At Bickford Senior Living, happiness is more than a feeling—it’s a commitment. Every activity, every conversation, every moment is designed to bring joy, purpose, and connection into the lives of our residents. We care so deeply about our residents’ happiness because we understand that a truly fulfilling life doesn’t end with age—it evolves. Our team goes beyond basic care, taking the time to know each resident personally: their passions, their routines, and what makes them smile. From engaging social events to individualized support, we create an environment where residents feel valued, respected, and genuinely at home. Being happy isn’t just about comfort—it’s about belonging, independence, and meaningful experiences. At Bickford, residents don’t just live—they thrive, building friendships, pursuing interests, and enjoying life every single day. Because when our residents are happy, our mission is fulfilled. Happiness is at the center of everything we do, and it’s why families trust us to provide more than care—they trust us to provide joy. Schedule a tour today with our Family Advocate, Mercedes, at 515-605-7649, and see firsthand how life at Bickford can bring joy to your loved one. #ThisisFortDodge #HappinessMatters #BickfordofFortDodge

Thanks Teresa for making the pies for us today!

Happy Activities Professionals Day, Jess! Jess, your compassion and heart for others are truly unmatched. Every day at Bickford, you go above and beyond to make sure our residents feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. You don’t just coordinate activities—you create meaningful experiences that bring joy, purpose, and connection into people’s lives. Your ability to meet residents where they are, honor who they are, and gently encourage engagement comes from a place of genuine love and respect. You lead with empathy in everything you do. Whether it’s taking extra time with someone who needs reassurance, celebrating even the smallest victories, or finding creative ways to include every resident, you consistently put others first. Your warmth is felt the moment you walk into a room, and your presence brings comfort, happiness, and a sense of belonging to our community. Bickford is a better place because of you. Your dedication, patience, and unwavering kindness make a lasting difference not only for our residents, but for families and teammates as well. Thank you for having the biggest heart, for always showing up with compassion, and for reminding us what truly meaningful engagement looks like. We are so grateful for you today and every day.

Happy National Pie Day! We will be celebrating with Teresa’s homemade apple, cherry, and pecan, and pumpkin pies this afternoon!!!!

Nail Day! Even Gary got in on the fun and had a trim, cuticle oil, and lotion!

Supporting Your Loved Ones: Welcoming Centered Care & RN Lindi Gerard to Bickford of Fort Dodge At Bickford of Fort Dodge, we know that families want one thing above all else: confidence that their loved one is receiving attentive, compassionate, and proactive care. That’s why we’re excited to share an important update that strengthens the support we provide every day. We’ve partnered with Centered Care, an organization that specializes in bringing enhanced nursing services directly to senior living communities. This collaboration allows us to offer even more personalized support, helping residents stay healthier, safer, and more comfortable in the place they call home. We’re thrilled to introduce Lindi Gerard, the Registered Nurse who will be working closely with our Fort Dodge branch. Lindi brings 13 years of nursing experience across assisted living, long term care, home health, and the VA. What truly sets her apart is her passion for working with older adults and her belief in preventive care. She understands the importance of aging in place and is committed to helping residents maintain independence while receiving the right level of support. What Is the Care Concierge Program? Families often tell us that navigating health care can feel overwhelming. The Care Concierge Program was created to ease that burden. This program offers proactive, personalized health care coordination for each tenant. The goal is simple: • Make sure residents receive the right care at the right time • Reduce stress for both residents and families • Prevent avoidable hospital visits • Improve overall health and well being It’s a layer of support that brings peace of mind — knowing someone is keeping a close eye on changes, communicating clearly, and helping guide decisions before small issues become big ones. What This Means for Your Family With Centered Care and Lindi’s expertise, your loved one gains an advocate who understands their needs and works alongside our team to ensure they stay healthy and supported. And you gain reassurance that someone is watching out for them with the same care and attention you would. We’re grateful for the trust you place in us, and we’re excited for the positive impact this partnership will bring to our Bickford family. To schedule a tour call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 and she can show you how it feels to part of the Bickford family. #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance #higherpath

After our lunch outing yesterday to the Pizza Ranch, everyone was pretty stuffed and beat! Teresa, Marilyn, and I decided to learn a new game called Left, Right, Center! It was fun! We’d love to have a bigger crowd next time-come play with us! Contact Jess to see about volunteering at Bickford! #fortdodge#Assistedliving#volunteer

The puzzle table has been active lately! Residents love it when Rande can take a few minutes from his busy day to just visit and help! The ladies finished this one yesterday afternoon and will probably start a new one today!

Yesterday was National Popcorn Day! Our awesome BFMS passed out popcorn after Bingo! Residents could sprinkle flavoring on it and add M&ms if they wanted to!

At Bickford Assisted Living, we know that home is more than just a place—it’s where life happens, moments are shared, and every person feels valued. Our residents aren’t just guests—they are family. Every day, we celebrate the small joys that make life meaningful: a shared laugh over morning coffee, stories of a life well-lived, the comfort of companionship, and the peace of knowing someone is always there to care. We believe in fostering a community where independence meets support, and compassion meets connection. Families trust us not only for exceptional care, but also for the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones are safe, happy, and truly at home. At Bickford, we create a place where dignity, joy, and belonging are part of every day! Give your loved one the gift of a caring, vibrant community. Schedule a tour today—contact Mercedes at 515-605-7649! #CaringMatter #ThisisFortDodge #Family