Bickford of Urbandale

Pros

• The staff at Bickford of Urbandale are described as wonderful, friendly, and caring, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and their families.
• The facility is generally clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Residents enjoy good quality food with a variety of options available, making dining experiences enjoyable.
• The facility has a lovely location surrounded by nature, providing opportunities to see wildlife such as deer and birds.
• Activities offered at Bickford include music and crafts, which some residents appreciate, along with outside entertainers and church services.
• The rooms are spacious, modern, and equipped with amenities like refrigerators that cater to residents’ needs.
• Families feel supported by the staff who show genuine care for their loved ones’ well-being during their stay.
• The enclosed courtyard allows residents to enjoy outdoor time safely, enhancing their overall experience at the facility.

Cons

• The memory care unit at Bickford of Urbandale lacked cleanliness and had a funky smell, particularly in dimly lit areas.
• Timeliness in responding to residents' call buttons was an issue, likely due to staffing shortages.
• Some staff members seemed disinterested or not fully engaged in their roles.
• Activities offered were not engaging enough for all residents, with a need for new games and more varied options.
• There were concerns about the accessibility of the facility for individuals with mobility issues, especially those in wheelchairs or power chairs.
• The memory care residents were reportedly not adequately separated from the general population.
• The level of care provided did not always meet the needs of residents, leading to dissatisfaction with specific services.

Review

Bickford of Urbandale has garnered a mix of feedback from families regarding its assisted living and memory care services. Overall, many reviewers praise the facility for its homey feel and the kindness exhibited by the staff. Families have noted that the directors actively engage with residents, providing a reassuring presence during challenging times. This level of involvement is particularly appreciated by those taking care of loved ones with significant health issues, as one reviewer described how the staff embraced her mother as part of their extended family during her final days. The scenic location, surrounded by nature where deer and birds can often be seen, contributes to an inviting atmosphere that families find comforting.

Despite these positives, several concerns were raised regarding cleanliness and maintenance within specific areas of the facility. While many parents reported that Bickford was generally clean, some mentioned occasional unpleasant odors, particularly in the memory care section. Reviewers indicated that this area lacked adequate lighting and that it suffered from a 'funky smell' at times. Concerns were also voiced about the responsiveness of staff to resident care needs; notably, some felt that delays occurred in answering calls from emergency buttons due to possible staffing shortages.

The quality of care provided at Bickford is broadly viewed as good; however, room for improvement exists according to some families. Residents reportedly receive timely assistance for most needs but may require more prompt responses during critical situations like medical emergencies. Another area identified for potential enhancement is the variety and appeal of activities offered. While outdoor entertainers were highlighted positively and church services regularly occur on-site, families suggested an infusion of new games or programs to keep residents engaged.

Food quality emerged as another important theme in reviews; while many praised Bickford's dining options as tasty and fresh—often noting generous portion sizes—there was a consensus calling for more seasonal fruits and vegetables on the menu. Families appreciated having alternative meal choices available but felt there could be greater emphasis on healthy offerings.

Several reviewers who toured Bickford before making decisions expressed their admiration for both the aesthetic appeal and functional layout of communal spaces such as dining areas and activity rooms. Although prospective residents found many aspects appealing—such as spacious rooms with courtyard views—some reported difficulty obtaining information related to Medicaid acceptance or had hesitations about pricing structures when compared to other facilities in the area.

Challenges do exist regarding accessibility within certain areas—particularly concerning wheelchair users—and some reviewers found that not all staff members met expectations consistently (especially nursing staff). In terms of memory care specifics, there appeared to be dissatisfaction with how these units were structured since they seemed integrated with general population areas rather than serving distinct needs separately. Ultimately though their experiences varied widely based on personal circumstances or specific resident requirements, multiple families concluded they would recommend Bickford of Urbandale based on overall positive interactions coupled with essential support offerings tailored towards those needing different levels of assistance.

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)