The Oaks at Plano

I will lead with the fact that I RARELY post reviews, good or bad, but this one is a must: There are no words to describe the magic in this community. 1 - The property is amazing in that it is exceptionally maintained from the 100+ mature trees, to the pool & hot tub, to the elevators, to the Veranda ( huge community space ) to the walkways, to the parking areas, to the landscape. All 12 acres are incredible. The others facilities we visited felt like an institution and sterile. The Oaks feels like home. 2 - The residents were genuinely so warm, inviting, active, and welcoming to our Mom as we toured the complex. After just losing her husband of 61 years (our Dad) she/we couldn’t imagine where she could be comfortable and safe, but we found the perfect place for her. She immediately felt at home. 3 - The Oaks team, and I mean “Team”, is the most wonderful group of people we have met in this industry and possible ever in business. First being greeted by the lovely Ms. Jill - the receptionist - also a resident, that walked to the front door, rather than sit behind the desk, to greet us. Then the smiling - excited Asst Direct Paige, gave us the most through tour while exhibiting graceful patients with Mom’s indecisiveness, greeting every resident by name as she introduced Mom to each of them. On our walk we met other outstanding Team members; Heather the lovely & creative Activity Director, Walter the fun loving- quick with a hug - ready to assist residents with most any need - Transportation Pro. Just more confirmation that kindness is the rule rather than the exception. 4 - The delightful - incredible Donni Crosby!!!! The Director and Mentor of The Oaks of Plano. After meeting her, we immediately understood why this is the outstanding community that it is. Truly…she is the WOW that has made this 55+ senior apartment community a place that 200+ people call home. She has so much authentic love for her “job” and the residents that she calls family that is evident from the moment you meet her. Her enthusiasm and pride is unmatched. We were greeted the next morning by her with amazing energy, hugs, Starbucks coffees and danish treats. We learned more and more about the development as she patiently walked the property with us again. She throughly answered every question as we waited for the final approval from Mom. It is often difficult to acclimate to a new life and neighbors, so Donni built and incorporated “The Resident Ambassador Program” This person accompanies the new residents to activities and meals for the first 90 days so they are not braving their new life alone. This made us all know that Mom would instantly feel included. I can’t express our gratitude enough for the exceptions and accommodations Donni made to make this the perfect place for Mom. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Lynn, the first point of contact when I called from my google search. She is the catalyst of why Mom is now a part of this exceptional community. Lynn was so real, so honest, so friendly, so thoughtful to explain why The Oaks of Plano is such a spectacular option for Mom. She was spot on that this is unequivocally the best and only option for us to entertain. Our entire family is elated for Mom to be a part of this wonderful community.

Finding The Oaks at Plano was nothing short of a dream come true. My 86 yr old mom lost her husband of 61 yrs this week and we knew how important it would be that she find herself and her independence again after caring for him for the past 3 years. We were welcomed with open arms by an entire team that make this community so special! Donni the ED, the Assistant Director Paige, Heather the Activities Coordinator, the transportation host Walter and Jill the front desk receptionist (that is also a resident) - ALL were nothing short of spectacular! . All of them could not have been more nurturing, kind and genuine! They all absolutely made us, but especially my mom feel so supported and comforted immediately at such an incredibly difficult time. First, the 12 acre pet friendly property is meticulously kept and maintained and has gorgeous trees all over with covered and shaded walking trails, a dog park, a pool and outdoor seating areas all over to enjoy the grounds. Most notably is a public large grassy area called Pete’s Park who was named after a resident that passed. It offers so many lovely spaces for the residents to enjoy, including a community Gatehouse area with fireplaces, a beautiful restaurant with incredible chef prepared food for purchase at reasonable prices for those that want to dine out without leaving the property, a library for all of the avid readers, a gym ( that is about to get an even better facelift), a game room with a ping pong table and pool table, a full bar for the residents to purchase and partake in happy hours at their events like bingo, bunko and community featured special events! There is even a sewing group made up of women well into their 90’s who has their own room crocheting and knitting baby beenies, booties and blankets for the NICU babies at some of the local hospitals! But what was so comforting was the PERFECT apartment that we were shown that was 750 sq ft ( my mom is coming from 320 sq ft sharing a space in an assisted living facility with my father). This unit was exceptionally laid out, updated, well maintained with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances in a beautiful kitchen, a fireplace, a private patio with lots of lovely windows offering bright light and warm sunlight to brighten the room. The bathroom included a tub with glass doors, a walk- in pantry and master closet! This was their model unit and Donni’s favorite and we didn’t even need to look at any other options available! We KNEW it was just perfect! We met resident after resident in this 55+ active senior living community that were alive, thriving, vibrant, so happy and exuded such a sense of pride and joy talking about their life in this community. It was truly awe inspiring what this organizational group, but more importantly what Donni has instilled since becoming the ED two yrs ago! My mom was welcomed by so many on both trips to visit and every single one of them said we can’t wait for you to come be a part of our community almost as if they knew it wasn’t an option or consideration not to! Donni and team were a joy to work with and we are eternally grateful that we found this gem of a community for my mom to thrive in her remaining years!

As much as the deciding factors of acquiring a competitive price point, securing an accommodative location and checking off services offered must dictate one’s decision in choosing a personal residence, the most influential factor for my wife and myself was experiencing the Preston Place community organic display of authentic care and professional concern for each Preston Place resident once they’ve actually moved in. Impeccable in accordance to the highest standards required. But don’t take our word for it. Experience it yourself! Charles and Gloria Gaines Apt. #914

I can’t imagine living anywhere else!! Friends are more like family and more activities than most places have. Management and maintenance are absolutely the best. If you don’t particapate that’s your fault. There is something for everyone. If not just ask and there will be.