Bickford of Portage

Pros

• The staff at Bickford of Portage is consistently described as kind, caring, and attentive to the needs of residents.
• Many reviews highlight the facility's beautiful decor and home-like atmosphere, making it a comfortable environment for residents.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities, including balloon volleyball and crafts, which help keep them engaged and active.
• The dining experience is praised for its restaurant-style menu prepared by an executive chef, offering a good variety of meals.
• Families appreciate the communication from staff regarding care and scheduling, with some noting that follow-up was handled well.
• The smaller size of the facility allows for a more personal touch in care and interaction among residents and staff.
• Many reviewers find the activities offered to be enjoyable and beneficial for their loved ones’ well-being.
• Positive interactions with knowledgeable staff contribute to families feeling reassured about their loved ones' care.

Cons

• The caretakers at Bickford do not prioritize the residents, leading to neglect in their apartments and needs.
• Care and services have declined over the past year, with high employee turnover and inadequate stimulation for memory care residents.
• Communication with staff is inconsistent, causing concerns about monitoring the care of loved ones.
• Additional charges for every needed service create frustration for families, making it feel like costs are not transparent.
• Despite the facility's beautiful appearance, some residents feel forgotten and neglected due to understaffing and reliance on agency caregivers.

Review

Bickford of Portage has received a mixed bag of reviews from families regarding their experiences with the facility, highlighting both commendable aspects and areas where improvement is needed. Many reviewers initially chose Bickford for its appealing environment and the reputation it garnered among friends and family alike. The building itself is often described as beautiful, featuring well-decorated common areas that contribute to a warm, home-like atmosphere. Families appreciated the cozy feel of the residence, prompting a sense of comfort when visiting their loved ones inside. One reviewer noted that they loved the variety in room styles, which included kitchenettes and options for personalization with residents’ own furniture.

Nonetheless, while many reviews acknowledge the kindness and attentiveness of Bickford's staff, concerns about understaffing have surfaced. Several families expressed disappointment over inconsistent communication between staff members and delays in responding to care requests due to being busy or under-resourced. Some residents were reportedly left unattended during meals or when needing assistance with daily activities like bathing or dressing. This aspect was particularly alarming for one family member who felt compelled to monitor their loved one's care closely to ensure proper attention was given. Despite these challenges, other families noted an improvement in service with the introduction of an activity coordinator who organizes regular events for residents.

A standout feature at Bickford is its commitment to understanding specific health conditions such as PTSD and dementia; this specialized training has been praised by caregivers' families who felt reassured by their knowledge and approach. The facility even boasts a restaurant-style menu created by an executive chef offering varied dining options that exceed expectations for senior living facilities. However, there were mixed feelings toward costs associated with additional services; some reviewers mentioned that charges could accumulate quickly if extra help was required beyond what is included in base fees.

Activities offered at Bickford also drew positive remarks from families. Residents can engage in numerous social events ranging from balloon volleyball to arts and crafts sessions—a vital contribution to maintaining mental stimulation amongst aging adults. Some families highlighted how much their loved ones relished these opportunities for engagement, helping to foster connections within the community and alleviating feelings of isolation often experienced in assisted living situations.

Despite positive feedback regarding recreational offerings and staff attitudes, some poignant criticisms emerged concerning overall care quality over time—specifically mentioning increased reliance on agency caregivers who might not provide adequate support for residents’ needs. A few families voiced plans to relocate their loved ones due to dissatisfaction with care consistency particularly related to memory care services where insufficient stimulation was observed.

Finally, although several reviewers appreciated how warm the welcome was upon entering Bickford—especially praising the information provided in advance—concerns persisted regarding lack of transparency about pricing during initial discussions which left some potential residents feeling uncertain about future costs. With hospice now involved for certain residents facing terminal illness diagnoses, many hope that levels of care will continue despite previous obstacles faced along this journey. Overall ratings vary significantly by individual circumstance; while many found solace within Bickford's walls thanks to friendly staffers dedicated to improving each resident’s experience, others feel more scrutiny is warranted given high expenses tied into long-term residency there.

This area of Portage, Michigan offers a convenient and accessible location with a variety of amenities nearby. Residents can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Westfield Park and Texas Drive Park, as well as several places of worship for spiritual fulfillment. The neighborhood also boasts a range of healthcare options, including physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies for easy access to medical services. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options with fast-food chains like McDonald's and Wendy's, as well as sit-down restaurants like Moors Grille Room and Fieldstone Grill. For entertainment, seniors can visit the Celebration Cinema to catch a movie. Overall, this part of Portage provides a mix of practical conveniences and leisure activities for those looking to settle down in a welcoming community.

Parks

• Westfield Park (0.1 miles)
• Texas Drive Park (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Valley Family Church (1.5 miles)
• Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• Kalamazoo Nerve Center (1.6 miles)
• Bronson ProHealth - Elm Valley Drive (1.9 miles)
• Dr Keith Cohrs DDS (2.2 miles)
• Bronson Gastroenterology Portage (2.2 miles)
• Southwest Michigan Dermatology (2.2 miles)
• Gastroenterology of Southwest Michigan (2.2 miles)
• Karen L. Betten MD (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (2.4 miles)
• Water Street Coffee Joint (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Tim Hortons (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Sweetwater's Donut Mill (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Hilda's Rehab Clinic (1.8 miles)
• Surgery Center of Kalamazoo (2.4 miles)
• Bronson Internal Medicine Oshtemo (2.7 miles)
• WellNow Urgent Care (3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Ascension Borgess Retail Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Harding's Friendly Markets (2.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.6 miles)
• D & W Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• D&W Fresh Market (2.6 miles)
• Torrent Pharma (2.6 miles)
• Discount Rx of Michigan (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Culver's (1.9 miles)
• Moors Grille Room (1.9 miles)
• Wendy's (1.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.9 miles)
• Martell's (2 miles)
• Fieldstone Grill (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Celebration Cinema (2.5 miles)