Oaks Of Clearwater, The

Oaks of Clearwater, The holds an overall 2-star rating from CMS, which means it falls below average compared to other nursing homes nationwide. That overall score is built from three separate pieces: health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. The health inspection rating is also 2 stars, meaning state inspectors found a higher-than-average number of citations, or more serious ones, during their visits. That's worth paying attention to, since inspections look at real, on-the-ground conditions inside the facility. The staffing rating is likewise 2 stars, which tells you that nurses are spending less time with each resident than you'd typically expect to see. In practical terms, that can affect how quickly staff respond to residents' needs and how closely they monitor changes in health.

The one brighter spot is the quality measures rating, which comes in at 3 stars, or average. This score is based on 15 clinical indicators, things like whether residents are experiencing falls, pressure wounds, or declines in mobility. An average score here suggests resident health outcomes are in a more typical range, even if some other areas of the facility are struggling. Taken together, the ratings paint a picture of a facility where families may want to ask direct questions about staffing schedules and what steps management is taking to address inspection findings before making a final decision.

Staffing at The Oaks of Clearwater is a bit of a mixed picture compared to other Florida nursing homes. On the registered nurse (RN) side, residents here receive about 0.40 hours of RN time per day, which falls short of the Florida average of 0.52 hours. In practical terms, that means RNs are spending a little less one-on-one time with each resident compared to what you might find elsewhere, which can matter when it comes to catching health changes early or managing complex medical needs. That said, when you look at total nursing hours across all staff - including licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants - the facility actually comes in slightly above the Florida average at 3.95 hours per resident per day versus the state's 3.87. So while higher-level nursing coverage is a bit thinner here, the overall hands-on care time is competitive. If your loved one has significant medical needs that require frequent RN attention, it is worth asking the facility directly how they handle those situations day to day.

The Oaks of Clearwater has a 2-out-of-5-star health inspection rating, which is below average and worth taking seriously as you research options for a loved one. There is one government penalty on record, with a fine of $7,409 issued in May 2023, which suggests regulators did find a compliance issue significant enough to result in formal action. That said, one penalty does not automatically mean a facility is unsafe, but it does mean you should ask the facility directly about what happened, what changed, and how they handle concerns today. Visiting in person and speaking with staff and current residents' families can give you a much fuller picture than numbers alone. Families evaluating this facility can compare it to others in Clearwater on the Clearwater nursing homes and assisted living page.

1. How many residents does each certified nursing assistant care for during the day shift, and does that number change at night or on weekends?
2. How long have most of your nursing staff been working here, and what do you do to keep turnover low?
3. If my loved one has a fall or a health change overnight, what exactly happens and who contacts our family, how soon, and through what method?
4. Can I come back for an unannounced visit on a weekday afternoon or a weekend morning, and will I have the same access to common areas and staff that I have right now?
5. How do you handle a resident who refuses a meal, misses activities for several days in a row, or seems withdrawn, and who on your team is responsible for following up?
6. What were your last state inspection findings, where can I read the full report, and what specific changes did you make after any deficiencies were cited?

"For more guidance on evaluating facilities, see our guide to questions to ask when choosing a Florida nursing home."