Bickford of Gurnee

Pros

• The resident advocate at Bickford is praised for being caring, friendly, and always willing to help navigate challenges.
• The staff at Bickford of Gurnee is described as excellent, caring, and responsive to residents' needs.
• The facility is noted for its cleanliness and well-maintained environment, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Residents enjoy the nutritious meals provided at Bickford, and the food quality receives positive feedback.
• The smaller, intimate setting of Bickford fosters a sense of community among residents and staff.
• The activity offerings are appreciated, including outings and engaging group activities that keep residents occupied.
• Staff members are recognized for their proactive communication and attentiveness towards residents and families.
• The layout of the rooms is commended for being functional with good natural light and accessibility features.
• The facility's hotel-like feel and beautiful decor contribute to a pleasant living environment for residents.
• Residents have opportunities for personal expression, such as having pets in the facility.

Cons

• The billing process is described as a nightmare, indicating significant frustration with financial management.
• Communication issues were highlighted, with residents and families feeling left in the dark about important transitions and care decisions.
• A lack of adequate staffing was noted, suggesting that the facility may not have enough personnel to meet residents' needs effectively.
• Concerns were raised about camera monitoring systems, particularly regarding their responsiveness and lack of central monitoring.
• One experience mentioned a staff member who seemed more focused on securing a deposit than addressing the needs of a potential resident.
• There was mention of double-diapering practices which led to confusion and concerns about the frequency of changes for residents.
• Resistance was encountered when asking for additional physical therapy support, leading to dissatisfaction with care options available.

Review

Bickford of Gurnee has garnered a range of feedback from families, highlighting both commendable aspects and areas needing improvement as residents transition to assisted living or memory care. Many reviewers praised the facility’s intimate setting, emphasizing that its smaller size allows for personalized care. This atmosphere not only fosters a sense of community but also enables staff to build meaningful relationships with residents. The friendly demeanor of the staff is frequently noted, especially the dedicated resident advocate who plays an essential role in supporting families navigate their challenges.

The physical environment at Bickford appears well-designed for elderly residents, promoting comfort and safety. Reviewers appreciated features such as spacious rooms equipped with essential amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and bathroom safety bars. One reviewer specifically mentioned the benefits of having a seating option in the shower for those needing assistance while bathing. Overall, many felt that the accommodations met their loved ones’ needs effectively—providing adequate space for sleeping and dining while ensuring cleanliness and maintenance were consistently upheld.

However, communication issues have emerged as a significant drawback within the facility. Several families experienced frustration regarding transitions between care levels—especially when moving residents from assisted living to memory care due to mobility challenges like reliance on hoyer lifts. In one instance, a family member outlined their father's progress in physical therapy and expressed concerns over being pressured into memory care prematurely without proper acknowledgment of his improvements. These concerns highlight an urgent need for enhanced communication strategies among staff to ensure family members are kept informed about their loved ones' care plans and any impending changes.

Another recurring concern among reviewers was related to billing processes, described as unclear and frustrating—a sentiment echoed by various families navigating financial aspects alongside other stressors associated with caregiving logistics. The financial burdens associated with assisted living can be overwhelming at times, particularly when compounded by staffing shortages that some reviewers suggested might detract from individualized care opportunities available to each resident.

Despite these hurdles, many reviews indicate satisfaction with daily activities offered at Bickford of Gurnee. Activities are reported to include group puzzles, exercise classes, outings—like trips for pizza—and seasonal excursions designed to engage residents' interests. The presence of an activity director appears crucial in ensuring lively engagement among residents throughout each day. However, some reviewers noted they would appreciate an even broader range of activities available to cater differently based on individual preferences—suggesting there could be room for improvement in this area.

Overall impressions reflect a commitment by Bickford staff toward providing responsive service tailored to individual resident needs despite facing operational challenges due to turnover or staffing limitations noted by families seeking more attention during visits or inquiries about services provided within living spaces. While some expressed dissatisfaction rooted in specific experiences—such as delayed access while trying to arrange tours or perceived pressure towards making deposits—it is evident that most find value in building lasting connections cultivated through caring interactions with attentive staff members amid beautiful decor reflecting modern sensibilities throughout common areas.

In conclusion, while Bickford of Gurnee showcases numerous strengths—from clean facilities thoughtfully laid out spaces catering specifically towards older adults—they still have room for growth when addressing significant communication breakdowns between administrations regarding transitions as well as billing complexities faced by families adjusting expectations within supportive environments ultimately seeking optimal quality-of-life enhancements designed around dignity-driven caregiving approaches aligned closely alongside individual preferences included within personalized service frameworks established therein.

This part of Gurnee, Illinois, offers a mix of conveniences and amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant community. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and medical facilities within a short distance, residents can easily access essential services and enjoy dining options. Additionally, the proximity to parks and recreational areas like Butler Lake Park and Millennium Park of Lindenhurst provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The nearby hospitals and physicians' offices offer quality healthcare options for peace of mind. Transportation options such as Metra are available for easy travel around the area, while places of worship like St Gilbert Parish cater to spiritual needs. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

• Superman: Ultimate Flight (1.8 miles)
• Olive Garden (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (2 miles)
• White Castle (2 miles)
• Culver's (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Family Focused Health Care (1.8 miles)
• Northwestern Medicine Family Medicine Gurnee (1.9 miles)
• Towne Vision Center (2.2 miles)
• NorthShore Medical Office Building (2.7 miles)
• Mundelein Pediatrics (3 miles)
• Dr Amato's Office (3 miles)
• Advocate Condell Outpatient Center (3 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Somethings Brewing (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Hansa Coffee Roasters (4.5 miles)
• Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters (4.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Theaters

• Gurnee Mills Cinema Gurnee, Il (2.5 miles)
• AMC Hawthorn 12 (7.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Northwestern Grayslake Hospital (2.8 miles)
• Advocate Condell Medical Center Heart Scan (5.6 miles)
• Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (6.4 miles)
• Vista Medical Center - East (6.8 miles)
• Waukegan Il Hospital Co. (6.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Gilbert Parish (4.2 miles)
• United Methodist Church of Libertyville (4.7 miles)
• Santa Maria Del Popolo Church (6.6 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Butler Lake Park (4.5 miles)
• Millenium Park of Lindenhurst (4.6 miles)
• Waukegan Park District (4.7 miles)
• Lakefront Park (6.2 miles)
• Sun Lake Forest Preserve (6.4 miles)
• Century Park (7.7 miles)