1.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Review for Bickford of Crystal Lake

I wanted to write a review so that other families can know what they are getting their family members into by placing them there. My father had multiple myeloma and had many hospital stays with pneumonia before becoming weaker and spending some time at Ignite. Because he was unable to continue doing physical therapy, we needed to find him a place for more care that would eventually turn into hospice care. In checking with Bickford, we were promised that they had all the care my dad would need up to and including hospice care. [name removed] and I believe the intake nurse came right away to assess my father and insured us that this would be a perfect place for him. It couldn’t have been further than the truth. We brought and bought everything he needed for his room. When it came the day to move him in, they still had all his things in a storage area and had my brother not given them a reminder, my dad would have been the room with nothing. After a couple days, transitions was called and put in place to help my dad get the medications that he needed . Unfortunately, the orders for care, medications times, and dosages got lost when getting into their scheduling. They could Not keep up with the sometimes daily changes in medication and how they were to be administered. After my dad could no longer swallow the crushed pills with applesauce, hospice ordered liquid medication for him. I happened to be there and noticed white bubbling pills on my dad lips and saw that the nurse had crushed up his pills in applesauce and just put it in his mouth!! I hate to think of what would have happened if I was not there. It was at that point that between my brother and I, we were the ones calling for his meds, making sure they were given correctly and trying to track down the ONE nurse on call for the entire facility. I eventually had to buy an air mattress and move in his room to make sure there was care for him 24 hours. Throughout this time, I made sure that [name removed] was made aware of all the mistakes, sharp and snotty remarks from some of the staff, and how they in no way have the ability or the staff to handle someone on hospice care. I found myself reaching out in tears in the middle of night to a hospice person to come help me because there was no one available to help my dad. [names removed]response was that because my dad’s medications and needs for care changed, their system could not or did not process the changes timely. When they would check the orders from hospice, they said they could see them in there but, we’re not processed into my dad’s chart. How is that helpful?! There were many times my dad never received his pills in time and sometimes they were hours late. I heard my dad yelling in pain with no meds to help him. I was sick to my stomach feeling so helpless. They are used to patients who are in long term care that don’t have these types of changes. Somehow, my dad developed COVID. In turn, his wife, my brother, and myself then caught it. I was the only one that was asymptomatic. The staff really was hesitant to come in. They suited up and gave medication but I bought an air mattress and moved in his room so he would have the 24 hour care he needed. Hospice tried to find someone to stay the nights but no one was available. I understandably was not allowed to leave his room. I noticed a change in my dad and asked the nurse when she came in if these changes were anything to worry about. She said his vitals were ok and it was normal. My brother was finally feeling better and was coming to relieve me for the afternoon and night. Unfortunately, my dad passed only hours after I had left. In retrospect, there were a handful of very caring and competent nurses and a few aides who were a blessing for my dad. Bickford has no place ever caring for patients on hospice. This is a facility for patients to be fed, watch TV play some games or do puzzles with minimal change to medications. I have felt so guilty and broken-hearted that I placed my dad in their care. Please encourage other families not choose this facility for any type of critical care.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

My experience

The caregivers were wonderful, my dad enjoyed the dining. A wide variety of activities were offered, and they always had time to answer my questions. When hospice care was required they were very helpful.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

4.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Staff

5.0

Meals & Dining

5.0

Great facility

Everyone is nice and accommodating. They have good activities for the residents. My Mom is able to move around the facility without any issues. The food is outstanding.They took a group out for lunch one day and my mother said it was the best salad she has ever eaten at a restaurant.

3.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Cleanliness

3.0

Friendliness

4.0

Value for Cost

4.0

Care Services

5.0

Staff

1.0

Meals & Dining

4.0

Bickford of Crystal Lake

My dad needed more care than assisted living could provide. That should have been identified that from the beginning. I think they just wanted to fill the bed/room. PCT and RN and head if nursing great. After you sign and pay they are slow to respond if at all - after first month still asking for lights in the closet to work .... waiting for new bulbs....

5.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Staff

5.0

Meals & Dining

5.0

Great staff, great food, great experience

It was the perfect place for us. We never second guessed our decision to choose the Bickford. It is clean, but I think they made a mistake by going with a lighter carpeting, with so much traffic. The entire staff could not have been nicer or more accommodating. The quality of care is great for assisted living. The food is all from scratch, nothing processed. I did not stay there with my husband, I ate most of my meals there with him and enjoyed the food very much. I was not around for the activities, but the end of summer party was very nice. I felt we received our monies worth.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Staff

5.0

Meals & Dining

5.0

A wonderful experience for our Aunt

Our experience with Bickford of Crystal Lake has been so positive! Our Aunt is 100% satisfied with the amazing care, friendly staff, and wonderful services provided by Bickford. The caring staff regularly communicates with us and assists us in any way needed. Thank you for making this transition so positive and seamless for our Aunt!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Staff

5.0

Meals & Dining

5.0

Peace of Mind

I felt that my loved one got excellent care at this facility. Everyone here was knowledgeable and pleasant. My loved one's laundry was done and his room was clean. He had fallen, but was wearing a monitor that alerted them immediately. They took his vitals and assessed him and called me to let me know that he'd fallen but was not injured. He was able to corroborate their story. My only problem was getting someone to help him communicate with us. He's unable to Video Chat or call independently, so it was kind of a hassle to get someone to help him with that. That's been a problem with every facility that he's gone to. I would highly recommend this facility to friends and family.

4.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

4.0

Care Services

5.0

Staff

4.0

Meals & Dining

3.0

Our Experience

We reserved a room for my loved one and we were put on a wait list. Then they called us for a room, then they started to delay it more and more. It went on for a few weeks. They could have left it alone as we moved through the list. Instead of the back and forth. That could be improved on. The food was good with some variety for each meals. The staff was very friendly and communicative and went out of their way to let us know they enjoyed my loved one being there. We where able to reach out to staff if we had any questions or concerns by phone call or text.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

3.0

Care Services

4.5

Staff

4.5

Meals & Dining

4.0

Overall it is a good place. I feel they need more organization or assistance with meal services. There are times where the residents have to wait 45 minutes for meals. This is part of a larger corporation. I believe it should be looked at as a bigger picture and not just at the community level. Overall I would recommend this community to others for their loved ones.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Great place for a loved one

We are completely satisfied with the Bickford community. We liked how it had a homey feeling to it and the overall appearance and of the place. We would definitely recommend this community to a family or friend.

0.5 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

0.5

Friendliness

0.5

Value for Cost

0.5

Care Services

0.5

Activities

0.5

Don't send anyone here.

Terrible Place. Had a family member stay here and it got dirtier and nastier with the current director - she just doesn't care, all she cares about is filling the place. With people that don't belong there - totally unfit for assisted living. She can put a good show on, but don't believe her. And she's totally unqualified to be a manage or care for the elderly dependent on her. The food is terrible. Cold. Burned. Hard. Over-salted. Staff turnaround is terrible. A couple of staff have been there forever and they are wonderful, but they cannot compensate for the lack of quality in all else. Half the time on weekends there is one person running the entire place, both sides Assisted Living and Memory Care. It's a scary place to have someone.

0.5 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

0.5

Friendliness

0.5

Value for Cost

0.5

Care Services

0.5

Activities

0.5

Please don't send your loved ones here!!

The rooms they show you are clean. The staff is great when a tour comes through, but that's all. Understaffed. Underqualified. Extremely dirty and poorly managed. See if you can get into the kitchen and observe the filth on the cabinets and floor. Check out the staff breakroom. Look at food that's being served and taste it. Check out the residents that belong in a higher level of care but are there instead. Staff turnaround is a revolving door. Five Nursing Directors in 4 years what does that tell you? Management at this Bickford is terrible and uncaring. Don't be fooled. Too many nice close places (Clarendale in Algonquin 5Star and brand new Melody in Lake in the Hills 5-Star ++).

3.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

3.0

Friendliness

3.0

Value for Cost

3.0

Nice facility, informative staff, very flexible, but expensive.

0.5 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

0.5

Friendliness

0.5

Value for Cost

0.5

Care Services

0.5

Activities

0.5

Disappointed

I have been really disappointed with the care my mom received here. I would find her soaked/full of poop daily. Sometimes they would forget to bring her to meals. The director has promised a lot but has not delivered. The food is always cold,burnt, or undercooked. I do not like to complain but I’m looking elsewhere for mom. I recommend staying away. The cnas are very understaffed and there’s high turnover with staff. Sometimes there’s no staff on hand. It’s sad but during the tour it looked nice.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Definitely a great place for mom

I was desperately looking for a place for my mother and I spoke to [name removed] one of their representative at the Crystal Lake facility and she did a great job of explaining the Community the entire staff does a great job there my mother was in hospice care prior to moving into his community and now she’s walking again with a walker participating in church participating in sing-alongs and actually gaining back some Bodyweight she is very happy there and I am Glad I made this decision she’s only been at their residence for 63 days and made a remarkable recovery

5.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Many Thanks!

Thank you for all your recommendations, and for being so prompt and comprehensive. The Bickford is perfect for Mom. It’s small enough to be personal and cozy, yet professional and efficient. The people are great—warm and caring. We really are quite amazed that this happened so easily.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Loved the small family type setting. Loved the " no facility look and no facility smell" It seemed very homey. They were so nice and welcoming. Many activities for mom to do.

4.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

4.0

Friendliness

4.0

Value for Cost

4.0

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Stopped by on the spur of the moment. They were nice enough to give me a tour. Memory area small # of residents. Very clean. Their assisted living is much bigger. Looks like good selection of food but I didn't get to try it. Bring your own furniture. Pricing is not straight [removed] rate for room+care rate +community fee. More expensive than others.Private pay only. Is a great place.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Verified Review

Cleanliness

5.0

Friendliness

5.0

Value for Cost

5.0

Care Services

5.0

Activities

5.0

Home-style environment

I love Bickford for its home-style environment, small resident size and professional staff. Mom attends activities with the caregiver's assistance, however, does not remember what she has done when asked later.

Bickford of Crystal Lake

Senior living options offered

Pricing

Base fees by care type

Reviews

Review for Bickford of Crystal Lake

My experience

Great facility

Bickford of Crystal Lake

Great staff, great food, great experience

A wonderful experience for our Aunt

Peace of Mind

Our Experience

Great place for a loved one

Don't send anyone here.

Please don't send your loved ones here!!

Disappointed

Definitely a great place for mom

Many Thanks!

Home-style environment

Neighborhoods

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