Bingo, courtyard relaxing, families visiting, and spring baby birds! These are a few of our favorite things!

During Men’s group, we rolled the big dice and answered the reminiscing questions on them. Lots of smiles and heartwarming stories were shared! We also played balloon swat and enjoyed home baked peanut butter cookies!

Evening, Weekend, and Holiday RN Coverage: What’s New and Why It Matters This past weekend brought up a few questions about how to reach on call providers, so I wanted to take a moment to share what’s been updated — and why these changes are so important for our team and our patients. To make after hours communication smoother, we now have a complete list of phone numbers for all provider offices posted in the medication room. It can be found right next to the updated RN on call list. This means no more digging, guessing, or hoping someone else has the right number. Everything you need is in one place, ready when you are. Fort Dodge is now sharing call coverage with Ames, Marshalltown, Urbandale, and West Des Moines. No matter the day — evenings, weekends, or holidays — there is always an RN on call who has access to all after hours provider numbers for our local clinics. Why this matters Having quick access to on call providers isn’t just convenient — it’s essential. It ensures: • Faster clinical decision making when a patient’s condition changes outside regular hours • Reduced delays in care, especially for urgent medication questions or unexpected symptoms • Stronger continuity between daytime and after hours teams • Greater confidence for staff who need timely guidance during high pressure moments • Better patient outcomes, because the right information at the right time truly makes a difference When we can reach the right provider quickly, we protect our patients, support each other, and keep our workflow running smoothly — even when the rest of the world is off for the night or enjoying a holiday. If you would like to come take a tour and find out how we can serve you or your loved ones please call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 and she would be happy to show you around and explain the steps we take to be sure all our tenants are properly care for. #higherpath #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

For older adults, especially in assisted living or memory care, music can do far more than entertain. It can awaken memories, improve mood, and create connection in ways ordinary conversation sometimes can’t. Thanks Paul Siebert for the music and lessons! As always, everyone enjoyed!

Residents have been outside enjoying the warm weather! The courtyard looks beautiful so far! More to come!

At Bickford Senior Living, our courtyard is so much more than just an outdoor space — it’s a place where our tenants can relax, connect, and enjoy the simple things in life. Whether it’s sitting outside with a morning coffee, visiting with friends and family, enjoying fresh air, or helping care for flowers and plants, the courtyard gives our residents a peaceful space that truly feels like home. Spending time outdoors can do so much for a person’s mood and overall well-being. Our tenants love having a safe, secure place where they can soak up sunshine, listen to the birds, and take a break from being indoors. It also creates opportunities for socialization and engagement, whether that’s during activities, family visits, or casual conversations with neighbors. At Bickford Senior Living, we believe senior living should never feel institutional. Spaces like our beautiful courtyard help create the warm, home-like environment our residents deserve. It’s one more way we help our tenants stay active, connected, and enjoy each day to the fullest. If you’d like to see our beautiful community and courtyard for yourself, call Mercedes to schedule a tour at 515-605-7649! #GreaterGrowthAlliance #BickfordOfFortDodge #CaringMatters

Our courtyard was blooming with more than just flowers today at Bickford! Using Montessori principles in senior living means creating opportunities for purpose, independence, and hands-on success, and our residents did just that while planting flowers in the courtyard. From choosing where each plant should go to digging in the soil and watering their hard work, residents played an important role in making our outdoor space beautiful. There’s something special about hands in the dirt, sunshine on your shoulders, and laughter floating through the courtyard like a spring breeze. Gardening encourages fine motor skills, memory, decision making, social connection, and a sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, it reminds our residents that they are still creators, caretakers, and an important part of our Bickford family.

Spring Is Here — And So Are Spring Colds How to Stay Healthy as the Seasons Change Spring has finally arrived. Flowers are blooming, rain showers are rolling through, and birds are filling the mornings with their chatter but along with all that beauty comes something far less charming: spring colds. As people spend more time outdoors, travel more frequently, and gather for seasonal activities, rhinoviruses find the perfect opportunity to spread. The good news is that a few intentional hygiene habits can dramatically reduce your risk of catching a cold this season. Why Spring Colds Are So Common • Rhinoviruses thrive in mild temperatures and spread easily through droplets and contaminated surfaces. • Seasonal travel increases exposure to shared spaces and high touch surfaces. • Allergies irritate nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to take hold. Smart Hygiene Habits for Spring These targeted practices help keep both colds and seasonal irritants at bay. • Handwashing — Wash with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing, gardening, or using shared facilities. • Surface disinfection — Wipe down doorknobs, keyboards, light switches, and phone screens with antiviral or antibacterial wipes. • Cough and sneeze etiquette — Use a tissue when possible; otherwise, aim for the crook of your elbow. • Pollen management — Wash hands when coming indoors and shower after spending time outside to remove pollen from skin and hair. When Symptoms Start and When to Seek Medical Care If you feel that familiar throat tickle or congestion creeping in, focus on rest, hydration, and minimizing contact with others. Most spring colds resolve on their own, but pay attention to how long symptoms last. It’s time to check in with a healthcare professional if: • Symptoms last longer than 10–14 days • You develop a high fever • Breathing becomes difficult • Sinus pain becomes severe • Symptoms improve, then suddenly worsen These signs can indicate something more than a simple cold. If you happen to us at Bickford of Fort Dodge wearing masks, it is an effort to keep your family members safe from the germs that we might be carrying because they are not something we like to share. If you would like to come take a tour and see how else we care for your loved ones please call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 and she would love to show you around. #higherpath #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

Sam celebrated his birthday recently and we hope this year is one of the best!

These two gents celebrated birthdays recently! Happy Birthday Merle and Don!