May Day at Bickford: Spreading Sunshine to Our Amazing Staff!
At Bickford Senior Living, we believe that every day is a chance to show appreciation for the people who make our communities feel like home.
This May 1st, we are embracing a charming, old-fashioned tradition to celebrate our dedicated caregivers and staff:
May Day Cups!For us, "It All Started With Mary"—Mary Bickford, whose story reminded us that senior living should be a labor of love. Our staff lives this mission daily, caring for our residents with the same passion and dedication they would their own family.
What is a May Day Cup?
Traditionally, May Day involves leaving small baskets of flowers or treats on someone’s doorknob to mark the arrival of spring. In our communities, we’re adapting this tradition into "May Day Cups"—small cups filled with treats, notes of encouragement, and flowers to surprise our staff as they start their shifts.
Celebrating Our "Mary" CaregiversOur caregivers are the heart of Bickford. They are the ones sharing laughter, offering support, and ensuring our residents live with dignity and joy.This May Day, residents and families are coming together to fill cups with:Sweet Treats: Candies and snacks to bring a smile to their faces.Heartfelt Notes: Specific thanks from residents for the care they receive.Spring Flowers: Small bouquets to brighten the nursing stations.Why We CelebrateWe know that the work our team does is not easy, and it takes special people to deliver care with grace, patience, and kindness. From the morning shift to the night team, every staff member contributes to our family-oriented atmosphere.These small tokens of appreciation are a reminder to our team that they are seen, valued, and loved—not just by our residents, but by our entire Bickford family.Happy May Day to all the wonderful caregivers at Bickford! Thank you for helping our residents' joy bloom.
#BickfordSeniorLiving #CARD #Memorycare #Montessori
Stephanie Erickson
May 8, 2026
We had the sweetest morning celebrating all of our beautiful Mothers at Bickford today! A Muffin and Mimosas celebration to give our residents and their families a chance to slow down, sip on something sparkling and enjoy a treat together. We loved to see all the smiles and toasts; celebrating all the women who make Bickford so special!
Stephanie Erickson
May 8, 2026
This Nurse’s Week, we aren’t just celebrating a profession-we’re celebrating a person that makes our community feel like home. At Bickford Senior Living, we are incredibly blessed to honor Trisha Patten, a nurse who truly defines gold standard of care. While many nurses are skilled in medicine, Trisha is a master of kindness. She doesn’t just see charts and medications; she sees people, their stories and the families behind them. No matter how busy the day gets Trisha never rushes. She gives every resident the gift of her time. Trisha’s empathy is her super powder. She anticipates needs before they are even spoken. We’d like to thank Trish for her tireless, hard work, all the late nights, and the smiles you bring to our hallways! You are more than just our nurses you are the heartbeat of Bickford of Marshalltown!! #higherpath #bickfordseniorliving #nursesweek
Stephanie Erickson
May 7, 2026
At Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care, we believe it is actually about what our residents are gaining: a community built on a family’s love where they can truly bloom. Choosing Bickford isn’t just about finding a room, it’s about choosing a partner to help your loved one come and grow with us! Call and schedule a tour with us today! 641-354-5996
Bianca Bennett
May 7, 2026
Exercise can be FUN! Our residents enjoyed a little friendly competition with a game of balloon volleyball!
Bianca Bennett
May 5, 2026
Our residents celebrated Cinco de Mayo this afternoon! Chips, salsa guacamole and margaritas hit the spot and were a perfect treat following bible study with Chaplain Cindy.
Bianca Bennett
May 1, 2026
Have you noticed our Accushield kiosk in our foyer? We ask that all visitors and outside providers please take a moment when entering our branch and sign in. There is even a mobile app option to sign in prior to entering and printing your visitor badge! This system is also how our residents sign in and out when leaving for appointments. If you have any questions please ask one of our caregivers and we would be happy to assist you!
Bianca Bennett
May 1, 2026
The Higher Path looks different for everyone. For some residents, it means completing physical therapy and gaining greater mobility and independence. For others, it’s about staying active through exercise and enjoying meaningful social connections. At Bickford Assisted Living of Marshalltown, we are committed to creating personalized opportunities that help each resident stay on their Higher Path-supporting both their physical well-being and social engagement everyday day. #higherpath #bickfordseniorliving
Tonya Girsch
May 1, 2026
May Day at Bickford: Spreading Sunshine to Our Amazing Staff! At Bickford Senior Living, we believe that every day is a chance to show appreciation for the people who make our communities feel like home. This May 1st, we are embracing a charming, old-fashioned tradition to celebrate our dedicated caregivers and staff: May Day Cups!For us, "It All Started With Mary"—Mary Bickford, whose story reminded us that senior living should be a labor of love. Our staff lives this mission daily, caring for our residents with the same passion and dedication they would their own family. What is a May Day Cup? Traditionally, May Day involves leaving small baskets of flowers or treats on someone’s doorknob to mark the arrival of spring. In our communities, we’re adapting this tradition into "May Day Cups"—small cups filled with treats, notes of encouragement, and flowers to surprise our staff as they start their shifts. Celebrating Our "Mary" CaregiversOur caregivers are the heart of Bickford. They are the ones sharing laughter, offering support, and ensuring our residents live with dignity and joy.This May Day, residents and families are coming together to fill cups with:Sweet Treats: Candies and snacks to bring a smile to their faces.Heartfelt Notes: Specific thanks from residents for the care they receive.Spring Flowers: Small bouquets to brighten the nursing stations.Why We CelebrateWe know that the work our team does is not easy, and it takes special people to deliver care with grace, patience, and kindness. From the morning shift to the night team, every staff member contributes to our family-oriented atmosphere.These small tokens of appreciation are a reminder to our team that they are seen, valued, and loved—not just by our residents, but by our entire Bickford family.Happy May Day to all the wonderful caregivers at Bickford! Thank you for helping our residents' joy bloom. #BickfordSeniorLiving #CARD #Memorycare #Montessori
Tonya Girsch
Apr 30, 2026
Bean Bag Tic Tac Toe: A Fun & Engaging Activity for Our Bickford Family At Bickford Senior Living, we believe that joy is just as important as care — and sometimes, joy comes in the form of a simple game. One of our recent favorites? Bean Bag Tic Tac Toe! This playful twist on a classic game combines friendly competition, light physical activity, and plenty of laughter. Instead of drawing X’s and O’s on paper, residents toss colorful bean bags onto a large tic tac toe mat — aiming for three in a row while cheering each other on. Why We Love It Accessible for Everyone – Whether seated or standing, residents of all mobility levels can participate. Gentle Physical Exercise – Tossing bean bags helps improve hand-eye coordination, range of motion, and dexterity. Social Connection – The game sparks conversation, teamwork, and shared laughter, strengthening our community bonds. Cognitive Engagement – Players strategize their moves, keeping minds active and sharp. How We Play at Bickford We set up a large tic tac toe grid on the floor or table, assign each team a bean bag color, and let the fun begin. Sometimes we add a twist — like tossing with the non-dominant hand or aiming from a little farther away — to keep things exciting. The Best Part It’s not just about winning; it’s about the smiles, the high-fives, and the stories shared between turns. Activities like Bean Bag Tic Tac Toe remind us that joy can be found in the simplest moments — and those moments are what make life at Bickford so special. #BickfordSeniorLiving #CARD #Memorycare #Montessori
Tonya Girsch
Apr 29, 2026
Growing Together: The Joy of Large Group Bible Study at Bickford At Bickford, we believe that faith grows best when it’s shared. This past week, our Bible study room was filled with the beautiful sound of voices, laughter, and heartfelt conversation as we welcomed one of our largest groups yet. It was more than just a meeting—it was a moment of connection, encouragement, and spiritual renewal. Why Large Group Bible Study Matters When we gather in greater numbers, something special happens. Each person brings their own story, perspective, and faith journey, creating a rich tapestry of shared wisdom. Large group studies allow us to: Learn from one another – Different life experiences bring fresh insights to familiar passages. Build deeper relationships – Conversations spill over into friendships that last beyond the study. Encourage consistency – A vibrant, full room inspires everyone to keep coming back. Creating a Welcoming Space At Bickford, we make sure every Bible study feels like coming home. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm smiles, a cozy atmosphere, and the assurance that your voice matters. Whether you’ve been studying Scripture for decades or are just beginning your journey, there’s a place for you here. The Ripple Effect of Attendance When more people attend, the energy in the room grows. Discussions become livelier, prayers feel more powerful, and the sense of community deepens. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about the shared experience of drawing closer to God together. #BickfordSeniorLiving #CARD #Memorycare #Montessori