Bickford of Saginaw Township
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Pay My BillReal Residents, Real Reviews
Knowing who to trust in this journey is hard — especially when your loved one’s health and happiness are at stake.
A letter from Andy Eby Andy Eby Caregiver/Sales & Marketing
The decision to consider senior living is never an easy one. You’re looking for caregivers to help with situations that may have you feeling exposed and powerless. We understand that this is a vulnerable time for your family.
Here at Bickford, we believe that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength.
We honor the courage it takes for seniors and families to navigate the aging journey and we believe we owe you our vulnerability in return.
That’s why we display real reviews from our residents, both positive and negative. We’re not interested in cherry-picking feel-good comments from casual visits.
We aim to earn your trust by showing the full spectrum of feedback from internal monthly surveys of our residents and families. This is an uncommon practice in our industry.
Many of the reviews you’ll see are positive, serving as a testament to our “whatever it takes” commitment to helping residents live their best lives.
We interpret negative reviews through two lenses: First, some contain hard truths. It hurts to hear, but sometimes we deserve it. This feedback sharpens us, allows us to see where we fall short, and demands that we get better.
Second, some reviews arise from the unbearable emotional pain families feel as they watch a loved one decline. In these situations, our caregivers may bear the brunt of unrealistic expectations. As the saying goes, “Hurt people hurt people.”
We trust your discernment to distinguish between the two. Feel free to ask us about any review that raises questions or concerns. We believe that trust isn’t built on a facade of perfection but on honesty about our successes and challenges.
Thank you for considering placing your trust in us.
Andy Eby
Reviews for Bickford of Saginaw Township
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Reviews with Comments
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I'll say again that I appreciate (name removed) dedication in leading the pack in Saginaw. I do, however, still have concern as to why we can seem to keep leaders (other than (name removed)) very long... especially in the nursing area. (name removed) has been great...but we know she's only temporary. It's hard to try to get to know all the residents and their med needs. I know and appreciate that others are helping from other branches, but the consistency of care is so important… especially with these seniors. Has the Corp office ever considered making more space for administrative offices. Current areas are so cramped. Doesn't seem conducive to be organized and do what's needed to do their job well. What about having someone that answers phone and keeps an eye one door. At least during daytime hours. Many times that I've called and no one answers or it rings for a very long time. We've not had major health issues in recent months but I can't imagine if we had, and it having the consistency and trust of care from people we know well. It's just hard. And I know (name removed) is dedicated but wonder when she will be unable to carry the consistency or the majority of the communication load. Burnout worries me. Felt the need to share this. Thank you.
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There has been many positive attempts to get the whole staff on a consistent care schedule for everyone. There will be times that things happen and adjustments need to be made, that's life in this type of facility. In general it's been improved. They still need to insist that mom go into the bathroom: Check/ change or leave. Also, all staff need to be responsible for cleaning up the bathroom after caring for mom. That means soiled wash clothes put in hamper not left on the shower floor, toothbrush and paste put back into med cabinet not in her sink or makeup bag! Pick up soiled wipes off floor!! Also clean toilet seat when soiled with the sanitary wipes I have in there. They need to complete their tasks. The Thanksgiving meal was very good!! You could see all the plates were cleaned up!! The regular meals will always be an issue... sadly Corrupt doesn't listen to families. They need to eat those meals! I am still not convinced that this "point system" is appropriate. I have not contacted (name removed) yet... but I will be. The outrageous cost is beyond reasonable compared to 5 other all inclusive facilities in the area. I do recommend that all staff please wear their name tags up high and everyday. I've spoke to others and we agree: we can't keep up with new faces and names! I'm very concerned why this facility can't keep nurses!?! Is it because they call out problems, advocate more strongly for residents issues? It's very strange. I know you can't babysit everyone, you're one person with a thousand problems and mounds of paperwork. Thank you for being visible and k
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I'll say again that I appreciate (name removed) dedication in leading the pack in Saginaw. I do, however, still have concern as to why we can seem to keep leaders (other than (name removed)) very long. One thing I wonder about is their office area. Yes, they need to be in and about the areas where residents are, but their office/planning/administrative areas are so cramped. Doesn't seem conducive to what's needed to do their job well. Love the big addition put into memory care, but don't we need to take care of our own as well...? I know and appreciate that others are helping from other branches, but the consistency of care is so important… especially with these seniors. We've not had major health issues in recent months but I can't imagine if we had, and it having the consistency and trust of care from people we know well. It's just hard. And I know (name removed) is dedicated wonder when she will be unable to carry the consistency load. Felt the need to share this. Thank you.
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Thank you to everyone who worked Thanksgiving day ❤️ I really wish we could keep a management team intact. (name removed) PLEASE don't go anywhere. We need you, thanks for what you do. No matter what the reason, a resident shouldn't be told a they are not the only one a care giver has to take care of. It can make that resident feel like they don't matter even though it's probably not what the caregiver meant.
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Would be a 5 except I am disappointed with increase in fee for pendant quickly following a large annual increase in rent and service
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Kudos to the BFF's that stop in to say hi to mom whether they work with her that day or not. It makes her day
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I want to thank you for your constant attempts to "teach" the staff the proper routine of care. I know it's exhausting for you. I'm very happy with the change of routine toileting for mom. I hope that will make a big difference for her UTIs. The one new concern is staff are not keeping her dry/clean under her breast, she has another rash/infection again. (name removed) found it (10-30-24) & put her medicated powder on it , (name removed)brought it to her. I have the cornstarch powder in her bathroom... it should be part of the morning clean up routine: deodorant needs to be put on and powder under her breast. Once again, not that difficult but we have to consider the source. I think the new silverware is a good thing although mom has a tendency to dislike change. I've watched her do much better. I know mom's eyesight is a challenge, it's good some days and off others. Lighting is a factor too. She'll tell me she can't see but reaches for the item!! Being totally blind in her one eye (ugh I can't remember which one!) makes it hard. But I feel she does well! I'm very concerned about the outrageous rent. I've called 5 other all inclusive places and they are at least $4,000 LESS!! With the cost she pays, how are you running out of coffee, bread and other staple items med month or so?? Every meal I've been at it's only two pots made and barely a SMALL cup and a half severed. The ladies have shared their displeasure of COLD food at meals, I've witnessed it too. Not pleasant to eat cold French fries, vegetables, meat, and even soup at times. I have noticed at meal time there is a routine th | UGH I sent before I was done!! I can begin to tell you names because some I've haven't seen or they DO NOT have their name tags VISIBLE!!
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So happy that we finally have a caring, understanding and compassionate team of (name removed). Please know how appreciative I am for everything you have done to improve our branch and my Mothers life. Thank you Ladies.
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Thanks for all you do to take good care of our loved ones.
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I have seen so much happen in the last few months. I have gained more respect for (name removed)! She's shown more dedication to the community than ANY other director in the past. I've witnessed her jump into the kitchen and make the meals, she will come in and work the floors with positive feedback! My Mom said "She is the best girl to take care of me! She is thorough!" I have taken serious concerns to (name removed) and she stepped up 100%. Trying to keep the staff on top of their duties, trying hard to make sure they are doing their care correctly is a huge challenge. I'm a tough family member when it comes to my mom or even other residents. But I feel (name removed) respects that. If I hear things or find my mom unkept I go her with no hesitation. (name removed) is wonderful!! She has compassion, kindness and a sweet but determined aura around her. I can talk to her openly without any hesitation. I also took major concerns to her and she took charge of them. I feel mom's "potty issue" is being addressed. At least she is getting checked. It will be a forever problem getting "the right people" to work. Some do excellent, some do ok and some just barely do. It's not the fault of the director, she can't see into the future work ethic's of those she hires. If there are major issues (name removed) will step up to them with staff. Not an easy task for anyone. As usual the food is always a problem with the residents: mom has had many hot meals served cold (she dislikes cold eggs & toast). Once again: lots to serve little help. The house keeping has improved, thankful for that. The main thing I've noticed and had to
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This does not have anything to do with (name removed)… Or your current caregivers. When you were asking for overall satisfaction, I have to say I just continue to wonder why we can't keep our administrators or upper level people for very long… It's very difficult from a family member's standpoint… especially for our loved ones who are super sensitive to consistency in care. We get a groove going, knowing our loved ones' and understood and needs are known and...then they're gone... that's the toughest part… And then there's always confusion as to who to contact about what… Especially knowing the staff is very lean… I feel like it's been that way for so long. Realize it's hard to attain good people… But I be looking at what it takes to keep them? Once we get them? Very concerned.
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The problem I have is not with the branch but wherever monthly invoices are sent from. They have been coming later and later each month and this month I never received one. Thank you (name removed) for emailing me copies. Otherwise mom's account would not be current.
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Please update your call/help button system! Better monitoring of nightly staff!
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The care at Bickford is always wonderful. The staff is very caring, kind, and compassionate. We recently ( roughly 2 +months ago) moved mom into memory care - Mary B's - from assisted living at Bickford. She is always fed, dressed, and cared for, however maybe my first complaint in our 1yr + there. She is always missing items, hairbrush, shoes, bedding, and clothes. Many of the smaller items we completely understand knowing that other residents mistakenly pick up things and those items have all been found and are easily returned but the laundry situation could use some work. Many of her own clothes have disappeared and new ones that are not hers are now in her drawers and closet. The same with the bedding. I purchased two comforters and both have disappeared- replaced with ones that we did not purchase. I've tried to label as much as I can but this never happened prior to moving into Mary B's. It seems there could be a better system for laundering and returning items. In the big scheme of things, it's minor but would be something I'd say needs improvement. Overall we continue to be extremely happy with the care mom receives 24/7 at Bickford!
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I won't repeat the same issues with the food selection and the keeping mom's bathroom tidy. My major concern is the safety and cleanliness of my mom. I am still concerned about not having the rail on her bed. I know it's a state issue and there's nothing you can do about it. But it's one of the most ridiculous rules I have ever heard. I do hope that you have had a conversation with the aid that took care of her the morning she "fell" out of bed. I would've rather her tell the truth, then make up the story that she did. As for her tipping out of the wheelchair, that's on mom. She hates anything on her floor. She even told me "as soon as I started to bend over, I realized it wasn't a good decision." I am insisting that when the aids come in, they do not just ask mom if she has to use the bathroom... I want them to automatically take her in and check her!! She is sitting in wet briefs way too long and that is not helping the UTI situation. She needs to be wiped and cleaned with her wipes!! Sunday when I stopped (3:45) her brief was over soaked & her pants & chair pad were wet!! This gal had come in and says " do you need to use the bathroom?" " No I'm fine" She leaves. Mary comes in at 4:30 and I ask her to check mom before dinner... Mom has no real feeling and does not know at times that she is soaking wet. Other times she can feel. The same thing with the BM situation. She should never have been sitting that long in a soiled brief!! May 15 that happened.
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Done | Done
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I do get concerned when my tells me her morning meds and eye drops are given late. She has had a lot of laser surgery on her one eye as well as a drain put in. The eye drops are very important for irritation that she gets in it.
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My brother (resident) was very weak, not himself, and not eating/drinking much. Staff called and thought they should send them to the hospital… I'm grateful that they did…he really did need hospital care for about 5 to 6 days. While he was there, (name removed) visited twice… So helpful… When it was time to make discharge plans, she was also very helpful in getting things into place as he would discharged back to Bickford… Since he has returned, she has also been very communicative and is working hard to coordinate in-branch PT. She understands my brother well and is a great advocate for his care When he returned back… His apartment had been cleaned and organized. (name removed) have been very helpful and kind as well.
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I have found my mother in an unexceptionable condition while sitting in her wheelchair. The first I actually found her, the second I came into after clean up was done. These took place during first shift and second shift came to the rescue. For mom to have been in that bad of an "un-kept" situation put me over the edge not to mention my mother's embarrassment!! I have pictures of her carpet with "stains" in two different places, her toilet seat with stool left on it ( I have sanitizer wipes in her bathroom!!) Stool on the grab rail, wall & her shower chair!! I have cleaned it up!! Her bedding smelling of urine with a clean pad over it!! I don't care what damn shift it is/was... this should NEVER be left or happen!!! Staff are LAZY at their "tidy up after themselves!!" Mom is not happy at all. She tells me they come in and out in a rush, some pull o her right arm and it hurts, she has gotten bruises, she doesn't get her teeth brushed, face washed, offered water threw the day. She can't "help herself!!" Mom won't ask to do those personal things "because they are busy" but that personal hygiene needs to be done no matter if mom asks or not. Tia is an absolute gem!! If you lose her you're going to be sorry. Mom adores her! You need more than good luck to get this place pulled together perhaps a miracle would be the answer.
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Losing (name removed)☹️. Call buttons don't always work!
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I've been pleased with the activities being planned for the residents all during the month. I can see everyone is working together to help the residents be comfortable. I would, however, love to see the residents be able to get out for day trips, even to the stores, so they can get out and not feel so confined. I love seeing the special recognition being given to various staff members. And it's good to see pictures of the residents on Facebook, so we can see how our loved ones are doing throughout the week. It helps with encouraging my mom to go to activities; my sisters and aunt who all live out of state feel more a part of her life and also keep her accountable for not only hanging out in her apt all the time.
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There are three things that upset mom and she tells all the time : 1. The food is still being served cold, unappetizing and sometimes tasteless. We know corporate makes up the meal plan, but they need to start eating the meals themselves. (name removed) tries to do the best she can with what she is given. Bless her heart. Mom is not the only one who says this! 2. (name removed) is not visible to the residence. When I'm there, they all tell me "we never see her, we don't get to talk to her, she doesn't walk around and see what's actually happening with all these people, we don't think she knows who we are. " I understand running a business. There is a lot of paperwork and meetings. But if the Director is never visible or interact with the people who are paying her check, it sure doesn't look good. Taking an hour a day to walk around and actually check on the residence, see how the interaction goes with them, Walk in and talk to them while in their room so you can see the condition it is and how they are feeling. Content residence make a content home. 3. Staff (some of them) are not picking up after themselves once they have taken mom to the bathroom. I found stool on the toilet seat more than once
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I appreciate the efforts being made to communicate more…And therefore, more follow thru on resident needs. I've heard from others and noticed myself that bringing (name removed) on board has helped with the cleanliness of the branch. As always, (name removed)... seem to be a great team. Will there be more zoom calls? (name removed), and others I can't recall have been very helpful! Is there a spot to see photos of the staff? Might help me remember. :) I just referred a gal from church to you. Her daughter contacted me and wondered what I thought and if I would recommend it… And I did, of course! Not sure if they have decided to move her in or not… Her last name is (name removed). first name (name removed). Thanks for taking care of my brother so well… Even amidst his ups and downs! Blessings on your day!
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What a difference! You can feel the difference
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Our mom has been at Bickford for a little over a year now and our experience has been wonderful. We are so grateful for the care and compassion she receives daily. The staff - even with staffing turnover- has remained consistently patient and supportive. Our mom is encouraged to participate in group activities, socializing, and when she isn't feeling up to the groups, staff frequently checks in on her and gives her 1:1 attention. The housekeeping has been fantastic lately as well! We absolutely love our Bickford family and are so grateful to have found mom a home there. (name removed) - are very special people and I hope are recognized for their continued care of the residents at Bickford.
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I appreciate all the good care my mom receives from so many people! My dad's last directive for Mom's care was that he wanted me to find a place where the staff would be kind to her. She had to be treated well. And she has been. I so much appreciate each of you. Even when it's not been easy for you, she has never reported feeling like she was a problem. I'm still looking forward to there being a new events coordinator, as that will really help Mom's outlook on life, but I am confident you'll find one asap. And I'm glad to see housekeeping is taking care of things more consistently.
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I haven't responded the last few months because I really wasn't sure how I felt. I love the new management team in place and hope they are all there for a long time. They are a breath of fresh air
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I'm not pleased with the the condition my family has found our mother more than once...soaked through her brief onto her wheelchair, the back of her top solid from stool!! Short staffed or not this is NOT except-able. Once again family has noted that the meals are less than appetizing. Mom has told us she's eating but it's not good. I know all meals are "pre-planned" for the branches but the cooks need to step it up to make sure it's HOT & appetizing too. (name removed) has been fabulous in the kitchen! Her bathroom is DISGUSTING!! I have pictures of her toilet not clean ( stool on the seat,underneath), shower floor dirty with used wash cloths on the floor, her sink dirty. Even found stool on the hand rail from staff gloves seeing mom CANNOT wipe her self and on the floor!! Staff HAS to be more diligent at keeping themselves clean for mother's sake!! The "regular" girls are always wonderful!
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I saw through the newsletters that the new director was doing some meet and greet zoom meetings with family, but still hasn't done a meet and greet with the residents? Paying staff more may help with the turnover
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With so many changes that have happened it's been a challenge for staff to always be on top of all the residents meals/all their personal needs. Bless their hearts they sure try. I'm hopeful that the new director, (name removed), can bring some calm & order back to Bickford. My mom has been kept clean & safe so far. I'm great full for the amazing gals that care for her! She still has "complaints" about all the noodles/potatoes that are served! That's just her! I'm impressed with (name removed) in the kitchen, Bless her heart she does an amazing job with what she's given to work with!! I pray that a relief can be found for her so she's not pushed to her limits. My hope is (name removed) can get some positivity back to staff & hire dedicated people (a tough one to find) to help relieve them. As always we have our gals: (name removed), who have always been fabulous with mom. Wishing you good luck, (name removed) on this journey and sending positive energy to you.
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The constant revolving door for leadership and staff is very disturbing and has me considering moving my dad elsewhere. I'm paying for services we aren't getting in a consistent manner.
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Things have gone fairly well even without having a new director until now. However, I would really like to have received word that a new one was chosen before now, like we had last time. It was nice to hear from "corporate" how things were going like we had before (name removed) was hired. The staff did an excellent job, I feel, keeping things going, tho. On the side of my mother's care, I'd like to see her rooms cleaned better. The floor often needs vacuuming, and the sinks need cleaning as well. Thank you for seeing to her needs. I want to say I really appreciate (name removed) work in all the activities she plans, the way she decorates monthly, and the calendar she provides the residents. I would love to see that calendar attached to the emails we are sent, as it really helps to know how to encourage Mom's involvement.
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I am thrilled with the care my mom receives and especially the connections made to hospice. However, I have been trying to address finances for 5 months and nothing is getting done. I cannot pay the current bill, but no one is calling me back. I have been told that waivers can get the cost to monthly income, which is great, but I have been told that for 5 months and nothing is happening. Someone needs to contact me about this right away or I will have to love mom elsewhere.
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Hopefully rating will go up with the hiring of more staff!
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Overall it's a great place. I just wish they could do long term care paperwork more efficiently
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Am so grateful for (name removed) and her care...and (name removed)... and others whose names I don't know. However, it seems so much lies on a few people and I fear we could lose more good people as we have over the last number of years. Are there plans to bring in a new administrator? Will it be clear who we go to for what ? Will there be regular meetings with families to update them on progress and meds and condition etc. I'd like to know the right channels to use… I so appreciate (name removed) communication and willingness to get the job done… whether it has to do with medical needs of my brother, housekeeping of his room, or whatever… It sounds like she's going to be there full-time… But again, I've not heard this from Bickford… Would be happy to talk to anyone in more detail about this
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Did you know
Bickford Senior Living’s happiness score is 2x the national average
Reviews FAQ
Bickford residents and families have frequent opportunities to participate in providing feedback throughout the year. Bickford sends out a comprehensive annual survey evaluating all aspects of a residents experience. Following this survey, Bickford sends out a monthly survey to see if we are making progress on improving their happiness levels. The responses to both surveys are posted on the website and remain there for a year.
Bickford is committed to transparency. That means posting all feedback – both positive and negative. Every review is included in our overall score (star-rating). However, we do not post comments that are libelous, profane or risk violating the privacy of our residents.
A Bickford Verified Resident Review is a review provided by a resident or family member/significant other that has been verified by Bickford as an authorized individual. Individual names are protected for privacy reasons.
Bickford has developed a program to improve resident happiness based specifically on the scores and comments of the surveys. Each Branch sets goals to improve targeted areas identified from the surveys. The actions that need to be taken are discussed as a part of each shifts daily stand-up meeting.
Due to the unique and personalized nature of our business, responses to reviews, if requested, happen individually.
There's been some improvement with staff members as far as keeping mom on a bathroom routine. I know it can get busy with some residents etc. Like any where, you have to prioritize important tasks. She's being kept safe and clean. I still struggle with the "point system" to charge them and the fact Bickford is the only facility to do so! And the most expensive facility!! I have not contacted (name removed) ... I don't think it would make a difference. I hope this new year will be positive and healthy for you, your family and everyone at Bickford. Thank you for staying with us.