Bickford of Marion

Pros

• The smaller community at Bickford of Marion creates a more personable and family-like atmosphere.
• The staff is friendly, experienced, and genuinely cares for the residents, which reflects positively on the facility.
• The facility is organized, clean, and maintains a pleasant environment with good smells and well-kept amenities.
• Residents have access to various activities such as gardening, salon services, and games in a comforting setting.
• The apartments are described as nice and spacious enough to feel like home, featuring essential amenities like microwaves and mini fridges.
• The community benefits from new security measures that enhance resident safety while providing a comfortable living experience.
• Family members appreciate the patience and support offered by the staff during transitions into the facility.

Cons

• The loved one never had the chance to move in, and despite paying in advance to hold a room, the director of nursing never showed up for the health evaluation, leading to frustration.
• The refund process was slow and complicated, taking almost two months to receive only a portion of the money, with excuses about COVID-19 causing communication issues.
• One reviewer felt that while the staff was friendly, they were not impressed with the overall facility and found the rooms to be small.
• Another reviewer mentioned that Bickford Cottage was quite a bit more expensive than other facilities and expressed concern that if their husband's needs exceeded the care provided, they might have to relocate.
• A reviewer noted that they liked Misty during orientation but felt that the facilities needed more updates and could improve further.

Review

Bickford of Marion is a senior living community that has garnered mixed reviews from visitors and families considering it for their loved ones. Several reviewers have noted the facility's intimate, homey atmosphere, pointing out its smaller size as a positive aspect that fosters a more personalized experience. Many felt that the staff took great pride in maintaining the community, highlighting their friendliness and long tenure as indicators of a well-managed facility. The warmth displayed by the employees provided reassurance to families during tours, making them feel comfortable about the potential transition for their relatives.

The physical environment of Bickford of Marion is described as clean and organized, with well-maintained common areas and amenities such as a salon, gardening areas, and courtyards. Reviewers appreciated the thoughtful layout of the facility; being somewhat circular made it easier for residents to navigate without getting lost. Although some studio apartments were viewed as small, many praised the one-bedroom options for being spacious enough to feel like home. Additionally, features like microwaves and mini-fridges were seen favorably because all meals are included in the residency package.

Food quality appeared to be an important consideration among reviewers. While most did not sample the cuisine firsthand, they noted that it smelled appetizing and that the menu offered various choices tailored to accommodate residents' dietary needs. Families reported positive feedback regarding how responsive the kitchen was to individual requests based on medical advice or personal preferences. Some mentioned observing others enjoying meals in communal settings and noted a general emphasis on creating pleasant dining experiences.

However, not all experiences at Bickford of Marion were positive. One family recounted a troubling situation where their loved one never had the chance to move in due to a sudden decline in health following delays caused by staff unavailability due to COVID-19 restrictions. Their frustration grew when they sought assistance from management regarding health assessments that went unfulfilled during critical times leading up to their loved one's passing. The financial aspect became another source of contention when refunds promised for upfront payments took longer than expected—eventually resulting in only partial reimbursement—echoing feelings of being undervalued by management throughout this distressing process.

In terms of activities available for residents, several families found Bickford’s offerings adequate but not particularly exceptional compared with other facilities in the area. Games like bingo and card tournaments contributed to social engagement opportunities within communal spaces like libraries or lounges, though one visitor felt there was not much difference between activity programs across competing communities. A few felt concerned about potential limitations on care services; while they admired aspects of Bickford's offerings like its amenities and setting, they also expressed worries about whether it could meet higher levels of care if needed later into residency.

Overall impressions were generally favorable toward Bickford of Marion despite some criticisms regarding specific service lapses during challenging periods such as those involving health emergencies or sudden outbreaks impacting staffing availability. Many found comfort in its familial environment while appreciating attentive staff members who contribute positively toward resident welfare every day there—a factor firmly underscored as essential among those seeking senior living arrangements for themselves or elderly family members—as evidenced through numerous glowing remarks highlighting how "this place feels like home." For those evaluating options for senior living accommodations nearby Marion area likely consider these candid insights valuable in guiding decisions towards an ideal residence best suited according families' unique preferences and needs amidst life transitions faced together collaboratively through challenges ahead regardless!

Located in Marion, Iowa, this area offers convenient access to a variety of healthcare services including physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals within a short distance. There are several dining options nearby ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants, as well as cafes for a relaxing cup of coffee. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the parks in the area, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For entertainment, there are theaters for catching a movie. Places of worship are also close by for spiritual needs. Overall, this part of Marion offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for convenience and comfort in their daily lives.

Physicians

• Medlabs (0.1 miles)
• Jessica J. Quinn, PA-C (0.3 miles)
• Eastern Iowa Oral Surgery (1.8 miles)
• All About Eyes (2.4 miles)
• Clear Vision Eyecare (2.8 miles)
• Northland Skin Clinic (2.9 miles)
• Trimble Deborah Lynn, DDS (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Sorg Sample Pharmacies (1.2 miles)
• Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Rockwell Collins Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Care Center at Marion (0.2 miles)
• Sedlacek Treatment Center (3.8 miles)
• Mercy Medical Center (4.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Subway (0.3 miles)
• Golden Palace Buffet (1.2 miles)
• The Hip-Stir (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Culver's (1.3 miles)
• Goldfinch Tap + E (1.3 miles)
• The Freeze (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Dry Creek Brew at 100 Main (5.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Squaw Creek (1.7 miles)
• Thomas Park (1.7 miles)
• Lowe Park (2.5 miles)
• East Knoll Park (4.6 miles)
• Sac and Fox Trail City Park (4.8 miles)
• Van Vechten Park (5.5 miles)
• Guthridge Park (5.5 miles)

Theaters

• Collins Road Theatres (2.5 miles)
• Marcus Theatres (4.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple Judah (4.3 miles)
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Parsonage (5.7 miles)