Marilyn mentioned to me that she wished she’d have kept track of how many puzzles she’s worked on since moving to Bickford. It’s SEVERAL, to say the least. Puzzles provide opportunities for easy conversation and friendship building. They’re good for improving short term memory and problem solving skills! And Marilyn says “ They give you something to do when you don’t like what Jessie has planned on the calendar!”

This young lady celebrated a birthday over the weekend! Happy Birthday Judy!

As we close out 2025, we at Bickford of Fort Dodge are reflecting on a year filled with growth, gratitude, and countless meaningful moments. We’ve said goodbye to some truly special people who left lasting imprints on our hearts, and we’ve welcomed new faces who have already brought joy, laughter, and love into our home. Every chapter has shaped us, strengthened us, and reminded us why community matters so deeply. What keeps us moving forward — and what makes every moment worth it — is our why: creating a place where people feel valued, supported, and genuinely cared for. This isn’t just a building; it’s a family. Every new tenant becomes part of our story, and every day is a chance to brighten someone’s life, share a smile, or offer comfort when it’s needed most. That purpose fuels us, inspires us, and keeps our hearts full. As we step into the new year, our excitement is bigger than ever. We’re ready to welcome even more wonderful individuals into our community and continue our Higher Path Journey — helping our tenants stay happier, healthier, and more fulfilled for as long as possible. We’re committed to making 2026 a year of connection, celebration, and meaningful experiences for everyone who calls Bickford home. If you or someone you love is searching for a warm, welcoming place to call home, we’d love to show you what makes Bickford so special. Reach out to Mercedes at 515‑573‑3300 to schedule a tour and experience the Bickford family atmosphere firsthand. We can’t wait to meet you and share the heart of what we do. Here’s to a hopeful, energetic, purpose‑filled 2026 — full of new beginnings, deeper connections, and moments that truly matter. #bickfordoffortdodge #higherpath #greaterfortdogegrowthalliace #happynewyear

We didn’t get many pictures because we were busy making sure all of the residents had their drinks and their snacks but we did have a lot of fun today for New Years Eve!

We were delighted to have Gary’s daughter and wife join us for Balloon Swat today! The ladies played for an hour! While it looks like just a fun game, (and it is!) balloon swat improves hand-eye coordination and provides healthy, low impact exercise! Fun and beneficial! Win win!

Our hearts (and tummies) are full! Thank you all of our “Angels” for their generosity this Christmas! You’ve helped put smiles on the faces of those we all love! The Christmas spirit was alive this morning as we sang songs, played games, snacked on Teresa’s fabulous and famous Christmas goodies, and opened gifts! The smiles were shining ! Merry Christmas to you and yours from our Bickford family to yours!

Slowing Down for the Season: A Holiday Self Care Reminder Christmas often arrives in a blur — lights twinkling, calendars filling, expectations piling up faster than we can keep track. It’s beautiful, yes, but it can also be overwhelming. And in the middle of all that motion, there’s a quiet invitation we sometimes forget to accept: the chance to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters. This season, self care isn’t just a luxury. It’s important because it protects your energy, your joy, and your ability to be present. When you’re constantly rushing, you miss the small moments that make the holidays meaningful. When you’re exhausted, even the things you love can start to feel like obligations. But when you give yourself space to rest, everything softens — your mood, your mindset, your capacity to enjoy the people around you. ✨ Slow down. A gentler pace helps you actually experience the season instead of racing through it. ✨ Breathe. A few intentional moments of stillness can reset your entire day and calm the holiday chaos. ✨ Enjoy your people. Not in a perfect, curated way — but in the real, warm, imperfect way that creates the memories you’ll carry forward. This matters because the holidays aren’t about performing or keeping up. They’re about connection. They’re about presence. They’re about noticing the laughter in the kitchen, the quiet conversations, the shared traditions that only make sense to your family. Those moments only happen when you’re grounded enough to see them. So this Christmas, give yourself permission to step out of the whirlwind. Let the season be simple. Let it be soft. Let it be yours. When you take care of yourself, you make room for the kind of joy that lasts long after the decorations come down. When your season has settled and you are ready to look at a community that encourages you to care for yourself, while we care for your loved one call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 to arrange a tour. Come see us and feel the Bickford difference. #bickfordoffortdodge #higherpath #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

Thank you to all who joined our Annual Hot Cocoa and Cookie decorating event! The residents had a lot of fun ! Thanks Teresa for the Twix cookies, fudge, and cut out cookies!

We were full of Christmas spirit this afternoon as we sang Christmas carols and played Christmas charades!

At Bickford of Fort Dodge, we believe every step our residents take should be safe, confident, and full of dignity. That’s why fall reduction is at the heart of our Higher Path Model. Preventing falls isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about protecting independence, preserving quality of life, and ensuring that every resident can continue to enjoy the moments that matter most. Falls can change lives in an instant. A broken hip, a head injury, or a fractured arm can lead to surgery, hospitalization, and long recovery periods. More than that, they can take away the freedom to move, the confidence to live fully, and the joy of everyday activities. By preventing falls, we protect not only physical health but also emotional well-being, independence, and peace of mind for families. So what does prevention look like? It starts with listening—meeting with families to uncover the root causes of falls and creating personalized action plans. It continues with therapy partnerships: • Physical Therapy (PT): building strength and balance • Occupational Therapy (OT): helping residents navigate their environment and daily routines with confidence • Speech Therapy (ST): supporting cognitive skills and addressing swallowing concerns Our dedicated staff go further, increasing daily check-ins, implementing toilet schedules when needed, and encouraging residents to spend time in common areas where support is always close by. Every measure we take is guided by one goal: keeping our residents safe, happy, and thriving. And the results speak for themselves. In the past year, Bickford of Fort Dodge reduced its fall rate by 42%. That’s not just a number—it represents countless moments of safety, countless families spared the worry of a phone call about an accident. At Bickford, fall prevention is more than a program. It’s a promise: to do Whatever It Takes to protect the people you love, so they can keep walking their Higher Path with confidence and joy. Living Happier, Healthier-Longer. If you would like to come experience the difference Bickford of Fort Dodge offers call Mercedes at 515-573-3300. She would love to show you around and talk to you about the difference that Bickford of Fort Dodge has to offer. #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance #higherpath