Shady Oaks Assisted Living is a family- and veteran-owned 42-resident assisted living facility in Bristol. Its 60-member staff includes nursing, dining, recreation, office, housekeeping and maintenance employees.
Together, the Shady Oaks staff provides advanced care for residents with conditions that include dementia, Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Ninety percent of Shady Oaks residents stay and receive end-of-life care there, without needing transfers for higher care or Medicaid at other homes.
What have been the organization’s significant contributions in the past year?
Connecticut Department of Public Health records show Shady Oaks had no family complaints in more than seven years and no deficiencies in our last three inspections, in 2022, 2023 and 2025. In our 2026 U.S. News survey, no resident reported feeling lonely, and respondents rated Shady Oaks 94% for meal quality.
Shady Oaks has one certified nursing assistant per seven residents daily, one full-time RN per 14 residents, seven licensed practical nurses, one full-time recreation director per 21 residents, and one full-time chef per 21 residents. Ninety-three percent of Shady Oaks staff rate and certify us a “Great Place to Work.”
What’s a major challenge the organization had to overcome?
We needed a strong clinical team. Shady Oaks achieved this by combining good pay ($25.50 hourly CNA starting wages) and high safety. As our reputation grew, Shady Oaks won “Best of Bristol” from 2020-2026 and “Best of New Britain” from 2024-2026, while averaging 95% census.
What’s the organization’s next major challenge?
One major challenge is protecting low-asset residents from needing Medicaid transfers. Since 2017, we facilitated $1.64 million in Connecticut Pilot Program aid, but the $3,094 capped monthly average is too low. Our Shady Oaks owner, Tyson Belanger, has met with the Department of Social Services four times to seek more help.
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