We are officially in the "BER" months, and you know what that means right?!?! Septemberfest is here!!!! Bickford of Marshalltown is full of Residents that love to celebrate anything really!! So what do we do?? We bring the celebration to the Residents!! We decorated all the wheelchairs and walkers and we had our very own Septemberfest parade! The Residents walked the hallways like they were on W. Main Street, with noise makers, music and throwing candy!!! They kept that tradition, of course! One lap around then rest and relaxation as we all sat and conversed about parades! The Residents thoroughly enjoyed themselves and as usual, just look at all of those smiles!! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #septemberfestparade #whateverittakes #montessori

As the crisp autumn air sets in, many seniors and their families find themselves contemplating an easier winter without the stress of snow removal, icy walkways, and freezing temperatures. At Bickford Senior Living, we help our residents trade winter worries for a warm, vibrant, and maintenance-free lifestyle. Making the transition to senior living before the first snowflake falls ensures you or your loved one can relax and enjoy the season safely. Our residents stay safe and cozy all winter long while enjoying top-tier amenities designed for ultimate comfort and convenience: Our Warm & Cozy Fireplace: The perfect central gathering spot to relax with a hot cup of cocoa, read a good book, or chat with neighbors away from the winter chill. Three Chef-Prepared Meals Daily: Enjoy delicious, scratch-made dining served every day in our comfortable dining room, eliminating the need for risky winter grocery runs. Full Laundry & Housekeeping Services: Let us handle the heavy lifting. We take care of all the tidying, linens, and clothes so you can focus entirely on enjoying your day. Total Maintenance-Free Living: Say goodbye to shoveling snow, scraping windshields, and managing fluctuating heating bills. We handle all interior and exterior upkeep. 24/7 Peace of Mind: With certified caregivers always on hand, family members can rest easy knowing their loved ones are safe, warm, and fully supported, no matter the weather outside. Don’t wait until the winter storms arrive to think about your options. Call for a tour today at 641-354-5996 and see how Bickford Senior Living can make this coming season your most comfortable one yet! #bickfordseniorliving #assistedliving #marshalltown

Unstoppable Energy: Discovering The Higher Path at Bickford Senior Living There is a common misconception that moving into assisted living means slowing down. If you spend five minutes with the incredible women at Bickford Senior Living, you will see they are completely dismantling that stereotype. This unstoppable group constantly pushes their limits with smiles on their faces, choosing to walk The Higher Path toward lifelong wellness, vitality, and deep community connection. Our fitness sessions prove that physical health and meaningful relationships go hand in hand. Adaptive Fitness for Every Ability We believe fitness should never be one-size-fits-all. Our exercise sessions are completely adaptive to accommodate differing physical abilities. Whether a resident is standing, using a chair for support, or managing mobility limitations, every movement is tailored so everyone can participate safely. Pushing your limits on The Higher Path is not about competing with others; it is about discovering what your own body can do while surrounded by a supportive team. Where Friendships Are Formed This shared physical effort is exactly how lasting friendships are formed in our community. Sharing a laugh during a workout, cheering each other on, and cooling down together creates an immediate emotional bond. These sessions provide a natural, relaxed environment where residents transition from neighbors to true friends, supporting one another on their collective journey. The Dual Power of Movement and Connection Exercising together triggers a powerful combination of benefits that elevate daily life: Physical Vitality: Adaptive movement improves balance, strengthens muscles, and boosts daily energy levels to help residents maintain independence. Social Longevity: Built-in social interaction fights isolation, reduces stress, and fosters a profound sense of belonging. These ladies prove every day that with the right support, an adaptive environment, and a positive attitude, there are no limits to what you can achieve when you choose The Higher Path. #TheHigherPath #BickfordSeniorLiving #AssistedLiving #SeniorFitness #AdaptiveExercise #HealthyAging #SeniorWellness #CommunityFirst

Better late than never I say!!! When "Baking with Deb" is on the calendar, we have to put tables together for all that gather and want to be a part of the process!!! Chocolate chip cookies are a staple here at Bickford!! Homemade ooey-gooey chocolatey goodness!!! The Residents line up for 'em!! But, to be a part of making them, that's the extra special part. Just knowing that each Resident helped, they are just so proud!! Or, maybe just maybe, they like to lick the bowl!!! As usual, just look at those smiles!! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #baking #beingapartoftheprocess #whateverittakes #montessori

Did you know, that floral arranging can be a calming aesthetic? The fragrance and the want/need to create something entirely gorgeous, is in itself such an amazing accomplishment, and when you look at what you have created independently (& w/ some guidance, of course), the feeling is vibrantly satisfying!! I mean, just look at that smile! Many activities draw large crowds, and this was one of them! We welcomed famous entertainer Ron Burgess to "wow" our Residents and he did just that! The Residents loved all the songs and sang along knowing every single lyric! Again, those smiles!! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #livemusichour #whateverittakes #montessori

One of the things we hear most from families is: “We wish we had started looking sooner. “ The truth is, assisted living decisions are often made during a stressful moment-after a fall, illness, or hospital stay. But planning ahead can make all the difference. We all start with the same promise: I will take care of her myself. But health issues have a way of changing the rules. What started as simple plan of action , turns into a 24 seven vigilance. You’re no longer just a daughter or son; you’ve become a nurse, a security guard, chauffeur and a chef. . If you feel frustrated, exhausted, or even angry, you aren’t failing- you’re simply at the end of what one person can humanly do. At Bickford Senior Living of Marshalltown, joining our waitlist, doesn’t mean you have to move right away. It simply gives your family options and peace of mind if the need of arises. Sometimes the best gift we can give our loved ones is a plan. If assisted living has crossed your mind for someone you love, we’d love to meet you! Schedule a tour and ask about our waitlist today. 641-354-5996

Meet Don: Walking a Higher Path and Becoming the Heart of Our Community If you spend even a few minutes walking the hallways of Bickford Senior Living, you are bound to run into Don. With a friendly smile and an endless supply of sports trivia, Don has quickly become a shining example of what it means to live a higher path full of connection, joy, and purpose. As a self-proclaimed sports fanatic, Don brings a unique energy to Bickford every single day. Whether he is breaking down last night’s game or analyzing player stats, his passion for life and athletics is entirely contagious. A Master Conversationalist Don has never met a stranger. Thanks to his natural gift of gab and warm personality, he has made countless friends since moving in. He is the ultimate conversationalist, effortlessly moving from deep discussions about sports history to enthusiastic debates about the current season. For Don, every mealtime and hallway greeting is an opportunity to connect, share a laugh, and make someone’s day a little brighter. Spoiled by Care & Catching Up on Zzzs While Don spends a lot of his time pouring into others through conversation, he is quick to share how much is poured back into him. Don recently shared that he feels completely spoiled by our caregivers and is consistently impressed by the entire team. Between his busy socializing schedule, Don is also thoroughly enjoying catching up on his sleep and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation. "They truly go above and beyond," Don says of the team. Our caregivers strive to treat every resident like family, and knowing Don feels that love and comfort is the greatest reward we could ask for. The Fever, The Beard, and The Debate! Being a sports fanatic means Don's fandom never takes a season off. Lately, he has been loving watching the Indiana Fever play, bringing his signature enthusiasm to every broadcast. He’s also sporting a brand-new look these days. Don is currently growing out a beard—a style choice he is fully embracing, despite what Mary Ann thinks! It’s just another example of Don's fun-loving, independent spirit that we all know and love. Don reminds us all that senior living isn't just about receiving care—it's about thriving, laughing, and building deep connections. We are so lucky to have his sports fandom and his big heart as part of our Bickford family.

We work very hard to come up with activities that will grab attention and spark fun things to keep our Residents happy and fulfilled. Today, the activities were fun, but two Residents decided to get their hair done and we just had to share!!! A day of making ourselves feel pampered and beautiful should be an every day thing, and we strive for just that!!! So, smile pretty Linda and Jeanine, you both are stunning!!! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #dayofbeauty #whateverittakes #montessori

When you have to figure out what will grab the attention of your wonderful Residents, you put some hot air in a blue balloon (easier to see for those who have trouble), write the word "Smile" on it and call it Hot Balloon, you have a game that every Resident can not resist and enjoys thoroughly! The pure joy and laughter and smiles, carried through the hallways here at Bickford. Such a great ROM exercise activity for our Residents! We now know who played professional volleyball back in the day! And we can not wait to hit that balloon around again!! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #balloonfun #whateverittakes #montessori

We couldn’t do it without them-our dedicated caregivers are the heart of Bickford of Marshalltown. During National Assisted Living Week, we celebrate the compassion, kindness, and light they bring to our residents and families each day. Thank you for helping our community shine through the years. #NALW #CaregiverAppreciation