Bickford of Ames offers competitive pricing for its accommodation options when compared to both Story County and the broader market in Iowa. The monthly cost for a studio at Bickford is $3,042, which is significantly lower than the county average of $5,271 but slightly above the state average of $3,613. In contrast, the one-bedroom suites are priced at $3,802, which exceeds both the local average of $2,940 and the statewide figure of $2,862. This pricing structure indicates that while Bickford provides an appealing option for studio living in terms of affordability relative to county rates, it may position itself as a premium choice for one-bedroom accommodations within the broader Iowa landscape.
Floor plans
Bickford of Ames
Story County
Iowa
Studio
$3,042
$5,271
$3,609
1 Bedroom
$3,802
$2,940
$2,863
Overall Review of Bickford of Ames
common35 reviews mention this
Staff care is a frequent highlight
Residents and families repeatedly describe the staff as caring, friendly, and responsive.
Across many reviews, people talk about staff greeting them warmly, being kind and compassionate, and treating residents with care. Several comments mention leadership and family advocates going above and beyond for both residents and families, and keeping people updated during the transition. A smaller number of reviews, however, report negative staff experiences such as being unfriendly, rude, or inattentive.
common18 reviews mention this
Facility cleanliness and comfort stand out
Residents describe a clean, well-kept environment that feels welcoming to visit.
Multiple reviews call out the facility’s cleanliness, upkeep, and decorating, with one noting it “smelled good” and looked clean and cared for. Others mention comfortable common areas like a courtyard, salon, and areas where residents can visit or relax. A few reviews disagree and describe the atmosphere as more nursing-home-like or not run properly, which contrasts with the many positive impressions.
common9 reviews mention this
Activities support daily engagement
Reviews frequently mention on-site activities and community events that keep residents engaged.
Residents and families describe activities as an important part of day-to-day life, including planned events, games, and outings like tours. Some reviews also recommend the facility for having enough to do beyond staying inside. A couple of comments criticize the activity mix as uneventful or boring, so experiences vary.
differentiator2 reviews mention this
Dementia care is a key focus
The community is presented as especially attuned to dementia care.
At least two reviews explicitly connect Bickford of Ames with dementia care, with one saying it specializes in care for those with dementia. Another review describes it as more attuned to dementia than what their loved one needed. This theme aligns with the community’s listed memory care care type and services.
caveat3 reviews mention this
Communication can be a concern
Some families report communication breakdowns during admissions and follow-up.
Several negative reviews describe not hearing back after reaching out, slow or missing callbacks, and broader communication problems. One family says admissions changed plans at the last minute after they had started paying and moving belongings in, which they described as stressful. These experiences contrast with the many positive comments about staff helpfulness and updates after move-in.
caveat4 reviews mention this
Pricing feels high and can change
Pricing is a recurring concern, with reviews describing it as expensive and changing.
Some reviews characterize the cost as high, including one that turned them off due to pricing and smaller space. Another review says prices rose significantly and notes that it was later corrected. This theme fits the community’s listed pricing range and how studio and one-bedroom pricing compares to county and state benchmarks.
How we summarize
Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes are displayed.
Features
Housing
1-bedroom apartments
Studio apartments
Types of Care
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Pets
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Amenities
Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Financing advice
Garden
Guasts at mealtime
Guest parking
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Laundry
Outdoor common areas
Party space
Private cleaning services
Resident parking
Respite or short term stays offered
Security gate
TV room
VA Benefits Consultation
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation
Transportation & parking
Care Services
Ambulatory care
Diabetic care
Incontinence care
Medication management
Dining
Diabetes diet
Low / no sodium
Meals provided
Room service
Vegetarian
Activities
Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Arts and crafts
Devotional activities offsite
Devotional activities on-site
Fitness programs
Games
Gardening club
Live musical performances
Religious services
Stories
Wii bowling
Languages Spoken
English
Nearby Places of Interest
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)
Bickford of Ames offers competitive pricing for its accommodation options when compared to both Story County and the broader market in Iowa. The monthly cost for a studio at Bickford is $3,042, which is significantly lower than the county average of $5,271 but slightly above the state average of $3,613. In contrast, the one-bedroom suites are priced at $3,802, which exceeds both the local average of $2,940 and the statewide figure of $2,862. This pricing structure indicates that while Bickford provides an appealing option for studio living in terms of affordability relative to county rates, it may position itself as a premium choice for one-bedroom accommodations within the broader Iowa landscape.
Incontinence care is essential in supporting residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, as it addresses both their physical and emotional needs while promoting dignity and comfort. By providing specialized assistance in this sensitive area, staff can help minimize anxiety and maintain personal hygiene, which contributes to the overall well-being of residents. Medication management plays a critical role in ensuring that individuals receive appropriate treatments on time, thereby mitigating potential behavioral changes associated with missed doses or incorrect medications. This careful oversight not only enhances health outcomes but also instills a sense of routine and security for residents, ultimately fostering a more stable and supportive environment conducive to their cognitive and emotional needs.
Bickford of Ames on seniors.fyi includes 17 photos including images showing decor, interior, dining, windows, living room, wall art, patio, outdoor furniture, and more.
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Memory care activities are essential for improving the quality of life of seniors with cognitive impairments, as they stimulate cognitive function, promote well-being, and encourage social interaction through tailored strategies. These activities combine structured exercises with spontaneous tasks, sensory engagement, physical workouts, creative pursuits, and intergenerational interactions to enhance emotional connection and a sense of purpose.
Transitioning from assisted living to memory care is driven by an individual's cognitive decline and specific needs, requiring careful evaluation of indicators like increased confusion and wandering. The process involves consulting medical professionals, researching suitable communities, considering financial and legal aspects, and ensuring effective communication for personalized care plans.
The article differentiates between assisted living and memory care, explaining that assisted living supports seniors with daily activities while promoting independence, whereas memory care provides specialized services for individuals with dementia, focusing on secure environments and cognitive support. It also addresses staff training, safety considerations, costs, family involvement, and transition strategies for families navigating these care options.
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1-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities off-site
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Financing advice
Garden
Guest parking
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Laundry
Outdoor common areas
Party space
Respite or short term stays offered
Security gate
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation & parking
Ambulatory care
Diabetic care
Incontinence care
Medication management
Diabetes diet
Low / no sodium
Arts and crafts
Fitness programs
Games
Live musical performances
Stories
Wii bowling
English
Caring, patient staff in a clean, apartment-like environment with engaging activities and quality dining.
Engaging Memory Care Activities That Enhance Quality of Life
When to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Key Indicators, Steps, and Finding the Right Community
Understanding the Distinctions: Assisted Living and Memory Care Explained
