder care standards across similar facilities.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (6.1 miles)
• Primary Rx (6.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.4 miles)
• Walgreens (6.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.9 miles)

Physicians

• Maybank Medical Plaza (1.3 miles)
• Island Dermatology (1.3 miles)
• Carolina Sports and Orthopedics Sales (5.9 miles)
• New Body Center (6.1 miles)
• Langdon All Hartsock, MD (6.3 miles)
• Louis Arsenio Gerena, MD (6.3 miles)
• MUSC Health West Ashley Medical Pavilion - Epic Center (6.3 miles)

Cafes

• Estuary Beans & Barley (1.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.2 miles)
• Sightsee (9.5 miles)
• Babas on Cannon (9.7 miles)
• Off Track Ice Cream (9.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Center For Abandoned Cats And Tomatoes (5.8 miles)
• Bon Secours St Francis Hospital (6.7 miles)
• Roper Hospital Ambulatory Surgery & Pain Management (6.9 miles)
• Musc Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital (8.9 miles)
• MUSC Ashley River Tower (8.9 miles)
• Roper St Francis Foundation (8.9 miles)
• Emergency Department, Roper Hospital (9 miles)

Restaurants

• Gilligan's Restaurant-John's Island (5.8 miles)
• Southside 17 Bar & Grill (6.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (6.2 miles)
• Pour House (6.4 miles)
• Maybank Public House (6.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (6.8 miles)
• O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar (6.9 miles)

Parks

• Medway Park (6 miles)
• Marsh Island Park (6.9 miles)
• West Ashley Park (7.2 miles)
• Bayview Soccer Complex (8.6 miles)
• Brittlebank Park (8.6 miles)
• Folly Beach County Park (8.6 miles)
• Hampton Park Dog Run (9.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity (9.6 miles)