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Bickford of Urbandale

Bickford of Urbandale is an assisted living and memory care community in Urbandale, IA.

Information last verified: December 31, 2025

5915 Sutton Place, Urbandale, IA 50322

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

4.4 from 96 reviews

5 stars

65

4 stars

18

3 stars

6

2 stars

1

1 stars

6

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Bickford of Urbandale Costs & Pricing

Bickford of Urbandale offers competitive pricing for its residents, particularly when compared to the broader market in Polk County and across Iowa. For a studio room, the monthly cost at Bickford is $1,406, significantly lower than the average costs of $3,533 in Polk County and $3,613 statewide. This presents an attractive option for individuals seeking affordable care without compromising on quality. However, for a one-bedroom unit, Bickford's price of $4,867 stands in stark contrast to the county average of $2,528 and the state average of $2,862. This discrepancy highlights a potential need for prospective residents to consider their options carefully based on their specific needs and budget constraints. Overall, while Bickford excels in affordability for studio accommodations, it may be worth exploring other alternatives for one-bedroom living arrangements within the region.

Floor plans	Bickford of Urbandale	Polk County	Iowa
Studio	$1,406	$3,533	$3,609
1 Bedroom	$4,867	$2,528	$2,863

Overall Review of Bickford of Urbandale

common 34 reviews mention this

Staff kindness and responsiveness stand out

Residents and families consistently describe staff as kind, caring, and responsive to needs.

Many reviewers emphasize how welcoming and genuinely caring the staff feel, using words like “family” and noting that caregivers show up for daily needs. A number of families also mention specific help—answering questions, walking alongside them, and following up when something happens. Some negative reviews still point to problems with communication or care delivery, but even those reflect that staffing and leadership matter to residents’ day-to-day experiences.

common 28 reviews mention this

Home-like feel with strong cleanliness

Reviewers repeatedly mention a home-like environment and ongoing cleanliness.

Across reviews, people describe the facility as clean, well kept, and warm in a way that feels less institutional. Multiple comments highlight a “homey” atmosphere, welcoming smells, and environments that look loved or maintained. A smaller set of notes includes concerns such as odor or less-than-perfect cleanliness in specific areas, including memory care.

common 21 reviews mention this

Activities keep residents engaged

Residents often point to regular activities that help keep people engaged.

Reviewers frequently describe organized activities, off-site and on-site events, and an activities coordinator who helps residents stay entertained. Several mention engagement through games, music, crafts, and church services, and a few say family members see improved comfort or happiness when activities fit. There are also a few limits noted—some people say activities didn’t interest their loved one, and one reviewer describes activities being limited or inconsistent.

common 19 reviews mention this

Dining is a frequent positive

Dining draws frequent praise for taste, variety, and meal support.

Many reviewers mention that meals are good, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared, with some specifically calling out variety and options. Families also describe meal support as part of daily routines, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A few reviews raise concerns about food quality or portions, but the overall theme is that dining is a standout part of the experience.

caveat 10 reviews mention this

Care timing and staffing raise concerns

Some families report care breakdowns tied to staffing and medication timing.

A recurring concern in the reviews is delays and gaps in care delivery, including medication changes not being completed on time and difficulty getting needed attention. Several comments connect problems to being understaffed and mention inconsistent follow-through around resident needs. Even while many others report good care, these complaints are specific enough to focus attention on timeliness and consistency.

caveat 6 reviews mention this

Cost feels high for some families

A number of families say the community is expensive for the level of fit.

Some reviewers describe pricing as too high or more than expected, and at least one compares cost and care levels with another option they considered. There is also a concern about eligibility for public funding mentioned by a tour review, which affected the decision for that family. Taken together, pricing comes up as a barrier even for visitors who otherwise liked the facility.

How we summarize

Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes become a section.

Features

Housing

98 resident community capacity

Types of Care

Assisted Living
Memory Care
Respite Care

Pets

Cats allowed
Dogs allowed

Amenities

Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site
Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Resident parking
Respite or short term stays offered
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

Des Moines International (8 miles away)
Community operated transportation
Transportation & parking
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments

Care Services

12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Mild cognitive impairment
Special dietary restrictions
Specialized memory care programming

Dining

Diabetes diet
Meals provided
Special dietary restrictions
Vegetarian

Activities

Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services
Devotional activities offsite
Devotional activities on-site
Fitness programs
Planned day trips
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities

Nearby Places of Interest

This area of Urbandale, Iowa offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to reside in the community. With several reputable dining options such as McDonald's, Bandit Burrito, and El Mariachi nearby, residents can enjoy a variety of cuisine choices. In terms of healthcare services, Mercy Urbandale Medical Clinic and several pharmacies are within close proximity for easy access to medical care. Additionally, Terra Park and Lions Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For entertainment, Flix Brewhouse Des Moines is conveniently located for movie enthusiasts. Overall, this part of Urbandale offers a balanced mix of essential services and recreational activities suitable for senior living needs.

Restaurants

McDonald's (0.3 miles)
Bandit Burrito (0.6 miles)
Jersey Mike's (1 miles)
El Mariachi (1.2 miles)
McAlister's Deli (1.4 miles)
Maria's Mexican Food (1.4 miles)
Van Dee's Ice Cream Shoppe (1.4 miles)

Parks

Terra Park (0.8 miles)
Lions Park (1.2 miles)

Physicians

Mercy Urbandale Medical Clinic (0.9 miles)
Eyemart Optical Outlet - North Des Moines (1.3 miles)
Christian Eye Clinic (1.5 miles)
Iowa Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center (1.7 miles)
Vision Eye Clinic (1.9 miles)
Iowa Skin Clinic M M Baig MD (2 miles)
Johnston Family Physicians (2.2 miles)

Theaters

Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (1.2 miles)

Cafes

Starbucks (1.2 miles)
Panera Bread (2.7 miles)
Starbucks (3.7 miles)
Starbucks (4.4 miles)
Caribou Coffee (4.8 miles)
St Kilda Collective (5.2 miles)

Pharmacies

CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
Walgreens (1.5 miles)
Walgreens (1.7 miles)
Walgreens (1.7 miles)
Walgreens (1.9 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
Medicap Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

Mercy Franklin Center (2.8 miles)
Spay Clinics (3.8 miles)
Iowa Methodist Medical Center (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

Saylorville Baptist Church (4.3 miles)
Covenant Presbyterian Church (4.8 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at Bickford of Urbandale in Urbandale, IA?

Where is Bickford of Urbandale?

Does Bickford of Urbandale provide care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease?

Does Bickford of Urbandale allow residents to have pets?

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