Bickford of Lafayette is designed exclusively for Memory Care and accepts residents with a wide spectrum of cognitive and medical needs. The team can manage behaviors such as wandering at any time of day, exit-seeking, combativeness, staying awake through the night, and other complex behavioral issues associated with advanced dementia. Medical monitoring and interventions cover wound care, oxygen use, special diets, and all levels of diabetic management—from oral medications to injections and sliding-scale insulin. The community is also open to residents under 60 years old who require Memory Care services.

Clinical oversight is provided by registered or licensed nurses on site around the clock, supported by an awake night shift and an Activity Director who plans cognitive and social programming. Safety systems include background-checked staff, door alarms, pull cords, a Personal Emergency Response System, fenced outdoor areas, and 24-hour security coverage. On-site medical services extend to visiting podiatry and audiology, and the community accepts residents with psychiatric diagnoses. Staff can deliver full assistance with bathing, dressing, and toileting, while mealtime support is offered for those who can self-feed. Transfer capabilities range from standby help to two-person and Hoyer lift transfers, including care for bed-bound residents, as well as safe mobility with walkers and wheelchairs.

Apartments feature practical touches such as private bathrooms, individual climate control, cable connections, and the option to furnish, paint, or decorate to personal preference. Some units include kitchenettes, while others come fully furnished for a simpler move-in. Scheduled laundry and housekeeping services are provided for all residents, although not every apartment contains every listed amenity.

Dining follows a set menu with the flexibility of on-order selections, in-room tray service, and a private dining room for family visits. Snacks are stocked throughout the day, and the culinary staff accommodates physician-ordered diets including mechanical-chopped, puréed, thickened-liquid, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other specialized meal plans.

Residents have access to wheelchair-friendly common areas, a barber and beauty shop, internet service, resident parking, on-site religious services, communal gardens, concierge assistance, themed clubs, and scheduled transportation. Pets are allowed; it’s a good idea to check with the community during your visit to see if your pet will be allowed.

Residents and their families say:

This community has drawn mixed reactions from relatives and prospective residents, with numerous praising its caring and attentive staff, and a range of amenities that foster a homely feel. Several reviewers highlighted the director's involvement and the deep relationships developing between residents and staff, suggesting a very loving and engaged community atmosphere. The facility's ability to accommodate personal touches like bringing in own furniture, alongside its clean environment and secured outdoor spaces, has evidently left a positive impression on many. Activities, such as puzzle-solving and other interactive engagements, have been particularly appreciated, suggesting that when activities do take place, they're meaningful and enjoyed.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the community's staffing levels, with multiple mentions of perceived understaffing, affecting both care and service delivery. The issue seems more pronounced during weekends and at night, potentially impacting the residents' overall experience. Furthermore, communication between the staff and families, alongside the administrative availability, has been pointed out as areas needing improvement. Despite these challenges, positives like the variety and presentation of food, the facility's clean and inviting atmosphere, and the personal approach to care were frequently mentioned.

In terms of facilities, opinions vary with some expressing satisfaction towards the cleanliness and upkeep of the premises, while others felt updates were necessary or compared it unfavorably in terms of cleanliness and maintenance against other facilities. The cost of care, especially with varying levels of care resulting in fluctuating expenses, was mentioned as a significant concern for some, pointing towards financial planning as a factor in decision-making. On the positive side, specific features like pet-friendliness and the variety in meals add to its appeal for those considering residency here, alongside compliments towards the engaging and personal nature of tours and director interactions, despite some pushiness noted by one reviewer during the admission process.

AI generated summary of real reviews