The Elks Home (Spring Oak) grounds are beautiful. Surrounding farms have cows. The front porch area has chairs for residents and guests to visit. There are benches on the property. The parking situation is a bit lacking. You can park by the edge of the grass. There should be a convenient lot for visitors. The parking lot isn't close to the front entrance. The happy faces of residents in the brochures don't match reality. Anyone can hire an actor to take a picture. The living spaces on the pamphlets don't accurately reflect the entire location. Any resident who has help from an agency such as Medicaid, etc will probably have a roommate and a private bathroom. Others who pay the monthly fees ($3500 and up) have apartments or studios. Room and board, laundry and activities are included in the monthly fees. My loved one has dementia. I dealt with this location for a long time because I was assured that my family member could have their cat. The cat provides joy and purpose. A few days before moving I was told that the cat could not join my family member. There has been a lot of "bait and switch" at this facility. Even with all the hiccups and misleading information ( laundry services, resident account, dining hall procedure, etc) this facility has a bit more hope than some of the other area nursing homes/facilities. Bedford Hospital has a depressing, clinical space with plain walls. Spring Oak is an aging building that has old dorm like rooms (except for the private pay areas). But the social spaces (library, first floor lobby, dining area, grounds) allow residents the opportunity to talk and be together. If you are considering having your loved one receive memory care or other help, have a thorough conversation with the staff. Self paying patients get preferential treatment, patients in a sponsored program connected to Medicaid have lots more hurdles. What makes the difference for my loved one is that the nurses attached to the sponsoring program have compassion and integrity. We never got the promised tour of the facility so I walked around on my own. There is a large social area where gatherings (non denominational discussions, bingo, craft classes) and events can occur. The staff teach occasional cooking classes. There is a small convenience store like room that sells drinks and snacks at reasonable prices (soda .75, candy starts at .50). Residents must pay cash. The library has a decent amount of books. Residents are taken to Walmart for shopping. I couldn't get an answer what day this occurred from staff. I found out on my own. I didn't have a "Plan B" after moving my loved one in and learning about some details too late (no pet, challenges with setting up patient account). At least my loved one is safe and can have a routine and more exercise. Communication is key. If you are considering this facility as an option for a family member, have multiple conversations before moving anyone in. Get details in writing. A verbal promise is not always good enough. read more

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This is just for the holiday light display the Elks Home does every year. It's really nice and well done. There are a lot of lights and numerous scenarios and vignettes featuring beloved Christmas characters as well as some from pop culture (like "Peanuts" and "Frozen") My little niece thought the display was amazing and beautiful, so that is enough for me to give it four stars. read more

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