Bickford Senior Living

Homelike and friendly. Very light and bright. Cost is within budget.

Facilities are good -- recently redecorated. Even has an ice cream shop! Staff very friendly. Food smelled delicious. Has memory care unit on one floor.

Bickford of Crystal Lake was number 3 of our final 3 choices for my father, who lives independently, and his wife, who requires assistance. They were looking for an apartment where they could live together; however, those that were available were too small, and my father expressed that he was not comfortable in such a small space. Bickford is inviting and homey, and the grounds were beautiful. I think that it would be a wonderful community for those who require assistance with daily tasks; however, my father is more independent than most of the residents we observed. He felt that it was not a good fit for them.

Management and staff are very caring and responsive,

An older facility with confusing hallways and tired decor in the common areas. Those are to be redecorated come Jan. Only studio apartments available which are too small for my parents.

This was one of our favorite retirement homes that we visited. The staff seemed super friendly and very accommodating. They spent a lot of time with us going over all our questions. We have set up an appointment next week to take my husband’s mother to see the facility and be assessed. They are not pressuring us but trying to make it special for her. We are going for happy hour and they offered to get her favorite wine. They have a lot of fun activities every day.

The people were wonderful. I felt welcome and that the individuals I talked with were truly interested in what my needs and wants are. The only room available made me totally claustrophobic. I left with warm feelings for the place, a delicious warm cookie in my stomach, and a lovely blanket for my shoulders.

Very nice,but did not fit our needs. A bit expensive compared to others I have visited. Was a bit disappointed that the person who I was suppose to meet with forgot I was coming and met with someone else who could not answer all of my questions, particularly financial questions

Very nice facility; could use some updating which is already scheduled. [Name removed] was very informative and helpful. Location may not suit our family location.

The community is small (40 beds?) and it is homey and well kept - clean, etc. I loved the small courtyard and the dining set-up. Somewhat concerned with the individual patient bedroom "space" as requirements would need sufficient turning room for husband's powerchair. Very friendly and welcoming staff.

Security is a plus as I had to be buzzed in by staff. Charlie their mascot was laying on the floor and loved being petted. I loved the atmosphere which had an “old fashioned” flare to it. The manager was down to earth, personal, and shared tons of information with me that I needed in order to make the best decision possible for my Mom. All levels of care offered, from respite to independent living, which was a good fit for my mother’s situation. Their nurse was brought into our meeting and she explained the levels of care and prices. She was fantastic in personality and skill. Amenities and activities offered, Front porch rocking chairs topped off my informational meeting. I would definitely use this environment for respite care for my mother. Somewhat pricey, but well worth it. Smaller facility, but the concentration is on the client that way.

[Name removed] the activities director gave the tour since it was last minute and on the weekend. She was very friendly and informative. The facilities looked really nice and the staff that we met were friendly as well.

Bickford feels a little older than the other shiny new ones I visited, but that is because they are 17 years old and that is actually good as my dad would probably feel more at home there. They had all the amenities. I really liked the staff I met and several of them talked to me. From what I gleaned from caregivers, they really care about the patients as individuals. From my tour point of view, so far they feel like their level of care and what they provide seems high quality (best so far I have seen). I liked that the center was locked down and residents cannot wander. Enrichment and partnership with college seemed really good. Price was highest though and I need to better understand true costs and how prices may go up with levels of care and memory care.

[Removed] was very informative of the facility. We loved the extra touch of the welcome sign with our names on it in the front lobby as we walked in. She was great with our father and answered all his questions. The facility was beautiful despite the clean up from the water pipe break from last week. It's on the plus list of our search for a place for dad.

We toured this community and it was very nice but all they had was 1 room open and it was on the second floor and they wanted to be on the first floor. They were huge rooms. It was very clean. The staff was helpful and answered all of my questions. Great outdoor area too.

This was my first experience with looking at Assisted Living and it was very encouraging. The building is beautiful and had lovely season decorations outdoors and in. I went at dinner time and the food smelled delicious. Residents seemed to be at several levels of mobility, but everyone seemed to have any assistance they needed. They offer exercise classes and physical therapy which my Mom really wants and have a good outdoor space to sit and enjoy the garden. Pet-friendly is a plus!

It has been really good for my mom. They have all kinds of activities, like exercises and games. She also plays the piano and everyone enjoys the music. I hear she has made lots of friends too. The meals are very good and she has been enjoying it a lot. It is a very, very nice place and the care they provide is working out very well.

Facility created a home like atmosphere. Staff seemed very friendly and attentive to residents. Smaller facility gave you a sense of community. Activities seemed a little limited but after talking to staff they create activities based on interests.

Mom is doing okay since moving here it has been a big adjustment but she is settling in. She is keeping busy with all the activities the community has which is good for her. The food is good no complaints. The staff, for the most part, has been very good. They are extremely nice and patient, however, we have had to tell them not to ask what my mother wants as far as housekeeping and bed linens to be done and just to do them. Mom has more of apartment living which is nice because she was able to bring some of her personal belonging with her.

I had a nice experience during my tour of this community. Everyone was kind to my family, and I. The staff I met was friendly, and helpful. The community was nice, and clean from what we saw. Everyone treated us well, and our tour was a pleasant one.