I liked Oaks on Parkwood because it would be close to my son. We looked at a studio apartment that had a bay window in it, which made the room seem so much bigger than just the actual size of it and I love bay windows. I loved that they had a bird feeder outside so I could see the birds and watch them. They have all the appliances in them. There's a stove, a refrigerator, a microwave, a washer-dryer, a water heater, and everything you need, but you have to pay for your own TV. The staff that took us around was caring, outgoing, and willing to work with you. Their kindness was just tremendous. People liked to decorate the outside of their rooms and pets were allowed. You could plant flowers in the flower beds by your apartment if you wanted to. They have a swimming pool that's not deep and they have a gym where you can sit in with an instructor or you can do your own thing.

We went to the Oaks on Parkwood. The experience was excellent, the place was very clean and neat. What we liked about them is you have 12 apartments in a building, with six buildings in independent living. So you have your own apartment, it's got its own bedroom, living room, bathroom, and you have a half bath for guests who are visiting. In each of these buildings, there's a center area where the people in these apartments eat lunch every day. They have other activities and things to do there. In the main building on campus, on Wednesday morning they have breakfast where people from all six of those buildings plus all the garden homes come up there and eat breakfast together on Wednesday morning. They have a pool, they do water aerobics there, they have a workout center, they have a community activity, arts and crafts, music. My aunt only likes to eat organic food. This place has a full kitchen in the apartment, and she can cook her own breakfast and dinner. She liked that part of the independent side of it. She wouldn't have to change her eating habits. They also take them to doctor's appointments.

I've visited The Oaks on Parkwood in Bessemer, Alabama. It seemed to be a really nice place. The staff was helpful and they answered all my questions. The room that I saw was very nice. It was a nice apartment, a 1-bedroom. I wasn't real pleased with the dining area. I didn't like the idea of putting the food out and everybody just serve themselves. The activities seemed to be good, there's lots of things to do. They have games and crafts. They have exercise and swimming area. The living atmosphere seemed good, and everybody seemed to be happy.

My experience at The Oaks on Parkwood independent living is good. My apartment is lovely. They have activities from food activities, to musicals, to karaoke. The food is excellent.