Bickford of Fort Dodge

09/12/2025

It’s National Assisted Living Week, and we’re making it unforgettable! Huge shoutout to our incredible team for putting their hearts into every detail—from planning fun activities to providing top-notch care. We couldn’t do it without you! 👏

09/12/2025

Glenn said these two always make him smile! Thanks Kenzie and Macie for always taking the extra time!

09/12/2025

BFM Spotlight: Mercedes Anderson
Meet Mercedes Anderson, our shining star and Family Advocate here at Bickford! Since joining us last November as a caregiver, Mercedes has blazed a trail of excellence—quickly advancing to Medication Technician and then stepping into her current role as Family Advocate this past April.
Mercedes is truly a ball of sunshine —full of energy, intelligence, and compassion. She’s always willing to jump in, help out, and share her ideas. Her coworkers consistently applaud her willingness to go above and beyond for residents, families, and fellow team members alike. Mercedes favorite part of working at Bickford is the meaningful connections that she gets to have with residents and staff.

She’s become an incredible addition not just to our Bickford family but also to our leadership team. Mercedes lives out the “Whatever It Takes” mentality and embodies our Core Values every single day.
Executive Director Christine says it best:
"Mercedes is an absolute delight, and we are so blessed to have her on our team. The energy, compassion, love, and joy she shares with our residents is truly a calling. Mercedes is so easy to talk to. Caregiver and Family Advocate are natural titles for Mercedes. I am truly grateful for her."
Thank you, Mercedes, for all that you do—you make Bickford brighter! #

09/11/2025

Today, we remember.
On this solemn anniversary of 9/11, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who rose, and the resilience of a nation forever changed.

In senior living, we are privileged to care for many who lived through that day—who remember where they were, who they called, and how they came together in the aftermath. Their stories remind us of the strength found in community, compassion, and courage.

As we reflect, we recommit to serving with empathy and purpose—ensuring every resident feels safe, valued, and supported, just as we all did in the days that followed September 11th.

We will never forget.

09/10/2025

Jerry thought he’d better show the St. Ed’s Discipleship class around!

09/10/2025

Whether it’s sharing stories, dancing to oldies, or exploring new hobbies, our residents remind us every day that adventure has no age limit. 🧡 This National Assisted Living Week, we celebrate their vibrant spirits and love for life.

09/10/2025

Whether it’s sharing stories, dancing to oldies, or exploring new hobbies, our residents remind us every day that adventure has no age limit. 🧡 This National Assisted Living Week, we celebrate their vibrant spirits and love for life.

09/10/2025

This afternoon we started working on some Mandela window clings for our rooms! They’re so pretty and will look beautiful on the resident’s windows!

09/10/2025

Tay brought her puppies in to visit! Lori loves animals and really enjoyed holding the pup!

09/09/2025

We couldn’t do it without them—our dedicated caregivers are the heart of Bickford. 💙 During National Assisted Living Week, we recognize and thank every team member who brings warmth, compassion, and joy to our residents every day.

09/09/2025

We couldn’t do it without them—our dedicated caregivers are the heart of Bickford. 💙 During National Assisted Living Week, we recognize and thank every team member who brings warmth, compassion, and joy to our residents every day.

09/08/2025

Everyone had a great time and cheered for their favorite team last weekend! Thanks for the decorations and cake Christine!

09/08/2025

🎉 Ageless Adventure – Celebrating Senior Living 🧭

This week, we’re joining the celebration of National Assisted Living Week and its inspiring theme: “Ageless Adventure.” Because no matter your age, the spirit of adventure never fades!

At our senior living communities, we’re more than just a place to live—we’re a family. Caregivers, residents, loved ones, and neighbors come together to create moments of joy, connection, and purpose.

Our BFMs are proud to honor the incredible individuals who live and work in assisted living, and we’re celebrating all week long with meaningful moments and memory-making adventures. 💙

Adventure has no age limit—let’s celebrate that together!

09/07/2025

Happy Grandparent’s Day to all of our residents, families, and friends! Remember to stop in today at 2:30 for a yummy yogurt parfait!

09/05/2025

💭 “Will my loved one be treated like family?”
It’s a question we hear often—and one we never take lightly.

That’s why, every month, we reach out to families with a simple check-in. One question. One honest answer. One more way to make sure we’re living up to the trust they’ve placed in us.

Their feedback shapes us. It helps us grow, improve, and stay grounded in what matters most: delivering care rooted in compassion, dignity, and love.

💖 Here’s what families shared with us this month:

09/04/2025

🌟 Caregiver Ring of Honor: Carma Harris 🌟

With 20+ years of experience, Carma Harris brings wisdom, empathy, and leadership to her role as Divisional Director of Health & Wellness. From coaching teams through tough moments to building trust with families, Carma leads with heart.

Her message: empower residents, communicate proactively, and always ask them what matters.

Carma’s dedication earns her a proud place in our Caregiver Ring of Honor. 💙

👉 Click to read more about Carma’s story: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/caregiver-ring-of-honor-carma-harris/

... read more

09/04/2025

For years, Bickford Senior Living has transformed the senior healthcare sector through innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

Beginning in 2017, Bickford partnered with Stagen to clarify their values, create news strategies to secure their future, and develop leaders at every level of the organization.

Seven years later, Bickford has had a $45 million boost in enterprise value in just 5 of their 60 locations and has grown their operating margins in a time of industry uncertainty.

Bickford continues to lead the way in the senior living industry - all while improving the quality of life for seniors and investing in their employees. Our partnership with Bickford demonstrates what’s possible when leadership development is embedded at every level of an organization.

Click here to read more:

Discover how Bickford Senior Living achieved a $3.5 million increase in EBITDA and a $45 million boost in enterprise value through purpose-driven leadership. With Stagen's guidance, they transformed their strategy and culture, revolutionizing the senior living industry. Learn how your organization c...

09/03/2025

🚫 The status quo isn’t good enough.
✅ Seniors deserve better.

That’s why we created HigherPath—our proprietary senior health model designed to help residents live happier, healthier, longer.

Here’s how we get there:

🔹 On-Site Primary Care
24/7 access to a physician-led care team, right in the branch.

🔹 High-Performing Network
Top local providers (therapy, hospice, home health) working together for better outcomes.

🔹 HigherPath Councils
Interdisciplinary teams proactively guiding each resident’s health journey.

🔹 Integrated Health Records
A holistic view of wellbeing—no more fragmented care.

🔹 Outcome-Focused Technology
Wearables, monitoring, and machine learning to prevent incidents before they happen.

🔹 Medicare Health Plan Guidance
We help you choose the plan that best supports your path to better health.

💡 This is more than care—it’s a movement toward a better future for seniors.

👉 Learn more about the HigherPath difference:
https://bickfordseniorliving.com/why-were-different/

Most senior care is reactive, siloed and confusing. With our nationally recognized HigherPath Senior Health Model, we’re championing a higher standard.

09/02/2025

Happy Anniversary!

Whitney Keeton, Divisional Director of Operations- VA
Heather Cress, Family Advocate at Bickford of Chesapeake/ Bickford of Virginia Beach
Vickie Andrews, Health & Wellness Director at Bickford of Shelby Township
Mary Gehle, Health & Wellness Director at Bickford of Canton

09/02/2025

🌟 From Business Owner to Community Influencer 🌟

Recently, resident Nancy joined our Health and Wellness Director, Jasmine, for an interview with a potential team member—and she brought serious insight to the table! With her background as a successful business owner, Nancy asked thoughtful, sharp questions that added real value to the conversation.

Jasmine shared how refreshing it was to hear Nancy’s perspective, and Nancy left feeling purposeful and appreciated. 💬✨

This is the heart of our Montessori approach: empowering residents to share their skills, make meaningful choices, and contribute in ways that matter. When residents are invited to use their talents and life experiences, they don’t just participate—they feel valued, respected, and truly connected to their community.

Including residents in the hiring process sends a powerful message: their voices help guide our community. 💙

09/01/2025

👏This Labor Day, we honor the hands and hearts that keep our communities thriving.

From caregivers and nurses to cooks, maintenance teams, and activity coordinators—every role at Bickford Senior Living is essential. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure our residents feel safe, loved, and at home. 🏡💛

Labor Day reminds us that meaningful work isn’t just about tasks—it’s about purpose. And in senior living, that purpose is deeply personal.

To all who labor with compassion and care: thank you.
To our residents who spent decades building this country with their own hard work: we celebrate you too.

08/29/2025

Happy Anniversary!

Ron Czajkowski, Bread Basket Specialist
Gina DeRosa, Executive Director Bickford of St. Bickford of St Charles
Dawn Senesac, Executive Director Bickford of Tinley Park
Katelyn Holding, Executive Director Bickford of Greenwood

08/29/2025

💬 “Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength.”
Choosing senior living is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. At Bickford, we honor that courage by being just as vulnerable in return.

That’s why we share real reviews from our residents and families—the good, the tough, and everything in between. No cherry-picking. No filters. Just honest feedback from those who live here and love someone who does.

We believe trust is built on transparency, not perfection. 💛

🔍 Explore our reviews and see how we’re committed to doing “whatever it takes” to help our residents live their best lives.