Experience the difference a family-operated community can create for you and your loved one.
It is all too common that adult children face difficult decisions on caring for a parent when they are no longer able to care for themselves. With longevity and population on the rise, the chances are that most adult children, at some point, will find themselves as the primary caregiver for a parent.
Salabarria, Sr. found himself in this exact situation when his mother developed Alzheimer’s disease. He found his options were limited for placing his mother in a skilled nursing home or small personal care home without adequate security for wandering. His dilemma launched the idea of building a community where seniors could live with dignity and respect.
As a result, he contacted his son Alex to help make his dream a reality. Nelson immigrated from Cuba after the revolution and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He wore many hats during his early years in the U.S., but ultimately found his niche in construction and development.
Alex and his father established Oaks Senior Living and built their first community in 1998. Alex’s brother, Nelson, Jr., and brother-in-law Douglas Shook, also joined the organization, bringing fifty years of construction and development experience to the family business. “Based on the fact that we locate our sites, design, build, and operate them ourselves, we have a perfect family team to continue to grow in our passion and vision for senior housing,” said Alex.
The Salabarria family’s commitment to being personally available to residents, their family members, and staff is what sets them apart from most senior living operators. Some unique amenities offered include all-day dining, bird aviaries, aquariums, community pets, separate secured memory care, on-site physical and occupational therapy, putting green and a children’s playground. Their multigenerational approach creates a family-like culture. Visitors from local daycare centers, schools, churches, and various organizations are often in the communities, bridging the gap between multiple generations.
The family’s mission is to provide an environment where people are valued and appreciated, honoring personal choice, and providing a sense of purpose while enabling meaningful relationships.
“I learned many years ago that the key to success is to surround yourself with great people and to create a culture of family, love, and compassion. One of the largest blessings we have is the people in our organization. My family has been blessed with the opportunity to care for seniors, and we do not take it lightly. It is not just a job, business, or career. It has become a moral passion and a way to give back by helping His children here on earth.”
– Alex Salabarria