Delores originally came to Bickford for a short-term stay. After returning home for a bit, it wasn’t long before she chose to come back. With the support of our Higher Path program, she regained her strength and returned to her baseline. Although Delores expressed a desire to go back to her farm, her family saw how much she was thriving here—enjoying three nutritious meals a day, meaningful social connections, and the safety of around-the-clock care, all things she didn’t have at home. Delores has a passion for sewing and loves feeling helpful. Her family brought her sewing machine and supplies to Bickford, and now she’s happily staying busy mending clothing for our BFM team’s children. It’s been a wonderful way for her to feel at home—and needed—right here with us. Leaving home doesn't mean leaving behind what you love, bring it with you! If you are interested in learning more please call Abbie to book at tour! 712-301-8165

Pet therapy is important because it brings comfort, companionship, and joy into people’s lives, especially for the elderly. Animals can reduce feelings of loneliness, ease anxiety, and even lower blood pressure through their calming presence. For seniors, who may struggle with isolation or loss, spending time with a therapy pet can spark memories, encourage social interaction, and provide a sense of purpose and unconditional love. This special bond can greatly improve emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Bickford offers this as an avenue to keep residents on the Higher Path Health Model.

Today we were busy delivering cookies on National Home Made Cookie Day! We were glad to see all the smiles this created!

This particular community partner helps brighten our lives daily. It is so nice to eat a meal in our dining room (which we named The Breadbasket) while looking at these flower arrangements. These are repurposed flowers made into creative bouquets. Sharing meals helps reduce loneliness, fosters friendships and creates daily moments of joy.

Delores is on the lookout for a new neighbor — and we’ve got just the spot! We currently have an apartment open and Delores would love to have someone next door to chat with, share stories, and maybe even swap a few recipes. Bonus points if you:

Our Cooking Club loves to keep busy and enjoys preparing delicious dishes. We also love visitors that bring smiles! Roxanne visited us from the Humane Society. Roxanne was very popular as she made her way around the branch!

At its heart, Wisdom Wednesday brings us closer together as a community. It honors the idea that wisdom is meant to be shared – and that by doing so, we build stronger bonds and brighter days.

Things are getting a little out of hand as we celebrate Assisted Living Week. If you are looking for a game that’s equal parts crazy, messy and hilarious-we recommend the Shower Cap Cheese Curl Challenge. In sports, athletes are told to “trust the process” We are pretty sure that’s what we were asking of our residents when we explained the mission in this game. We heard many “you want me to do what??!” But they trusted the process like champs!

What a great turn out! We celebrated Grandparents in style,with a band concert an Tailgate Supper! Thank you to The New Horizon Band for a wonderful evening!