Tuesdays at Bickford bring a special kind of peace ✨ Our residents look forward to chapel time and heartfelt spiritual visits with Pastor Bobbie each week. It’s a time for reflection, prayer, and meaningful connection that fills the room with comfort and calm.

At Bickford Senior Living, these lovely ladies traded four walls for blue skies and soaking rays. There’s something special about the warmth of the sun on your face, a gentle breeze in your hair, and good company by your side. Stories were shared, smiles were contagious, and for a moment, time slowed down just enough to truly savor it all. Getting outside isn’t just a change of scenery, it’s a boost for the soul. And judging by the glowing faces, we’d say it was just what the day ordered Here’s to sunshine-filled moments and making the most of every beautiful day!

Happy May Day! Residents helped make May Baskets and passed them out to their friends and neighbors!

Resistance bands might look humble, but they’re like pocket-sized power tools for senior fitness They’re Perfect for aging bodies that still want to feel strong without feeling sore for days. Band exercises engage the core and stabilizing muscles, helping reduce the risk of falls. Resistance bands allow for low-impact movement, which can actually help lubricate joints and ease stiffness—especially helpful for arthritis.

Celebrating Rande Roberts: A Well‑Earned Retirement for a Well‑Loved Man Every so often, someone joins a workplace and quietly becomes part of its heartbeat. For us at Bickford of Fort Dodge, that person has been Rande Roberts. Today, we share the bittersweet news that Rande is stepping into retirement—a chapter he has more than earned, even if we’re not entirely convinced he’ll slow down. Rande’s story begins in Webster City, where he was born, raised, and—aside from a few brief years—has spent his entire life. His roots run deep there. In 2005, he began dating the love of his life, Deb, and the two married the following year. Together, they built a beautiful family of 5 children and 23 grandchildren, a legacy that fills Rande with pride and joy. If you know Rande, you know he’s a man of loyalty. He’s kept the same core group of friends for most of his life—friends he hunts with, fishes with, and simply enjoys being around. His work history is just as varied as his interests, spanning multiple roles and industries. But in 2021, we were lucky enough to become the place where he found his professional home. From the moment he joined us as Maintenance Director, Rande became a steady, reassuring presence. You could find him running the grill, checking doors, fixing faucets, running safety drills, or tackling whatever unexpected task popped up that day. But the part of the job he loved most wasn’t on any checklist. It was the time he spent with our tenants—chatting at the front, lingering at the puzzle table, helping tenants with whatever they needed, sharing stories, and offering the kind of companionship that can’t be taught. And woven through all of this was something deeper: Rande helped carry our Higher Path journey forward every single day. He lived it in the way he showed up—with humility, patience, humor, and a genuine desire to make life better for those around him. He didn’t just support the Higher Path; he embodied it. Whether he was comforting a tenant, lending a hand to a coworker, or simply brightening the room with his presence, Rande modeled what it means to serve with heart and purpose. Rande didn’t just maintain a building. He helped maintain a community—and he helped elevate it. As he steps into retirement, we’re filled with gratitude for the years he shared with us and the countless ways he strengthened our culture, our mission, and our daily lives. His absence will be felt deeply, but his impact will stay with us. Please join us in wishing Rande the happiest of retirements and all the best in the adventures ahead. He will be missed more than words can capture. If you would like to schedule a tour please call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 and she would be happy to show you around and let you see how Bickford feels. #higherpath #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

Wishing our favorite Mr. Fixit the happiest of retirements! Good Luck Rande!

Back by popular demand!!! Elvis is in the building!!!!

Happy birthday to this months employee birthdays! #Caringmatters #ThisisFortDodge #CommunityMatters

Meet Mercedes Anderson: The Heart Behind Our Family Connections If you’ve spent any time around Bickford of Fort Dodge, chances are you’ve already crossed paths with Mercedes Anderson — and if you have, you probably remember her. Mercedes is our Family Advocate, a role that sits at the very center of how we connect with families, welcome new residents, and share the story of our branch with the wider community. But before we talk about why her role is so important, it’s worth getting to know the person behind the title. A Local Through and Through Mercedes was born in Fort Dodge and raised in Eagle Grove, graduating in 2017. She later met her husband, Cody, and the two married in 2020. Today they’re raising a growing family — Bryton, Nova, and baby number three arriving in September — in the small, tight knit community of Barnum, and because Mercedes doesn’t do anything halfway, she also serves on the Volunteer Fire Department and is working toward her EMT certification. Helping people isn’t just something she does; it’s who she is. From Caregiver to Advocate Mercedes joined Bickford in November 2024, starting on the floor as a caregiver. Her compassion, energy, and natural ability to connect with people quickly stood out. So when the Family Advocate position opened, she stepped into it, and she’s been thriving ever since. Why the Family Advocate Role Matters The Family Advocate isn’t just a marketing position. It’s a relationship building role at its core. Here’s why it’s so essential: • It’s the first impression families get of Bickford. The FA helps families understand who we are, what we value, and why our branch feels like home. • It bridges communication. Families want to feel informed, supported, and connected — and the FA ensures that happens. • It strengthens trust. Moving into senior living is a major decision. The FA guides families through that journey with clarity, empathy, and honesty. • It celebrates our community. From events to stories to everyday moments, the FA helps share the joy happening inside our walls with the world outside them. In short: the Family Advocate helps people feel seen, heard, and welcomed long before they ever walk through our doors. What Mercedes Loves Most Ask Mercedes what her favorite part of working at Bickford is, and she’ll tell you without hesitation: building relationships and making memories with the tenants. It’s the conversations, the laughter, the shared moments — the things that don’t show up on a job description but make all the difference. A Perfect Fit Mercedes brings heart, authenticity, and a genuine love for people into everything she does. She represents Bickford not just with professionalism, but with warmth — and that’s exactly what makes her such an incredible Family Advocate. We’re lucky to have her. And if you haven’t met her yet, trust us — you’ll want to. So give her a call at 515-573-3300 to schedule a tour. She’d love to show you around. #higherpath #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

All aboard the Bickford Cruise Line where the seas were imaginary, but the fun was absolutely real! Our “Cruise the Seas” theme day whisked residents away to Italy, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska—no packing required, just a sense of adventure and a love for learning! Each destination brought fun trivia, lively conversation, and plenty of smiles as residents explored the world together. Cruise Director, Jess, guided us through Italy, serving up delightful facts and sparking conversations about rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landmarks. Christine guided us through Alaska, sharing fascinating facts about the Last Frontier—glaciers, wildlife, and wide-open beauty that had everyone dreaming of snowy landscapes. In Hawaii, Grace wowed us with a entertaining hula demonstration and as always, made the residents smile! Alex made our stop in Mexico extra special by sharing meaningful family history items. A huge shoutout to Christine’s son, Zach, who was a tremendous help throughout the day—reaching high places, jumping in wherever needed! Both Zach and Noah were awesome additions to the team! From chilly Alaska to tropical shores, this day was more than a cruise—it was a celebration of connection, culture, and the joy of exploring together right here at Bickford!