Bickford Of Gurnee

My grandmother is a resident here, and the only reason I gave 2 stars instead of 1 is because of the amazing CNAs here. While Bickford is a gorgeous facility and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the CNAs, something absolutely needs to change with leadership/management here. The turnover of staff is so high that the CNAs are expected to perform not only their job description, but also pick up the slack from being so understaffed that theyre expected to cook in the kitchen, clean the cafeteria/eating area and do residents laundry. My Aunt takes all of my grandmas clothes with her weekly and washes them at home to alleviate some of the stress on the CNAs and because we cant trust that its going to get done. Not to mention their washers are often broken for extended periods of time. We have seen so many good CNAs and cooks come and go because of the amount of work thats required of them. Its especially difficult for the residents that have memory loss because they will finally get used to a staff member only for them to resign a short while later. Its a total revolving door and it stresses the residents and their family members out. Understaffing has also lead to multiple residents walking right out the front door without notice, which is very scary for being on busy a busy intersection of Hunt Club and Gages Road. When family members sat down with management (including the District Manager) to voice concerns and ask what was going to be done, family members were given typical corporate blanket statements with no real sense of urgency or care. It comes off as though all they care about is the money and cutting expenses (staff) to increase their profit, even if its at the expense of their residents. For what we pay monthly at Bickford (which is a VERY pretty penny), we will be looking for another establishment for my grandmother if management doesnt make changes soon. This area has plenty of nice assisted living facilities to choose from and wed gladly give our money to one who cares more about the wellbeing and care of not only their residents, but their staff as well, rather than greed. Bickford has huge potential to be run the right way and be a wonderful facility for residents, but even the nicest facility with beautiful esthetics cant outweigh or hide the real issues that are happening.

First let me say that the workers and CNA,s are very good at Bickford. So this is not any reflection on them. They are very understaffed and it has been a revolving door. They expect them to serve food, clean up after and cook and clean the kitchen. Ridiculous. There is no one at the front door and server all residents have gotten out. When brought to corporates attention, you get a canned response. Everyone passes the buck. This is a small facility that could be run so well if it wasnt all about the money. There are plenty of places to pick from in the area. If they dont get this resolved very quickly I will be moving our loved one.

Theres a new executive director there whos been with the company for 12 years. Good cnas and nurses who are still working there from day 1. My mom loves it there and we will never move.

Beautiful facility. Feels and looks like home. Caretakers listen to your needs; family and resident. Homestyle meals with many choices. Quality of food is 5 star. Nurses are always available to listen and take care of your family member's needs. Very happy with Bickford.