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!

We hit the jackpot with Teresa and Amy—the dynamic duo who somehow turned theme day dreams into delicious reality. Seriously, we’re considering chaining them to the kitchen (kidding) because every bite they made was yummy magic. From tropical treats to Mexican inspired goodies, Baked Alaska, and spaghetti and meatballs, they cooked up a storm all day long! And then there’s Noah—our honorary bartender extraordinaire—shaking, stirring, and serving up Hawaiian (nonalcoholic!) drinks like a pro. I can’t thank you all enough for your teamwork which helps make every Bickford theme day a success!

As we geared up for our Cruise the Seas Theme Day here at Bickford, Richard jumped right in to help decorate and lend a hand around the building. From adding those perfect finishing touches to making sure everything was just right, his help made all the difference. Staying active and involved isn’t just about keeping busy—it’s about purpose. It’s about feeling needed, contributing to something bigger, and sharing in the excitement of creating joy for others. And Richard did exactly that today. We are so lucky to have residents who bring their energy, creativity, and heart into everything they do.

Sunshine showed up… but it had some competition today! Our courtyard was glowing with “sunny smiles” as residents and BFMS gathered for an afternoon of fresh air, laughter, and connection.

Different generations, one table, matching cards—and somehow, everyone walked away with a little more than they came with. For our residents, moments like these help keep minds sharp and spirits lifted. Memory games encourage cognitive engagement, improve recall, and spark conversation—but when you add in bright young visitors, it becomes even more powerful. For the students, time spent with older adults offers something just as meaningful. They gain perspective, patience, and a deeper appreciation for life’s journey. Thank you to the St. Edmond students who visited residents this school year as a part of the Discipleship Class!

What an awesome group we had for Bingo! Thanks to all the BFMS who partnered up with a resident! We’re looking for activity volunteers at Bickford! Call and we will give you information! 515-573-3300

Thanks Dakotah for always making Judy’s hair so pretty! Looks awesome!

Jess and Marilyn were back at it again today—two puzzle partners with very different strategies! Marilyn reached for an relatively easy puzzle—big pieces, smooth sailing. Jess, ever the brain coach, smiled and said, “Let’s give that mind a little workout today!” Between playful teasing and lots of laughs, the two kept each other going. Marilyn insisted puzzles should be relaxing, while Jess gently nudged her to try something a bit more challenging to keep her brain sharp!