Looking good Glenn!

We’re all wishing Mack a very happy Birthday!

We made Spooky snack mix! It’s definitely a crowd favorite!

We celebrated Bickford Oktoberfest ! Thanks to Greg from River Hops Brewing for educating us on the meaning and history of Oktoberfest! We sampled Soft pretzels with different mustards and a Brie spread, bratwurst bites, Black Forest cake, and snack mix! We laughed, learned, and got very full! Thanks to all who contributed!

Happy Bosses Day to our leader Christine! Thank you for everything you do for your staff and your residents!

Off we go! Community Orchard, here we come!

We made some spooky spiders today! Don’t they look cute?!

Had a yummy fall lunch at Community Orchard in Fort Dodge today! Residents browsed the shop, enjoyed their delicious meals, and brought home apple pie!Thank you to Alex and Christine for joining Jess to make this a memorable trip for our Residents!

Meet Carol Panzi – Our Beloved Cosmetologist at Bickford Carol Panzi, proud owner of Carol’s Hair Creations, brings warmth, talent, and a touch of sparkle to Bickford every week. Born in Boone and a Fort Dodge resident since age 11, Carol has deep roots in the community. She and her husband Kevin share a beautiful family of five children, 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. As the daughter of a minister, Carol has a heart for uplifting others. Whether it’s a cheerful laugh, a comforting hug, or a quiet prayer, she’s always ready to brighten someone’s day. Her passion lies in helping our ladies feel beautiful and our gentlemen look sharp. Each week, Carol offers a full range of hair services—from quick trims and classic wash-and-sets and stylish perms. If your loved one wants it done, Carol can make it happen. She coordinates billing directly with families for convenience and peace of mind. Carol embodies the “can-do” spirit and “whatever-it-takes” attitude that makes Bickford feel like home. If your loved one needs a little hair care TLC, just let us know—we’ll make sure they’re added to Carol’s list. #higherpath #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

Our BFMs get it. At Bickford, having the best team starts with hiring the right people. That means more than just filling a role — it means choosing individuals who align with our “whatever it takes” culture of love, empathy, teamwork, and a shared vision for excellence. We call our hiring process the 49/51: 49% is about the skills needed for the job. 51% is about attitude — how a person lives out Bickford’s core values every single day. Our 51% includes: • Optimistic Warmth – genuine kindness, thoughtfulness, and a can-do spirit • Curiosity – a desire to grow and improve • Work Ethic – taking pride in doing things as well as they can possibly be done • Empathy – caring about others’ feelings • Self-Awareness – understanding yourself and your impact on others We reinforce these values not just at hiring, but every quarter during our 49/51 reviews. Each BFM and their leaders sit down to reflect, set goals, and ensure they feel supported. This personal, intentional follow-up is part of what makes our culture so strong. And it shows. Our BFMs understand their roles — and more importantly, they carry an attitude of exceptional. They go beyond just care — they personalize it. During her review, BFM Quinn shared: “It’s not just about the care. Personalizing the care is just as important as knowing how to do the care.” That level of commitment is what sets Bickford apart. Our BFMs know our residents. They know their stories, their preferences — and they involve them in decisions about their own lives. BFM Cici said: “I would feel confident bringing my mom or grandma here to be taken care of, because I know they would be cared for the right way.” All of the BFMs shared how much they love THEIR residents. Our BFMs take pride in their jobs and their residents’ care. That ownership in the care they give — and love as the highest motivation for the reason behind everything they do — creates both purpose and mattering for the residents and the staff. It’s not just a job. It’s a calling. That’s a true testimony to the trust, love, and high standards we share at Bickford. Not just "good enough" — but exceptional, resident-driven care. Bickford is truly a place where you're cared for by family. Our BFMs Get It and it Shows. If you want the best for your loved one, reach out to Mercedes or Christine today to learn more about the best-kept secret in Fort Dodge — Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care. #ThisisFortDodge #BickfordofFortDodge #Passion #Caregiving