Bickford Cottage Ames
Families consistently rate this highly — reviewers highlight compassionate and attentive care staff. Schedule a visit to confirm the fit.
based on 38 Google reviews
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What this means for your family
Bickford Cottage Ames is highly regarded for its compassionate staff and beautiful environment, making it a strong candidate for those seeking a caring community. However, families should be aware of potential communication gaps; ensure you have clear, written confirmation during the admissions process and do not hesitate to escalate if you do not receive timely responses.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
38 reviews on Google“Bickford Cottage Ames receives high praise for its compassionate, professional staff and welcoming environment, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional work of the family advocate and marketing team. However, there are significant concerns regarding the admissions process and communication, specifically reports of last-minute cancellations and unresponsiveness to inquiries from family members.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Compassionate and attentive care staff
- Clean and well-maintained facility
- Strong leadership and family advocacy
- Engaging community outreach and events
Concerns
- Poor communication and responsiveness from management (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
- Unreliable admissions process resulting in last-minute cancellations (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 68 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1It's wonderful to see how much the leadership team engages with the community through local events; how does that spirit of connection translate to the daily social life for the residents here?
- 2We noticed how much the staff is praised for being so compassionate and attentive; how do you ensure that this high level of personalized care remains consistent across all shifts?
- 3When it comes to updates regarding a loved one's well-being, what is the best way for our family to stay in regular, reliable contact with the management team?
- 4If a medical emergency were to occur during the night or over a weekend, what specific protocols are in place to ensure my family is notified immediately?
- 5Can you walk us through the typical admissions process and how we can best prepare to ensure a smooth and predictable transition for our family?
- 6What kind of daily activities or community outings are currently available to help residents stay active and engaged with one another?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“Although, our mother's health did not allow her much time at Bickford, they were kind, compassionate, prompt, professional, and went out of their way to make the transition for our mom.”
“Our family was told that a family member was accepted and could be cared for at the Ames facility. We started paying daily rent, moved furniture in, and bought supplies needed for life at Bickford, only to be told they had changed their mind and decided less than 24 hours before scheduled transfer that they couldn’t take him.”
“I would love to give a better review. Two weeks ago, I called about my sister in law. I was told a Director would call me back. No call. A week ago I emailed both acting directors and have not heard a word.”
State Inspection History
State Inspections
Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
Mar 4, 2026ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Mar 4, 2026OtherClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Oct 23, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 8
May 29, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 2
Feb 20, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 1
May 1, 2024ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 2
Jun 28, 2023InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Mar 23, 2023ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 2
Contact
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References & Resources
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
38 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit bickfordseniorliving.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
EveryPlace is a research directory. Facility information is compiled from public sources — Medicare.gov, state licensing portals, Google Places, and publicly available street-level imagery. Listings do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advertisement, and we do not accept payment for placement. Families should verify all details directly with the facility and the original sources linked above before making any care decisions. See our Research Policy for our editorial standards, correction process, and image-removal policy.
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