Our residents gathered for Coffee Club today, where the aroma of fresh coffee mingled perfectly with Teresa’s absolutely irresistible cherry coffee cake (seriously… not a crumb left behind! Between bites and sips, the room filled with laughter and stories as everyone enjoyed reminiscing with Director Christine and MEC Jess. From “remember when” moments ( Party Lines, country school, and tramps) to shared smiles, it was one of those mornings that reminds us how special these connections truly are. Thanks for joining us, Christine! We had fun!

Finding My Way Home in Assisted Living For those who don’t already know me, I’m Laura L. Lavender, and my roots run deep in Webster City. I grew up there, graduated from Webster City High School in 1986, and later earned my nursing degree from Iowa Central Community College in 1993. After spending most of my life in the same community, life surprised me—in the best way—when I met Dave. About two and a half years ago, I moved to Fort Dodge to start a new chapter with him. Together, we have a beautifully blended family of three boys, three girls, and 16 grandchildren… with number 17 arriving in August. My nursing career began in Mental Health, where I spent many years working with both adults and adolescents in inpatient, outpatient, and home care settings. I truly thought that would be my forever path. But in 2003, everything shifted when my grandfather had a stroke. My mom and I cared for him at home as long as we could, until we had to make the heartbreaking decision to move him into long term care. On the very day we admitted him, I was offered a job there. I didn’t hesitate—I wanted to be close, to make sure he received the kind of care I expected for him. When he passed in 2006, I stepped away for a while, but it didn’t take long to realize how much I missed it. Long term care had become part of who I was, and I’ve been in that world ever since. What I love most about assisted living is the incredible diversity. Some residents are fully independent, some need a little help, and others rely on us completely. Every day brings a different story, a different smile, a different bit of sass or wisdom. Their personalities, their histories, and their trust fill my heart in a way nothing else ever has. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else. Today, I feel like I’ve found my home at Bickford of Fort Dodge. Our team understands that I expect every resident to be cared for the same way I wanted my grandfather to be cared for—with dignity, compassion, and genuine love. And they work hard every single day to make that happen. This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a calling, a privilege, and a place where my heart feels full. Thank you all that trust me/us to care for your loved ones, aside from my own family, it truly is the greatest gift I could receive. If you would like to meet myself or my staff, call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 to arrange a tour to come see for yourself, just how much we love and care for everyone of our tenants. #higherpath #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance #bickfordoffortdodge

Today in our community, the tables were full and the competition was friendly as residents gathered for a little classic fun. Card games kept minds sharp and spirits high, while dominoes brought out some impressive strategy (and a few playful rivalries!). And of course, no game day is complete without popcorn to snack on while cheering each other on!

Finding Safety and Peace of Mind at Bickford of Fort Dodge When caring for a loved one at home starts to feel overwhelming, many families begin looking for a place where they know their loved one will be safe, supported, and cared for. At Bickford of Fort Dodge, providing that safety and peace of mind is what we do every day. Our team is available 24/7 to assist residents with daily needs, medication support, and simply being there when someone needs a helping hand. Families often share that one of the biggest benefits of moving to Bickford is the relief they feel knowing their loved one is no longer alone. Whether it’s help getting around safely, enjoying meals, or just having someone to talk to, our staff is always nearby. What truly makes Bickford special is the relationships built between our caregivers, residents, and families. Our team takes the time to get to know each resident, learn their routines, and make them feel at home. Families quickly see that their loved one is not just cared for — they are known and valued. At Bickford of Fort Dodge, we want families to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying visits and making memories. Knowing your loved one is safe, supported, and surrounded by compassionate caregivers brings a level of peace of mind that makes all the difference. If you’re starting to explore options for your loved one, we would love to meet you and show you what makes Bickford feel like home. Schedule your tour with Mercedes, our Family Advocate, today at 515-605-7649. #ThisisFortDodge #CaringMatters #FamilyMatters

A few of our gentleman joined Jess for Men’s group yesterday. We had some of our guys out for appointments and visiting family so we just enjoyed each other’s company and got to know about each other’s childhoods and younger years! I love it when I learn new things about our awesome Bickford family!

There are always residents who keep the whole place laughing and smiling—Mack is one of those people! We love our Bickford family and life is simply better (and a whole lot funnier) with Mack around!

Our Easter celebration was one for the books—full of laughter, sweetness, and just the right amount of chaos! A very special shoutout goes to Teresa, who bravely hopped into the bunny suit for pictures. Let’s just say… the Easter Bunny was working overtime and definitely feeling the heat! But she made it so much fun and brought smiles to everyone! Robert worked his magic behind the camera, capturing memories with his fancy backdrops that made every photo feel like a little springtime masterpiece! We enjoyed a spread of delicious food ( thank you Cory and Amy) that had everyone going back for “just one more bite,” and of course, the Easter egg hunt brought out everyone’s competitive spirit. Thanks to everyone who helped as egg hunt guides, picture takers, costume wearers, and for just helping in general!!!

Diane and Marilyn stirred up a Bunny Bait Snack Mix to share with friends and family at our Easter Celebration! Yum!

Battling the Flu Bug: Why These Simple Steps Matter It’s been a rough week in our building. A stomach flu made its way through both staff and tenants, and it certainly didn’t hold back. When something spreads this quickly, it’s a reminder of how connected we all are—and how important it is to take small steps that protect not just ourselves, but everyone around us. As we recover and work to prevent further spread, I want to highlight three essential habits. They may seem simple, but each one plays a powerful role in keeping our community healthy. 1. Stay Home When You’re Not Feeling Well No one likes missing out—whether it’s work, family time, or daily routines. But when you’re sick, staying home is one of the most caring choices you can make. Illness spreads quickly in shared spaces. Even mild symptoms can be contagious, and passing the flu to others often leads to longer, more difficult recoveries for them. A short break at home helps protect your loved ones, neighbors, and coworkers from getting sick themselves. 2. Wash Your Hands Frequently Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop germs in their tracks. Soap and water remove the viruses and bacteria that cause illness. When you can’t wash your hands, hand sanitizer is a great backup. Many viruses—especially stomach flu—spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Clean hands prevent germs from traveling to door handles, shared items, and other people. It’s a small habit with a big impact. 3. Stay Hydrated When you’re dealing with stomach flu, fluids are your best friend. Water, electrolyte drinks, and clear liquids help your body recover and maintain strength. Dehydration can set in quickly during stomach illnesses and can lead to dizziness, weakness, and other complications. Staying hydrated supports your immune system and helps you bounce back more quickly. Working Together: A Reflection of Bickford’s Higher Path At Bickford, we talk often about walking the Higher Path—choosing compassion, dignity, and community in everything we do. These three simple steps aren’t just health guidelines; they’re everyday examples of what it means to live out that philosophy. Why working together matters: • We protect one another. Staying home when sick and washing our hands isn’t just about personal health—it’s about honoring the people around us. • We lift each other up. Encouraging hydration, checking in on one another, and sharing reminders shows that we value the well being of our entire community. • We create a safer, kinder environment. When everyone contributes, even in small ways, we build a place where people feel cared for and supported. This is the heart of the Higher Path: choosing actions that reflect love, respect, and responsibility. When we work together—especially during challenging weeks like this one—we strengthen the bonds that make our building feel like home. So now that our building is feeling happier and healthier please feel free to call Mercedes at 515-573-3300 to schedule a tour and let us show you how we live by our Higher Path Journey and our motto of “Whatever it takes”. #higherpath #bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance #whateverittakes

When caring for a loved one becomes overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. At Bickford Senior Living in Fort Dodge, Iowa, we provide more than just care — we provide comfort, connection, and peace of mind. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to assist with daily needs, medication support, meals made from scratch, and meaningful social opportunities. We focus on getting to know each resident personally, creating a warm, family-like environment where your loved one can thrive. Families often tell us they wish they would have made the move sooner — seeing their loved one safer, happier, and more engaged brings immediate relief. If you're starting to explore options, we would love to meet you and show you what makes Bickford special. Call Mercedes at 515-605-7649 today to schedule your personal tour. Come see how Bickford Senior Living of Fort Dodge can become home for your loved one. #ThisisFortDodge #BickfordofFortDodge #Caringmatters