3605 Ratliff Road
4.3(98 ratings)· Birmingham average: 3.8
1 / 5CMS Care Compare
Families describe Kirkwood By The River as a caring, family-like community, especially praising the skilled nursing and rehabilitation staff during difficult end-of-life and recovery periods. Reviewers consistently highlight compassionate, personalized care and a peaceful, well-maintained campus along the Cahaba River.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Kirkwood By The River is a Life Plan Community offering the full continuum of care in Birmingham, Alabama, situated on 120 acres of forested land along the Cahaba River. Founded over 45 years ago as a nonprofit created by Independent Presbyterian Church, the community provides Independent Apartment and Cottage Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Short-term Rehabilitation services.
Assisted Living at Kirkwood enables residents to maintain independence while receiving support with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and transportation. Memory Care provides 24-hour personal care for those with mild to moderate memory loss, with a focus on companionship and security. Skilled Nursing offers both long-term and short-term rehabilitation services for those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, with a higher ratio of caregivers to patients.
The community features maintenance-free apartment and cottage living options, with housekeeping services and nutritious meals included. Cottages come with private yards and garages, situated within the wooded natural environment. Residents enjoy access to scenic trails, river views, and amenities including the Cahaba Room overlooking the river and mountains.
Kirkwood's location along the Cahaba River provides natural beauty and a peaceful setting while remaining conveniently situated near Birmingham's shopping centers, medical facilities, and cultural venues. The 120-acre campus offers an active and secure environment designed to support residents through various stages of retirement.
Pets are welcome, as indicated by resident experiences with cottage living that includes yard space for pets to play.
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Help Me Choose4.3overall · 98 ratings combined
4.3★ on Google (98)
Barbara Brown
May 2026
When the rehab. Opened I was able to get my brother in there. Had just come from second hip replacement.(same hip) Words can not say enough for the care he recieved. I'm from Florida and had no idea which place to choose, as it turned out this was the best place. Environment, Staff, nurses, physical therapist were AMAZONG. He made friends there. Came home 98% better than when he went in. He got his life back. Thank You
Shirley LaFon
Feb 2026
Kirkwood by the River (KBTR) skilled nursing staff took extraordinary care of our Mother through her last days and we cannot thank you enough. She passed peacefully with dignity and grace. We had experiences with other assisted living and skilled nursing facilities and wholeheartedly endorse KBRR as second to none in this industry. God truly works through the hands and hearts of the KBTR staff. Thank You!
M. Bennet Broner
Jun 2025
I went to look at the new homes. Gorgeous. Saw only a small part of a common building. Very clean, spacious, nicely furnished. There were many amenities.
William Walker
Dec 2023
Both of my parents passed away at Kirkwood. This is the best facility in Birmingham. Is it perfect? No. None are. But this one is the best one in the area. I am so thankful to the staff and especially to Crystal who called me last Thursday to tell me I needed to get there immediately. Because of her call, my wife and I were able to spend the last hour of my mother's life with her and it was something I will always treasure. Thank you to Marissa, Crystal and all the people who cared for my father and mother.
Suzanne Long
Sep 2023
Staff and residents are very friendly and caring just like family. My mother in law was happier @ Kirkwood than she's ever been since I've known her(30 years). Last year, we had to move her to a memory care facility to be near us in Nevada. Even though she hasn't lived there for over a year, a sheet of funny comics arrives by mail from Claudia, the activities director at Kirkwood. She sadly doesn't remember Kirkwood or Claudia, but she feels important and cared for because of this gesture. We all enjoy the comics and appreciate this act of kindness from Kirkwood.
Kirkwood By The River offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Kirkwood By The River is located at 3605 Ratliff Road in Birmingham, Alabama.
Families describe Kirkwood By The River as a caring, family-like community, especially praising the skilled nursing and rehabilitation staff during difficult end-of-life and recovery periods. Reviewers consistently highlight compassionate, personalized care and a peaceful, well-maintained campus along the Cahaba River.
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