Today was a wonderful day at Bickford Senior Living of West Des Moines as we successfully completed our annual flu clinic. The halls were filled with smiles, laughter, and a shared commitment to staying healthy throughout the season. Preventive care is one of the most powerful ways we can protect ourselves and those around us. By taking proactive steps like receiving a flu vaccine, our residents and team members are choosing wellness, safety, and peace of mind. At Bickford, we believe that prevention is living the higher path. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make today's clinic a success. Together, we're building a healthier community, one smile at a time. #higherpath #bickfordseniorliving

Today we hit the road for a little country drive to take in all the fall colors starting to appear! The leaves are beginning to show off, and there’s nothing better than getting out, enjoying the fresh air, and seeing the beautiful Iowa countryside together. Fall is definitely making its entrance, and we’re here for it!

It’s starting to feel like fall around here! Today we made button pumpkins to add a little fall fun to our doors. We had plenty of orange, plenty of buttons, and plenty of creativity. Each pumpkin got its own little personality, and they’ll be making our doors look festive all season long. Fall decorating has officially begun!

Balloon volleyball is ALWAYS a favorite around here! This game somehow brings more residents and staff out than just about anything else we do! What makes it even more special is seeing people join in who don’t normally attend activities. There’s just something about a balloon flying through the air that gets everyone laughing, moving, cheering each other on, and wanting to be part of the fun. We love watching everyone come together, and balloon volleyball has definitely become one of those activities that brings our Bickford family together! #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #BickfordFun

UNO fun in Mary B’s today! We spent some time playing UNO, laughing, chatting, and enjoying a little friendly competition. Sometimes the simplest activities make for the best afternoons! #MaryBs #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #SeniorLiving

At Bickford Senior Living, we are privileged to witness incredible moments of courage and determination—and Mary’s story is one of them. For nearly 30 days, Mary had not walked. Then one day, with a spark of determination and hope, she asked her caregivers for assistance to try walking again. Supported by a team that believes in her every step of the way, Mary rose to the challenge and took those first steps forward. The joy and pride on her face were unforgettable. In fact, her beautiful smile says it all—a smile filled with accomplishment, confidence, and resilience. Mary reminds us that progress is not always measured by speed, but by the courage to try again. Her strength and perseverance are an inspiration to everyone around her. Mary is truly living the HigherPath at Bickford Assisted Living, proving that with support, encouragement, and determination, amazing things are possible.

Today we got a little crafty and made air-dry clay pinch pots! Everyone got to work with the clay, shaping and molding their own little pot by hand. It was a fun way to get creative, work on those fine-motor skills, and just enjoy some time together. Now we just have to let them dry and see how everyone’s finished creations turn out! #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving

Baking Club in Mary B’s! Recently, everyone in Mary B’s got together for some baking club fun! There’s just something about baking together that brings everyone into the moment — mixing, measuring, chatting, and of course, enjoying the finished treats. It was a sweet way to spend some time together, keep our hands busy, and enjoy a little homemade goodness! #MaryBs #BakingClub #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving

We had a wonderful time visiting the Botanical Center! There were so many beautiful flowers and interesting things to see. It was a lovely day filled with laughter, exploration, and great memories being made together. #Bickfordseniorlivingofwestdesmoines #Higherpath #Bickford

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth! We are so excited to celebrate you today! Thank you for your years of service, dedication, and commitment to Bickford. Your passion for caring for others and your leadership as our Health & Wellness Director make a positive difference every day. We are grateful for all that you do and hope your birthday is filled with joy, laughter, and everything that makes you smile. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!