Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Here at Bickford of Marshalltown, we have had a lot of wonderful visitors at our community over the years, but these guests might just be the cutest! It turns out that 3 week old twin baby boy goats are natural therapy animals. Gentle, curious and super affectionate. Our Residents spent the morning cradling the little "kids" in their laps! The atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Beyond the pure fun of it, animal therapy has profound benefits for older adults, including unique sensory experiences. The "kids" made special room visits so no one missed out on a chance to cuddle not one, but two baby goats. Thank you Tiffany from Southridge for sharing your "kids" with us. #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #community #babygoats #whateverittakes #happiness #montessori

The Healing Power of a Melody: Joanie’s Higher Path Journey with St. Croix Hospice Music Therapy At Bickford of Marshalltown, we believe that enriching our residents' lives means looking past the routine of daily care and finding what truly makes their souls sing. This philosophy—our Higher Path—is all about creating moments of profound joy, connection, and comfort. Recently, we witnessed a beautiful example of this through our sweet resident, Joanie, and our wonderful partners at St. Croix Hospice. Music has a unique way of unlocking doors that words sometimes cannot. For Joanie, music isn't just background noise; it is a bridge to cherished memories, a source of deep comfort, and a language of pure love. Through a specialized Music Therapy session provided by St. Croix Hospice, Joanie was able to experience the therapeutic power of live, personalized melody right here in her home at Bickford. During the session, the music therapist tuned into Joanie’s responses, playing familiar rhythms and songs tailored just for her. The room filled with an undeniable warmth as Joanie engaged with the music. It was a powerful reminder that no matter where we are in our journey, a familiar song can bring us right back to ourselves, bringing a sense of calm and a bright spark of happiness. We are incredibly grateful to the team at St. Croix Hospice for partnering with us to deliver this beautiful, holistic care. Moments like these are exactly what the Higher Path is about: honoring the unique spirit of every resident, fostering deep emotional well-being, and ensuring that every day is filled with love and dignity. Thank you, Joanie, for sharing your beautiful smile and your song with us

Bickford famiilies-enjoy a night with us before the busy holiday season is upon us!

You are never too old to have a day of beauty, and here at Bickford of Marshalltown, that's exactly what we do with our Residents! With a salon on site, our Residents can get a hair cut, wash and/or style without having to step foot out of the branch! And once they are met with ALL of the compliments once they leave the salon, their day just seems a little bit brighter! I mean, just look at her smile!! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #beauty #happiness #community #whateverittakes #smiling #montessori

Chasing Away the Winter Chill: How Connection and Community Thrive at Bickford Senior Living Winter has a way of slowing the world down. As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, the neighborhood streets get quieter. For many seniors living at home, this seasonal shift brings more than just snow—it can bring a deep sense of isolation. When driving becomes hazardous and stepping outside carries the risk of a slip, the walls of a house can start to feel a bit too thick. But at Bickford Senior Living, winter looks entirely different. Inside our doors, the season isn't about hunkering down; it’s about coming together. Warm Hearts, Vibrant Days We believe that true wellness stems from connection. At Bickford, our residents don't have to brave icy walkways just to see a friendly face. Morning Coffee & Catch-Ups: Steaming mugs, freshly baked treats, and deep conversations with neighbors who truly feel like family. Cozy Activities: From lively afternoon card games in the lounge to group crafts and book clubs by the fireplace. Shared Meals: No lonely dinners in front of the television—just chef-prepared comfort food enjoyed around a table filled with friends. The Power of Peer Friendships Study after study shows that staying socially active is one of the best things we can do for our health as we age. Having a close circle of friends lowers stress, boosts brain health, and provides a daily dose of joy. At Bickford, friendship happens naturally. Whether it's bonding over a shared lifelong hobby or discovering a new passion together, our environment is designed to spark meaningful relationships. Residents look out for one another, celebrate milestones together, and turn ordinary winter days into memorable moments. Peace of Mind for the Season Ahead For adult children, winter often brings a wave of worry. Will Mom be safe if power goes out? Is Dad skipping the grocery store because of the snow? Bickford eliminates those anxieties. Our dedicated team handles the snow removal, the heavy lifting, the cooking, and the home maintenance. This allows our residents to focus entirely on what matters most: enjoying their retirement and investing in their friendships. Experience the Warmth for Yourself You don’t have to wait for spring to find a vibrant, supportive lifestyle. See firsthand how our residents trade winter isolation for active, joyful companionship. Come see the Bickford difference today. Call us at 641-354-5996 to schedule your personalized tour and experience our warm community firsthand.

Greetings friends and family! Today at Bickford of Marshalltown, we had a learning activity called Farming/Harvest Facts. It's that time of the year and more Residents than not grew up on a farm, and some right here in town! Not only did they listen to someone read, they joined in and shared what they used to do on their farm when they were growing up!! The smiles as they reminisced about the animals and their milk and eggs they had to collect, to hay baling and driving tractors before they were in school! What a lovely afternoon with the best Residents! And Mrs. Linda T. even dressed for the occasion!!! I mean, just look at her smile! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #memorylane #proudfarmers #harvest #whateverittakes #montessori

Give Your Loved One a Joyful, Stress-Free Holiday Season! The holidays are a magical time, but they can also be overwhelming for seniors and caregivers alike. Whether you need extra support while traveling, or your loved one wants a vibrant, festive community to celebrate with, we have the perfect solution. Introducing Bickford’s Holiday Retreat Stay! Our short-term respite stays offer a warm, welcoming home-away-from-home where your loved one can enjoy: Festive celebrations and seasonal activities. Delicious, home-cooked holiday meals prepared by our chefs. 24/7 professional care and peace of mind in a safe environment. A vibrant social community filled with holiday cheer. Give yourself the gift of relief and your loved one the gift of a joyful season. Spaces for our holiday respite stays are limited! Call us today or visit our website to secure a cozy spot for the holidays! Call 641-354-5996 to schedule your tour! #BickfordSeniorLiving #HolidayRetreat #SeniorCare #RespiteCare #AssistedLiving #HolidayCheer #CaregiverSupport #SeniorLivingCommunity #Marshalltown

When you meet someone that just wants to help others, you take notice and you include them every month for an activity. But when they stop by, just to say "Hello", dressed like this, you know you have met and befriended a kind soul. Bickford of Marshalltown is so very lucky to have a jewelry maker that just wants to make people happy. Mr. Dean loves the Residents and they adore him as well!! I mean, just look at that smile!! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #happiness #community #whateverittakes #halloween #montessori

Resident Spotlight: Meeting Kent at Bickford of Marshalltown Today was Bingo day at Bickford Senior Living, and the energy in the room was incredible, thanks in large part to one of our wonderful residents, Kent. Kent brings a truly special presence to our community. He is young, incredibly kind, and possesses a profound resilience that inspires everyone around him. While he wasn't originally a fan of Bingo, true friendship has a way of opening new doors. Kent's special bond with Linda has brought him out to join the fun, showing just how much the connections we build here can reshape our days. Watching their friendship blossom reminds us all of the power of companionship. At Bickford, we believe in walking a Higher Path—a commitment to enriching the happiness, friendships, and well-being of our residents every single day. Kent and Linda embody this philosophy perfectly, showing us that family, connection, and a positive spirit are what truly make a place feel like home. Thank you, Kent and Linda, for sharing your kindness and the gift of friendship with our Marshalltown family today! #BickfordSeniorLiving #MarshalltownIA #ResidentSpotlight #HigherPath #SeniorLivingCommunity #Resilience #KindnessMatters #BingoDay #FriendshipGoals #CommunityConnections

Visitors are a "BIG" deal here at Bickford of Marshalltown, and I'll tell you why. Some Residents have family that have moved out of town and out of state, so when a family member walks through the door, and it's been a while, faces just light up! Mind you, our BFMs make sure the Residents look and feel their best, every day, and today, Miss Karen was full of "yellow" happiness to see her cousin. I mean, just look at those smiles! #marshalltown #bickfordofmarshalltown #family #visiting #happiness #whateverittakes #montessori