Hygiene Matters: A Guide to Staying Healthy During Flu and Cold Season Flu and cold season challenges everyone. It can be exceptionally challenging to the elderly, immunocompromised and to people who live in group settings, but good hygiene remains one of our strongest defenses. At Bickford we’re not only protecting ourselves—we’re safeguarding our residents, families, and communities. Hand hygiene is essential. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the gold standard, especially after patient contact, coughing, or touching shared surfaces. When soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an effective alternative. Respiratory etiquette makes a difference. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, followed by proper hand hygiene, helps reduce the spread of respiratory droplets. Encouraging patients to do the same is a simple but powerful teaching moment. Clean environments reduce risk. Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces—such as stethoscopes, keyboards, bed rails, and phones—can significantly lower transmission. Don’t forget personal items like ID badges and pens. Self-care supports immunity. Adequate sleep, hydration, balanced nutrition, and staying home when sick are vital. People often push through illness, but resting protects both you and your loved ones. By modeling and promoting strong hygiene practices, you lead the way in infection prevention. Small, consistent actions truly save lives—especially during flu and cold season.

Aloha from our Luau Day! Our community was transformed into a tropical paradise filled with fun dancing, lively games, tasty island snacks, and refreshing Blue Hawaiian mocktails . Smiles were everywhere as residents soaked up the joy and island vibes! We even visited “the beach” and put our toes in the sand! A heartfelt thank-you to our amazing Montessori Engagement Coordinator, Christina, for hosting such a festive celebration, and to our special friends at Heartland Hospice for helping make the day extra memorable and sharing those amazing cupcakes with us! Mahalo for the fun and laughter—we’re still feeling the aloha spirit!

National Rubber Duck Day Fun! We celebrated National Rubber Duck Day with a cheerful Rubber Duck Hunt around our community! Residents searched high and low, shared lots of laughs, and enjoyed a little friendly competition along the way. The smiles (and ducks!) we found made the day extra special. We even had a duck shoot! It was a wonderful reminder that simple fun brings big joy at any age.

Communication and Empathy: The Heart of Nursing Care In nursing, communication is more than exchanging information—it is the foundation of trust. Every interaction, whether explaining a procedure or listening to a concern, shapes how patients experience care. Clear, compassionate communication helps reduce anxiety, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures residents feel seen and respected during vulnerable moments. Empathy brings communication to life. When nurses pause to truly listen, acknowledge emotions, and respond with understanding, residents feel valued as people, not just diagnoses. Simple actions—maintaining eye contact, using a calm tone, or validating a resident's fear—can make a profound difference in healing and comfort. Together, communication and empathy strengthen the nurse–resident relationship. They remind us that while clinical skills treat illness, human connection supports healing. In a fast-paced healthcare environment, choosing empathy and mindful communication remains one of the most powerful tools a nurse can offer.

This week, our residents got creative and made cards for our everyday heroes! Today, we proudly celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by welcoming Officer Tim into our home. Everyone was excited to personally thank him for his service and share some delicious muffins made by our wonderful Bread Basket Manager, Chris. Thank you, Tim, and thank you to all of our local heroes—and those everywhere—for your dedication, service, and sacrifices. We are truly grateful.

Book Club at Bickford Assisted Living was a delight today! We had so much fun diving into our favorite mystery novels, sharing theories, laughs, and plenty of “whodunit” moments. We are looking forward to warmer weather when Christina and the gals can make a trip to the local library! Who’s your favorite author?

Save the Date! Join us for an opportunity to meet the leadership team guiding our assisted living community. Learn how our experience, values, and commitment to resident-centered care shape a supportive, high-quality living environment for those we serve.

Discover the Higher Path at Bickford of Davenport Assisted Living & Memory Care At Bickford, we believe aging is a journey that deserves more than basic care—it deserves a Higher Path. Our model is designed to nurture the whole person, creating a life filled with purpose, dignity, and joy. Here’s what makes the Higher Path different: Personalized Care – Every resident’s story matters. We tailor support to honor independence and individuality. Purposeful Engagement – Activities that spark joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. Holistic Wellness – Caring for mind, body, and spirit through programs that promote emotional and social well-being. Family Partnership – You’re part of the journey. We keep communication open and relationships strong. Dignity & Respect – Every day, every interaction, every smile matters. Because your loved one deserves more than a place to live—they deserve a place to thrive. Call Heather today at 563-200-7562 or stop in and see us 4040 E 55t St. Davenport, IA to learn how the Higher Path can make a difference. #HigherPath #BickfordLiving #SeniorCareWithHeart #AssistedLiving #PurposefulLiving #FamilyFirstCare #DignityAndJoy #LifeOnTheHigherPath #BickfordDavenportAssistedLivingMemoryCare #DavenportIA

Why Families Choose Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care Choosing care for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make—and we understand the “why” behind that choice matters. At Bickford of Davenport, we don’t just provide care; we provide love, dignity, and a true sense of home. Here’s why so many families trust us: Because Every Person Deserves Personalized Care No two people are alike. That’s why we create individualized care plans that honor your loved one’s unique needs, preferences, and personality. Because Safety and Comfort Go Hand-in-Hand Our community is designed to feel warm and welcoming, while offering the security and peace of mind you need. Because Life Should Be Joyful—Every Day From engaging activities and social events to wellness programs and creative outlets, we make sure every day brings opportunities for connection and happiness. Because Good Food Brings People Together Home-style meals prepared with care and served with a smile—because dining should be an experience, not just a routine. Because Memory Care Requires Heart and Expertise For those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we offer specialized programs that nurture dignity and spark moments of joy. At Bickford, we believe it’s not just about living—it’s about living well. Call Heather at 563-200-7562 today or visit our website to learn more about how we can help your loved one thrive in a place that feels like home. #BickfordDavenportAssistedLivingMemoryCare #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #SeniorCare #DementiaCare #AlzheimersSupport #SeniorLivingCommunity #CompassionateCare #FamilyFirst #LiveWellWithBickford

Caregiver of the Month-January! This month, we are honored to recognize a caregiver who truly embodies the heart of our community. Through compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication, they consistently go above and beyond to ensure our residents feel respected, supported, and cared for like family. Their positive attitude, gentle presence, and willingness to step in wherever needed do not go unnoticed. They build meaningful connections, bring comfort during challenging moments, and make each day brighter for those they serve. Sanita, Thank you for your hard work, your selfless spirit, and the difference you make every single day. We are so grateful to have you on our team and part of the Bickford family!