Happy Anniversary Judy and Merle!

Today’s Golden Gals gathering was filled with laughter, stories, and sweet companionship. Marilyn and Judy had us all smiling as they read funny stories aloud, proving that laughter truly is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. Marilyn also shared a special piece of her past by bringing in the beautiful wooden cars she handcrafted in the early 1980s. It was wonderful to hear the memories behind her creations and admire the talent and patience that went into each one. Of course, no ladies’ gathering would be complete without a little snack mix, great conversation, and enjoying each other’s company. These simple moments of sharing stories, talents, and laughter are what make the Golden Gals so special.

Who would win? Our fearless Maintenance Coordinator Michael… or BFM Alex, a former wrestling state qualifier? We decided there was only one way to find out! Moments like these remind us that fun doesn’t always come from what’s on the activity calendar. Sometimes it happens in the hallway, with a little friendly competition and a whole lot of laughter. We love seeing our Bickford family make memories together!

Bickford of Fort Dodge Earns Prestigious Silver Baldrige-Based Award for Excellence We are proud to announce that Bickford of Fort Dodge has been recognized with the Silver Award for Performance Excellence through the Iowa Quality Center's Baldrige-based assessment program. This achievement places us among an elite group of organizations committed to continuous improvement and exceptional service. In fact, Bickford of Fort Dodge is one of only two Bickford communities in Iowa and one of just six Bickford communities company-wide to earn this distinction. What makes this accomplishment even more significant is that organizations must first achieve Bronze-level recognition before being eligible for Silver recognition, demonstrating a sustained commitment to excellence and continuous growth. This recognition is not earned through a simple application. The Baldrige assessment process requires months of preparation, data collection, performance analysis, documentation, and team collaboration. Organizations often dedicate hundreds of staff hours gathering evidence, reviewing operational practices, measuring outcomes, and preparing detailed responses that demonstrate excellence across every area of the organization. The process also includes rigorous review by trained examiners who evaluate both the effectiveness of processes and the results they produce. The Baldrige framework evaluates organizations across seven critical categories: Leadership – Setting vision, communicating effectively, and leading with integrity Strategy – Developing and executing effective action plans Customer Focus – Listening to and exceeding customer expectations Organizational Intelligence – Using data and measurements to drive decisions Workforce – Engaging, developing, and supporting team members Operations – Managing and continuously improving processes Results – Demonstrating outstanding performance outcomes At the Silver level, organizations are also evaluated on key scoring dimensions including the strength of their processes, their ability to deploy those processes consistently, and evidence of sustained positive results over time. Examiners look for systematic approaches, continuous learning and improvement, and sustained positive performance trends. This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of every member of our team. It validates our commitment to providing exceptional care and enriching the lives of our residents and families every day. We are honored to be recognized among the state's top-performing organizations and remain committed to pursuing even higher levels of excellence in the years ahead. Most importantly, this award belongs to our entire Bickford family. Every caregiver, CNA, nurse, cook, housekeeper, activity leader, resident, and family member plays a role in creating the culture of excellence that made this achievement possible. Congratulations to our incredible residents, families, and caregivers who helped make this achievement possible! If you would like to come experience Bickford of Fort Dodge for yourself call Mercedes at 515-573-3300. She would love to show you around. #BickfordOfFortDodge #PerformanceExcellence #SilverAward #SeniorLivingExcellence #ProudTeam #BaldrigeExcellence #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

There is something special about getting out and enjoying the simple things in life. Last week, our residents took a drive by the river and stopped for ice cream. While it may seem like a small outing, experiences like these have a big impact. Getting out into the community provides a change of scenery, encourages conversation, brings back memories, and helps residents stay connected to the world around them. Whether it's watching the river, sharing stories during the drive, or enjoying a favorite ice cream flavor, these moments help bring joy and purpose to the day. They also support emotional well-being by reducing isolation and creating opportunities for meaningful social interaction. At Bickford of Fort Dodge, we believe quality of life is about more than great care. It's about continuing to make memories, enjoying life's simple pleasures, and making every day meaningful. If you or someone you love is considering assisted living, we'd love to show you what makes our community feel like home. Contact Mercedes at 515-605-7649 to schedule a personal tour. #BickfordOfFortDodge #AssistedLiving #SeniorLiving #FortDodge #LifeEnrichment #MakingMemories #SeniorCare #HappierHealthierLonger #MeaningfulMoments #QualityOfLife #CommunityMatters

The smiles on our residents’ faces said it all. Sometimes the best parades aren’t the biggest ones. They’re the ones filled with familiar faces, goofy fun, and hearts bursting with holiday spirit. A huge thank you to our amazing BFMs and their families for making Independence Day extra memorable. You proved that a little creativity, a lot of enthusiasm, and a dining room can make for one unforgettable celebration!

The Fogelman Sisters treated us to a patriotic sing-a-long yesterday! We all loved it!

We took the Bickford Howie Bus out for a quick maiden journey to get ice cream! It was raining so we didn’t get off the bus, but John took us on a nice little drive by the river before we headed home!

Who needs a tropical vacation when you’ve got good friends and a sunny courtyard? Judy F. and Judy A. soaked up the summer heat today, enjoying great company and a little sunshine. It may have been HOT, but their smiles made it the perfect place to be!

These ladies took advantage of the beautiful weather in the courtyard before the heatwave hit!