James DeWulf
May 2025
My Mom went into Bickford Cottage of Moline after a fall three years ago. At that time she was determined a level 4 but as a few months passed she improved and was at a Level 1. Shortly after, I was told they no longer had a level 1 and the rate went up. Mom is independent and all they basically did for her were make her meals. I did laundry, showers and housekeeping. Mom liked the caregivers and at 96 years old, change is a little difficult so she stayed there. I had expressed concerns about the rate with Jenny, the director, but no help there. I decided to check into other facilities and when looking on-line saw Bickford's starting rate at around $4,000 a month. We were paying $5,500 a month for the smallest room and basically no assistance. I brought this to Jenny's attention and she said she would check on it. No response until we found another place for Mom at $2,200 a month, then the next day Jenny informs me Bickford would match the price! Seems we had been WAY OVERCHARGED for a long time. In talking to some others at Bickford, found they had negotiated lower prices. Seems as if Bickford just picks whatever price they want and if you trust them, as I did, you get taken advantage of. We moved Mom to a different place as I have a real problem with how Bickford does business. Before Mom moved, the magnet on her door which keeps it open came loose making it difficult for her to get in and out with her walker. That was a Friday, Jenny told her it would be fixed on Monday when maintenance came in. We drove in and in 5 minutes had it fixed. Can't believe they would let her struggle and not check it out. Guess that's what happens when you're not going to pay them anymore. Jenny avoided me after telling her Mom was leaving. She conveniently was out buying flowers to plant when we moved Mom. No goodbye, no good luck, nothing. I did check out reviews for Bickford of Moline recently, amazing most of the 5 star reviews are from employees. Unfortunately I feel I have been very cheated. I learned a lot from all of this, hopefully no one else has to learn the hard way. I have a lot of friends with aging parents and I will definitely share my Bickford experience with them.






