Our Easter celebration was one for the books—full of laughter, sweetness, and just the right amount of chaos! A very special shoutout goes to Teresa, who bravely hopped into the bunny suit for pictures. Let’s just say… the Easter Bunny was working overtime and definitely feeling the heat! But she made it so much fun and brought smiles to everyone! Robert worked his magic behind the camera, capturing memories with his fancy backdrops that made every photo feel like a little springtime masterpiece! We enjoyed a spread of delicious food ( thank you Cory and Amy) that had everyone going back for “just one more bite,” and of course, the Easter egg hunt brought out everyone’s competitive spirit. Thanks to everyone who helped as egg hunt guides, picture takers, costume wearers, and for just helping in general!!!

Diane and Marilyn stirred up a Bunny Bait Snack Mix to share with friends and family at our Easter Celebration! Yum!

Battling the Flu Bug: Why These Simple Steps Matter It’s been a rough week in our building. A stomach flu made its way through both staff and tenants, and it certainly didn’t hold back. When something spreads this quickly, it’s a reminder of how connected we all are—and how important it is to take small steps that protect not just ourselves, but everyone around us. As we recover and work to prevent further spread, I want to highlight three essential habits. They may seem simple, but each one plays a powerful role in keeping our community healthy. 1. Stay Home When You’re Not Feeling Well No one likes missing out—whether it’s work, family time, or daily routines. But when you’re sick, staying home is one of the most caring choices you can make. Illness spreads quickly in shared spaces. Even mild symptoms can be contagious, and passing the flu to others often leads to longer, more difficult recoveries for them. A short break at home helps protect your loved ones, neighbors, and coworkers from getting sick themselves. 2. Wash Your Hands Frequently Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop germs in their tracks. Soap and water remove the viruses and bacteria that cause illness. When you can’t wash your hands, hand sanitizer is a great backup. Many viruses—especially stomach flu—spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Clean hands prevent germs from traveling to door handles, shared items, and other people. It’s a small habit with a big impact. 3. Stay Hydrated When you’re dealing with stomach flu, fluids are your best friend. Water, electrolyte drinks, and clear liquids help your body recover and maintain strength. Dehydration can set in quickly during stomach illnesses and can lead to dizziness, weakness, and other complications. Staying hydrated supports your immune system and helps you bounce back more quickly. Working Together: A Reflection of Bickford’s Higher Path At Bickford, we talk often about walking the Higher Path—choosing compassion, dignity, and community in everything we do. These three simple steps aren’t just health guidelines; they’re everyday examples of what it means to live out that philosophy. Why working together matters: • We protect one another. Staying home when sick and washing our hands isn’t just about personal health—it’s about honoring the people around us. • We lift each other up. Encouraging hydration, checking in on one another, and sharing reminders shows that we value the well being of our entire community. • We create a safer, kinder environment. When everyone contributes, even in small ways, we build a place where people feel cared for and supported. This is the heart of the Higher Path: choosing actions that reflect love, respect, and responsibility. When we work together—especially during challenging weeks like this one—we strengthen the bonds that make our building feel like home. So now that our building is feeling happier and healthier please feel free to call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 to schedule a tour and let us show you how we live by our Higher Path Journey and our motto of “Whatever it takes”. #higherpath #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance #whateverittakes

When caring for a loved one becomes overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. At Bickford Senior Living in Fort Dodge, Iowa, we provide more than just care — we provide comfort, connection, and peace of mind. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to assist with daily needs, medication support, meals made from scratch, and meaningful social opportunities. We focus on getting to know each resident personally, creating a warm, family-like environment where your loved one can thrive. Families often tell us they wish they would have made the move sooner — seeing their loved one safer, happier, and more engaged brings immediate relief. If you're starting to explore options, we would love to meet you and show you what makes Bickford special. Call Mercedes at 515-605-7649 today to schedule your personal tour. Come see how Bickford Senior Living of Fort Dodge can become home for your loved one. #ThisisFortDodge #BickfordofFortDodge #Caringmatters

Exercise for older adults is a bit like oiling the hinges of a well-loved door. Without it, things get stiff, creaky, and harder to move. With it, life keeps swinging open. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, helping with memory, focus, and even slowing cognitive decline.

Alex’s daughter decided to visit and polish fingernails last weekend! We love the visits and the residents are tickled pink when the young people pop in!

Happy Birthday Carolyn! We hope it’s as great as you are!

Over the past several weeks, our Bread Basket team has faced an unexpected challenge with Theresa being out for a personal medical concern. During this time, our staff has truly embodied the Bickford motto of “Whatever it takes.” Whether stepping into the kitchen or covering the floor so others could assist, every person who helped made a meaningful difference. We are deeply grateful for the teamwork, flexibility, and heart each of you has shown. We also want to share an important update regarding our Bread Basket staffing model. Bickford has made changes that allow us to strengthen our kitchen team, and as a result, we have welcomed two new team members to support our dining experience here at Bickford of Fort Dodge. Home cooked meals are at the heart of what we do. They bring comfort, spark memories, and create moments of connection. We know that warm, familiar, freshly prepared food doesn’t just nourish our tenants — it helps keep them happier healthier longer, supporting both their emotional well being and overall quality of life. Our expanded team ensures we can continue delivering those meals with the care and consistency our tenants deserve. We are happy to share that Theresa will be returning on Monday. Upon her return, she has chosen to step down from her role as Bread Basket Manager and return to what she loves most — cooking for our tenants and staff. She will continue doing this full time, and we are grateful to have her expertise, passion and talent back in the kitchen. With this transition, we are pleased to introduce our 2 new Bread Basket Employes, our new manager Cory Dawson, who will begin next week. We are excited for the leadership and fresh perspective he will bring to the team, and Amy Jacobsma, who has already begun cooking full time with us. She is off to a fantastic start, and we are thrilled to have her on board. Thank you again to everyone who stepped up, supported one another, and ensured our tenants continued to receive the exceptional care and service they deserve. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. If you would like to come take a tour and join us for a meal give Mercedes a call at 515-573-3300. We would love to show you around and show off our Bread Basket. #higherpath #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance #bickfordoffortdodge

⚾️ It’s OPENING DAY and the energy is off the charts! We kicked things off with some high-flying balloon swat—because who says you need a bat to bring the heat? Residents were swinging, laughing, and showing off their all-star moves! Some of our “major leaguers” decided to settle in for a classic—The Sandlot—bringing back all those sweet summertime memories of backyard baseball and legendary plays. “You’re killin’ me, Smalls!” echoed through the room ! Of course, no opening day is complete without the essentials: peanuts, Cracker Jack, fluffy cotton candy, and ice-cold bottles of Coca-Cola!

There’s something in the air… and it feels like spring! Today, we welcomed the season with fresh soil, tiny seeds, and a splash of color.