Chuck Heck has purchased numerous properties in the Carriere area, but none mean as much to him as his newest investment, St. Oaks Care Center.
His motivation to establish his own facility for the care of the elderly and disabled came from his daughter, who has needed assisted living for most of her young life.
“She inspired me to help and contribute to assisted living. I know how hard it is for families to go through this process, so I thought I would open a place that families can be confident about and know that this is a safe place when they drop off their loved ones,” Heck said.
At times, families have to go through the process of helping an aging adult move into an assisted living center.
Other times, it’s a complex decision for a family to find a place for children who need assistance when parents or guardians are away at work.
St. Oaks Care Center, which opened Aug. 8, provides those services to families and individuals in need, Heck said, including a professionally trained and compassionate staff who will provide personal care. Some of the services include providing three meals and two snacks per day, escorting residents to appointments, preventing falls, assisting with ambulation, monitoring vital signs, managing medication and providing daily housekeeping. Residents also have access to recreational activities.
Although Heck said he has a lot planned for the business, as of now, St. Oaks Care Center currently offers 15 bedrooms, multiple semi-private rooms and adult day care services on the three acre lot.
“I am very passionate about providing the best care for everyone that walks through our doors. I’m confident this place is going to be better than it’s ever been,” Heck said.
Heck said he sat down with St. Oaks Care Center patients to learn how the center could improve. One thing that kept popping up was the lack of activities.
“Instead of being forced into things they might not want to do, I opened the floor to them and asked what they would want to do,” he said.
After speaking with each resident, the result was to have more creative activities like an entire art station and other fun events, something Heck has begun implementing. Also, Heck changed the meal plans to provide more home cooked food to the residents.
“I only want to provide them with the best, most tasty options,” Heck said. “It makes them happy and that’s what I want this place to be, a home-sweet-home with a joyful atmosphere.”
Heck plans to expand the facility by adding another wing that will provide care to children with disabilities. This addition would double the size of the facility, to a total of 30 rooms.
Many cosmetic upgrades are also planned, including revamping the outside garden and making the grounds more appealing.
For more information on St. Oaks Care Center, call 769-926-2596.