Bickford of Urbandale
Save5915 Sutton Place, Urbandale, IA 50322
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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 |
Bickford of Urbandale is best suited for families seeking a warm, homelike assisted living experience where staff engagement and daily life feel personal. The community shines for residents who do not require intensive medical intervention and who value a sociable, predictable routine. It is especially appealing to families who want a strong everyday cadence of activities, homemade-style meals, and a safe, single-story layout with an enclosed courtyard that supports easy mobility and outdoor time. Those who need Medicaid coverage or high-acuity clinical oversight should look for alternatives, as this community operates best within a higher touch, less medically complex model.
The positives are deeply rooted in culture and continuity. caregivers are consistently described as caring and dedicated, and many reviews highlight long-tenured staff who know residents well and treat them like family. The activity program is a standout, led by a dynamic Happiness Coordinator and supported by capable medication assistants, creating a rhythm of engagement that residents respond to with smiles and participation. Cleanliness and homey d?cor reinforce a welcoming atmosphere, while meals and housekeeping support round out daily life in a way that feels more like a well-run home than a clinical facility. Overall, the environment supports independence, connection, and dignity.
Yet there are meaningful drawbacks that families must weigh. The most serious concerns center on care delivery and medication management, including reports of delays in physician evaluation and incomplete medication adjustments. Understaffing is acknowledged by staff as an industry-wide challenge, which translates into slower response times and uneven coverage at critical moments. Feedback on memory care is mixed: some praise its strength, while others describe dim lighting, less distinct separation from assisted living, and questions about safety and pacing. Occasional operational irritants - smells, maintenance gaps, and accessibility issues for wheelchair users - also surface in some experiences. Price sensitivity remains inconsistent among reviewers, with opinions ranging from value-for-money to affordability concerns tied to funding options.
These pros and cons do not cancel each other out; they offset in practical, lived ways. The core advantage - a warm, attentive staff culture - tends to smooth over scheduling gaps and moments of clinical lag, because caregivers who know residents' likes, dislikes, and routines can still offer meaningful connection and reassurance. The homelike vibe, strong dining program, and robust activities calendar give residents daily purpose and novelty, which many families judge to be worth the occasional service delay. The enclosed courtyard and one-floor design bolster safety and accessibility, allowing residents to move about with confidence. When leadership is responsive and communication is steady, families report that problems become manageable and trust deepens, even amid inevitable bumps.
For families weighing alternatives, Medicaid access and more intensive memory-care guarantees are the primary pivots. Several reviewers suggest that memory care experiences at Bickford Urbandale may not meet every family's expectations, underscoring why some families consider other options with more clearly defined memory-care separations or higher acuity supports. Accessibility and infrastructure concerns - some spaces described as older or not fully optimized for wheelchair use - also push buyers to compare with newer or more fully adapted communities. Those seeking a less expensive tier or a facility that routinely accepts government funding will likely find stronger alignment elsewhere.
Prospective movers should approach a tour with a precise checklist. Inquire about current staff-to-resident ratios by shift, and request a clear explanation of the med-management workflow from physician notification to pharmacy delivery and nurse follow-through. Meet the Happiness Coordinator and dining/activities staff to gauge how resident engagement actually looks day-to-day; observe a mealtime and an activity, and ask how individualized plans are tracked. Confirm Medicaid eligibility and review the dining menu for any dietary restrictions. Finally, probe the memory-care arrangement: is there a distinct unit, how staff are trained to handle dementia-related behaviors, and what safety measures are in place. For families that prize a heartfelt, community-driven home life and can navigate price and moderate medical needs, Bickford of Urbandale remains a compelling choice; for those prioritizing Medicaid coverage or advanced memory-care capabilities, it pays to explore alternatives with a sharper fit to those requirements.
Bickford of Urbandale in Urbandale, IA is an assisted living community that offers specialized care for individuals with memory needs, as well as respite care for short-term stays. The community provides a wide range of amenities to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
On-site activities and a gaming room offer opportunities for social engagement and entertainment. Air-conditioning ensures comfort in all seasons, while bath tubs and wheelchair accessible showers cater to varying needs. A beautician and beauty salon are available on-site for personal grooming needs. Cable or satellite TV is provided for residents' entertainment.
Residents can take advantage of community-operated transportation to access nearby destinations, or make use of the transportation arrangement service for non-medical purposes. Transportation to doctors appointments is also available. The outdoor common areas and garden provide space for relaxation and fresh air.
The fully furnished apartments include private bathrooms and kitchenettes, allowing residents to maintain privacy and independence. Housekeeping services and laundry ensure a clean living environment.
Care services at Bickford of Urbandale include 24-hour supervision, assistance with activities of daily living, ambulatory care, assistance with bathing and dressing, as well as medication management. Residents with diabetes receive specialized care including a diabetes diet if needed. Incontinence care is also provided.
The dining experience at Bickford of Urbandale is personalized based on individual dietary restrictions, including vegetarian options. Meals are provided in a restaurant-style dining setting.
Residents can engage in various activities such as fitness programs, planned day trips, resident-run activities, and scheduled daily activities. Concierge services assist residents in planning their days and accessing community-sponsored activities offsite.
The location of Bickford of Urbandale provides easy access to several amenities in the surrounding area. There are nearby cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals.
Overall, Bickford of Urbandale offers a comprehensive range of care services and amenities to ensure the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of its residents.
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.
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.
Bickford of Urbandale is located at 5915 Sutton Place, Urbandale, IA 50322 in Polk County, Iowa
Bickford of Urbandale's comprehensive memory care services are designed to address the unique needs of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The 24-hour supervision ensures residents receive constant support and safety, while assistance with activities of daily living--including bathing, dressing, and transfers--promotes dignity and encourages independence. Incontinence care is managed with sensitivity, ensuring comfort for residents. Meal preparation and service cater to nutritional needs, which can impact cognitive health. Medication management ensures adherence to prescribed treatments, reducing the risk of confusion regarding dosages. The mental wellness program fosters cognitive engagement through tailored activities that stimulate memory and social interaction. Additionally, specialized memory care programming targets various stages of cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment, providing a structured environment that supports both emotional well-being and physical health throughout their journey.
Yes, Bickford of Urbandale allows both dogs and cats.
Bickford of Urbandale on seniors.fyi includes 24 photos including images showing decor, interior, windows, landscaping, dining, bedroom, living room, outdoor seating, and more.
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