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!

At Bickford, even storm warnings can’t rain on our parade!! When the skies turn gray, we turn up the joy! Residents gathered together for a cozy afternoon filled with fortune cookie fun—cracking them open to read silly, sweet, and sometimes surprisingly wise fortunes. The fun didn’t stop there… old-time songs filled the room as voices joined in familiar tunes, bringing back cherished memories. With a little grace dancing and lighthearted entertaining, the hall transformed into a stage of smiles, movement, and connection. Because here at Bickford, we don’t just weather the storm—we dance right through it!

Our residents enjoyed a delightful mix of pampering and play with nail polish time paired with a fun memory game session! As hands were treated to fresh coats of beautiful colors, conversations flowed just as smoothly—stories shared, compliments exchanged, and smiles all around.

Please help me recognize Jessica Ross, our wonderful Montessori Engagement Coordinator. Many of you already know Jessica well—she’s been part of the Bickford family since 2018, and her role is truly something special. Her job is to bring joy, purpose, and fun to our tenants’ daily lives, and she does it with heart, creativity, and genuine care. Activities aren’t just “something to do.” They are essential to the well‑being of our tenants. Meaningful engagement supports cognitive health, reduces loneliness, encourages movement, strengthens social connections, and gives each person a sense of purpose and belonging. When tenants stay active—mentally, physically, and socially—they thrive. Jessica plays a major role in making that happen every single day. Jessica has spent most of her career in healthcare, previously serving as a hospice volunteer coordinator before joining Bickford. She was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and grew up in several communities across Iowa and Minnesota, thanks to her parents’ careers in education. In 1996, she married the love of her life, Rob, and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Riley and Grace. They’ll soon be welcoming their first grandchild, which is such an exciting new chapter for their family. Jessica has always been someone who gives back. She dedicated many years to the Calhoun County Fairboard, showing that service to others isn’t just something she does—it’s who she is. Please join me in thanking Jessica for the incredible work she does each day. She keeps our tenants engaged, connected, and thriving, helping them live happier, healthier longer. Thank you, Jessica, for being an integral part of the Higher Path and of Bickford of Fort Dodge. Your impact is felt every single day. #higherpath #Bickfordoffortdodge #greaterfortdodgegrowthalliance

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