Champaign nursing home forced to close kitchens after failed inspection

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care in Champaign has been forced to temporarily close its kitchens after a Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) inspector found eight violations.

In the Sept. 5 inspection, Rami Wilson with CUPHD found dead cockroaches, rotted lettuce mixed with fresh vegetables, improper chemical storage and evidence that their hand-washing sinks were being used other ways.

“All food handling, preparation, and service must cease as of this time,” he noted at the bottom of the report.

Now, it’s time to make changes and get back to a regular routine for those who call Bickford Assisted Living home.

We take this matter very seriously and remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being for our residents,” Justin Stein, Bickford’s Sales and Marketing VP, said.

In the meantime, the dining vice president is using local catering services and working with nearby restaurants to bring in food that aligns with the dietary needs of residents.

Claudia Lennhoff, the Champaign County Healthcare Consumers director, knows as you get older, having nutritious food available is even more important. She said this is another “stressor” for families with loved ones living there.

“The facilities that we do have are very important for the people who are there, but one of the most basic functions of a facility like this is to have a functioning kitchen and a functioning dining room where they can provide adequate nutrition for the people who are living there,” she said.

Stein confirmed that Bickford hired a cleaning company and are taking this “very seriously.” The home hopes to have the kitchen re-inspected soon.

Sarah Michaels, the Environmental Health Director at CUPHD, confirmed Bickford submitted a request for another review on Monday, Sept. 16. An official will go back into the space as they develop and approve a written correction plan.

“We appreciate the support of our community and remain dedicated to resuming normal kitchen
operations soon,” Stein said. “Our goal is to ensure the safety and comfort of our residents throughout this process, and we anticipate a successful re-inspection soon.”

This isn’t the first violation at Champaign’s Bickford location. The health department reports the facility was “less than satisfactory” in August and March of 2024, as well as in 2022.

You can view all inspection reports by clicking this link .

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