Overall sentiment: Reviews of Oakmont Northville are mixed but follow a clear pattern: the community is widely praised for its facilities, amenities, and social environment — especially for independent-living residents — while serious and recurring concerns appear around outsourced assisted-living care, management consistency, dining policies, and extra fees. Many reviewers described the building as clean, well-decorated, and comfortable, with helpful amenities such as a hair salon, podiatrist visits, library, wood floors, covered patios, and an on-site doctor and good rehab services in several accounts. Residents who focused on independent living often reported that Oakmont offered a safe, social, and convenient environment near family, with activities, included services like housekeeping and laundry, and a month-to-month leasing option that some found appealing.
Care quality and homecare contracting: A major and recurring theme is variability in personal care and in-home health services. Several reviewers reported that assisted-living and personal care were contracted out to third-party agencies rather than provided directly by Oakmont staff. Agencies named in the reviews include Ace Homecare (explicitly called “worst” by one reviewer) and Balance Healthcare (mixed notes: a few CNAs were enjoyable, but overall concerns remained). Reported problems include poor supervision of contracted caregivers, inconsistent caregiver quality, and poor communication about health incidents — one reviewer reported hospitalization after an injury. Conversely, other reviewers described excellent hands-on care, compassionate staff, and very good rehab outcomes. The net impression is that independent living residents generally do well, but families should be cautious and verify the quality and supervision of contracted assisted-living or in-home care.
Staff and management: Staff-level experiences are polarized. Many reviews highlight kind, cheery, accommodating, and proactive staff — front desk, caregivers, and activity staff were praised for helping residents feel welcome and integrated. Multiple reviews singled out particular managers (Executive Director and Assistant Director) as caring and helpful. However, other reviews reported rude, uncaring, or unfriendly senior management (general manager or top administrator), threats to call ambulances or bar returns of residents, poor customer service, and management turnover. Trouble keeping an activities director and other leadership instability were raised as ongoing concerns. This inconsistency in management and supervisory approach appears to be a major driver of very different resident and family experiences.
Facilities, apartments, and amenities: The physical plant receives strong positive comments: attractive common areas, wood floors, pretty decorating, clean rooms, and pleasant outdoor spaces (front and back patios). Onsite services such as a hair salon, podiatrist visits, library, and an on-site physician are frequently mentioned as important conveniences. Some practical drawbacks were noted: some one-bedroom apartments are considered small, some apartments are far from elevators making meal retrieval or travel more difficult, and there seem to be few true “patio rooms.” Patio usability in summer months was described as problematic by at least one reviewer. The community size is noted (about 120 apartments), and many reviewers appreciated included services like meals, housekeeping, and weekly laundry; however, some services — notably in-home health care and concierge-style supports — can carry extra fees.
Dining and activities programming: Activities are a clear strength for many residents: regular programming such as cards, bingo, concerts, social groups, and requests for pinochle or visiting pianists were common positive notes. That said, multiple reviews cited difficulties retaining an activities director, which can undermine program consistency. Dining experiences are mixed: some residents appreciated included meals and dining room availability, while others complained about poor food quality, untrained kitchen staff, and restrictive dining room rules (e.g., RSVP dining restrictions that reportedly excluded residents or resulted in denied dining room access). During the pandemic some reviewers mentioned meals being delivered to rooms. Prospective residents should ask detailed questions about dining policies (RSVP rules, guest policies, meal quality, and accommodations for special diets) and activity schedules and staffing stability.
Cost, policies, and suitability: Cost is another recurrent issue. Many reviewers said Oakmont felt expensive, and several called out additional monthly charges and “a la carte” fees for in-home care or escort services (one reviewer cited an extra $375/month escort fee). Some mentioned non-refundable fees or strict policies. On the other hand, multiple reviewers considered Oakmont the best option for the price in the area, especially when seeking an active independent-living environment without long-term lease commitments (month-to-month plans). A clear pattern emerges: Oakmont is commonly recommended and well-liked for independent living thanks to amenities, safety, and community; it is more frequently criticized when used as assisted living, particularly when care is outsourced.
Takeaway and recommendations: Oakmont Northville presents as a well-appointed, social, and comfortable community with many amenities and a generally welcoming feel for independent-living residents. The strongest consistent positives are the physical facility, the social activities, and many individual staff members who are kind and accommodating. The largest and most serious concerns center on outsourced assisted-living services, inconsistent supervision of contracted caregivers, management attitude/turnover, dining quality and policies, and extra fees. Prospective residents and families should (1) clarify whether in-home or assisted-care services would be provided in-house or contracted out and, if contracted, which agencies are used and how they’re supervised; (2) ask for details on extra monthly fees (escorts, concierge, non-refundable deposits); (3) tour apartments to evaluate size and location relative to elevators and dining areas; (4) sample meals and inquire about dining policies (RSVP, guest access); and (5) speak with current residents about staff consistency and activities programming. Doing so will help determine whether Oakmont is the right fit — particularly distinguishing between independent living needs (where reviews are strongest) and assisted-living needs (where caution is advised).
