Bickford of Ames

Pros

• The staff at Bickford of Ames is exceptionally caring and friendly, making residents feel welcomed and valued.
• Many residents enjoy the activities offered, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
• The facility is well-maintained, clean, and decorated nicely, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Residents appreciate the homemade meals provided by the chef, which enhances their dining experience.
• Families feel confident in the care their loved ones receive, knowing they are safe and well-looked-after.
• The community has demonstrated effective communication regarding resident health and safety during COVID-19.
• There are plenty of common areas for residents to socialize and engage with each other.
• The outdoor courtyard provides a lovely space for residents to relax and enjoy fresh air.
• Staff members are recognized for their dedication and genuine interactions with residents, fostering a sense of trust and comfort.

Cons

• The staff at Bickford of Ames is very unfriendly, and some residents feel the facility has a prison-like atmosphere due to the locked entry.
• Several reviews mention that the food and activities provided are lacking, with some describing them as boring or uneventful.
• The pricing for living at Bickford of Ames is considered high by multiple reviewers, which turned some people off from choosing the facility.
• One reviewer noted that the staff appeared unhelpful and lacked knowledge during their tour of the facility.
• There are complaints about residents feeling trapped in a nursing home-like environment rather than an assisted living facility.

Review

Bickford of Ames has garnered a mixed array of reviews from families and visitors, illustrating a spectrum of experiences that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the facility. One of the recurring themes in many reviews is the kindness and dedication demonstrated by staff members. Family members have praised individual caregivers, particularly mentioning staff like Darla, who have gone above and beyond to create meaningful interactions with residents. Darla’s recognized efforts—coupled with her long tenure at Bickford—underscore the positive impact of genuine employee-resident relationships that are essential in assisted living environments. Many reviewers express appreciation for how the staff provides comfort not just to residents but also to their families during challenging times.

The facility itself is frequently described as well-maintained and clean, contributing to an inviting atmosphere. Visitors have noted thoughtful decor, especially seasonal decorations that enhance the overall ambiance, making it feel welcoming and home-like. The availability of common areas for socialization appears to be another strong point highlighted by many reviewers; they appreciate spaces where residents can engage in activities or simply enjoy each other’s company. However, while some have found these areas beneficial, others feel that the physical housing options might be small or cramped compared to other facilities they visited.

Despite its positive attributes regarding staff and cleanliness, Bickford of Ames has faced criticism surrounding its pricing structure and perceived value. Some reviews reflect concerns about rising costs that overshadow what some feel are only average amenities and food quality. Specific comments regarding meals indicate there may be room for improvement in variety and taste; however, other family members report satisfaction with the homemade nature of meals served. As potential residents weigh their options based on budget constraints, this aspect remains critical within their decision-making processes.

Another point raised by reviewers revolves around communication between families and staff members at Bickford. While some individuals report positive communication experiences (especially during health crises related to COVID-19), others express frustration due to miscommunications or unfriendliness from certain staff members when addressing concerns or queries. This inconsistency in service delivery plays a significant role in shaping family perceptions about care quality at Bickford.

Activity offerings are acknowledged as good overall; families recognize that engaging activities can greatly enrich residents' lives. Activities such as outings on community buses and organized games seem appealing but may benefit from increased variety according to some feedback. The balance between offering stimulating programs while catering to diverse resident interests should be continually assessed by management.

Overall impressions often vary concerning Bickford's appropriateness based on individual needs—some find it suitable particularly for those requiring memory care due to its specialized services catered toward dementia patients, while others feel it may not align perfectly with less intensive care requirements. Nevertheless, many families convey gratitude toward Bickford for providing a safe place for their loved ones during an emotional transition period often filled with uncertainty about future care settings.

In summary, Bickford of Ames stands out for its commendable staff commitment paired with a clean environment conducive to fostering social connections among residents. Yet challenges related to pricing transparency, food quality inconsistencies, communication lapses among staff members persist as areas needing attention going forward if they aim to sustain positive relations with both current residents’ families—and attract future prospects seeking reliable assisted living solutions.

This part of Ames, Iowa offers a diverse range of amenities suitable for senior living. There are several places of worship nearby, including Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Bethesda Lutheran Church, and St Paul Lutheran Church, providing opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. Additionally, there are a variety of dining options such as The Cafe, El Azteca, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop within close proximity. For medical needs, there are multiple pharmacies and physicians' offices in the area, including McFarland Clinic PC and Eye Works. Parks like Moore Memorial Park and Ada Hayden Heritage Park offer recreational opportunities for outdoor activities. Access to transportation services like U-Haul is convenient for travel needs. Overall, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle in Ames.

Places of Worship

• Nevada IA Seventh-Day Adventist Church (0.2 miles)
• Bethesda Lutheran Church ELCA (0.9 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (1 miles)
• St Paul Lutheran Church (1.2 miles)
• Mosque (1.3 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames (1.3 miles)
• Memorial Lutheran Church (1.7 miles)

Restaurants

• The Cafe (0.3 miles)
• El Azteca (0.4 miles)
• House Of Chen (0.8 miles)
• Fazoli's (0.9 miles)
• Los Altos Mexican Restaurant (1 miles)
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop (1.7 miles)
• Blaze Pizza (1.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Somerset Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• NuCara Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Nucara Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Medicap Pharmacy (2.2 miles)

Physicians

• McFarland Clinic PC (0.4 miles)
• Family Medicine North (0.9 miles)
• Whylie Eye Care Centers (1 miles)
• Eye Works (1.1 miles)
• McFarland Clinic PC (1.6 miles)
• Strosahl, Kasey Dr - Mary Greeley Medical Center Psychiatry (1.7 miles)
• William R Bliss Cancer Center (1.7 miles)

Parks

• Moore Memorial Park (0.7 miles)
• Lloyd Kurtz Park (0.8 miles)
• Ada Hayden Heritage Park (1 miles)
• Brookside Park (1.2 miles)
• Inis Grove Park (1.4 miles)
• Emma McCarthy Lee Park (1.6 miles)
• O'Neil Park (2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• The Hub Grill & Café (1.4 miles)
• Design Café (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Cafe Beaudelaire (1.7 miles)
• Stomping Grounds (1.9 miles)
• Cafe Diem (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Hearing Services of Iowa (1.3 miles)
• Mary Greeley Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• DaVita Ames Mary Greeley Dialysis (3.1 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.9 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (2.6 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Movies 12 (2.8 miles)