Bickford of Portage delivers both Assisted Living and Memory Care, giving residents access to daily support as well as programming tailored for people living with dementia, including advanced dementia conditions. The community can accommodate special diets and residents who manage diabetes with oral medications, coordinating closely with physicians as needed. On-site podiatry services reduce the need for outside appointments and help monitor foot health, an important consideration for older adults and diabetics.

Care is backed by an RN or LPN on staff, a nurse on call around the clock, and a direct-alert system that includes pull cords and personal emergency response devices. Staff members remain awake on the night shift, and background checks are part of the hiring process. A secured environment, complete with wander-guard technology, supports residents who may be prone to wandering. Full assistance is available for bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, and team members can handle transfers ranging from standby supervision to two-person assistance, whether a resident uses a walker or wheelchair. An activity director oversees daily engagement to help maintain cognitive and physical function.

Apartments feature private bathrooms, individual temperature controls, cable access, regular housekeeping, and scheduled laundry service, though not every unit includes every feature. Residents can choose layouts that meet their preferences for privacy and convenience while still remaining within easy reach of caregivers and common areas.

Dining offers both set menus and made-to-order options, with snacks available throughout the day. Meals can be served in the main dining room, a private dining space for family gatherings, or in the resident’s apartment if preferred. The kitchen accommodates physician-ordered diet modifications, including carbohydrate-controlled plans for diabetics and other specialized nutritional needs.

Additional conveniences include resident parking, wheelchair-accessible common areas, an exercise room, a barber and beauty shop, internet access, communal gardens, a library, special interest clubs, and on-site religious services. Scheduled transportation helps residents reach local appointments and outings. 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 received mixed feedback from visitors and relatives of residents, with many highlighting the attentive and caring staff, the neat and home-like facilities, and the variety of activities and amenities available. Positive comments often mentioned the clean and beautifully decorated building, the personal touches in rooms that allowed for individual furniture, and the specific activities like balloon volleyball that brought joy to residents. The variation in room styles, complete with kitchenettes, and the communal spaces such as outdoor areas, libraries, activity and sitting rooms, was particularly appreciated. Moreover, the inclusion of pets and the thoughtful decoration for holidays like the Fourth of July added a sense of warmth and community. The detailed tours led by friendly and knowledgeable staff members offered a comprehensive view of what life could be like there, and for many, it was an appealing prospect.

However, several concerns were raised, casting shadows on the glowing reviews. High employee turnover and the frequent use of agency caregivers, who were perceived to provide minimal assistance, were significant issues for some. This staffing situation was noted to impact the level of care and engagement, particularly in the memory care section, where stimulation for residents was lacking. Additionally, the financial aspect of this community was a notable concern, with several reviewers pointing out the constant extra charges for services like nursing or assistance with daily activities. This nickel-and-diming approach, combined with a lack of transparency about pricing upfront, left some feeling uneasy. Despite the wholesome environment and the plethora of activities, the cost factor and the declining quality of care over time were distressing points for those considering this community for their loved ones.

AI generated summary of real reviews