Bickford of Urbandale

10/17/2025

📣 Satisfaction Surveys Are Open Through October 20! 🗓️

At Bickford, we don’t just say we’re committed to happiness—we strive to live it every day. Now, we want to hear from you: our residents, their families, and our amazing Bickford Family Members.

💬 What are we doing well? Where can we grow?
Your voice matters, and your feedback helps us walk the talk of our purpose and values.
We’ve partnered with Activated Insights, a nationally recognized research organization, to conduct confidential online surveys that are quick and easy to complete.

✨ Why it matters:
Resident & Family feedback helps communities qualify for U.S. News Best Senior Living recognition.
BFM feedback helps us earn a spot on Fortune’s Great Place to Work® list.

Let’s continue building a place where happiness lives. 💛
📩 Questions? Reach out to your Executive Director.

10/16/2025

🌟 Family Has Its Benefits — Especially When It Comes to Your Career 🌟

We believe leadership isn’t just taught — it’s cultivated. That’s why we’ve partnered with Stagen Leadership Academy to develop the next generation of caregiver leaders. 💼✨

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we’ve got your back:
✅ World-Class Leadership Development
✅ Skills Training for Beginners
✅ A Culture That Feels Like Family

You don’t need experience to begin a career in healthcare — just a heart for people. We’ll help you build the skills to thrive. 💙
Ready to start your journey? Let’s grow together. https://bickfordseniorliving.com/careers/

You deserve a better place to care. We will not stop until we're the best place in America to be a caregiver. Explore careers at Bickford.

10/15/2025

🌟 HigherPath Celebration Story: Ice Cream to Independence 🍦

Todd’s family began noticing changes—he was more forgetful, unsteady, and eating sweets for every meal. He stopped grooming and wasn’t feeling well, prompting a hospital visit where he was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. His family felt it was the right time to explore a retreat stay at Bickford.

Bickford’s HigherPath approach brought the team together to help Tom regain his strength and dignity.
- Through the use of his CarePredict call button, Todd was able to quickly request assistance
- Our nurse practitioner reviewed and adjusted his medications
- Fox Therapy’s in-house team used physical therapy to strengthen his leg muscles
- Dining staff monitored his diet to provide healthy, balanced meals
- Our on-staff Chaplin visited with Tom weekly and the happiness coordinator took him to activities and on scenic drives

Todd now starts his mornings with friendly conversation and a bagel—no more ice cream for breakfast. Each day, he lifts weights in a designated space within the Fox Therapy room, staying active and focused. What began as a short retreat stay turned into a personal decision to make Bickford his home, thanks to the support of our HigherPath approach.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 ✨ 🌟 ☪️

10/09/2025

Family has its benefits — and at Bickford, we make sure you feel it every day. 💚

We know life doesn’t always fit into a 9-to-5. That’s why we offer:

✨ App-Powered Scheduling
Your schedule, your way. Get real-time updates, open shift alerts, and full transparency — all from your phone.

🕒 Flexible Shift Options
Busy day? No problem. Choose from 2-hour, 4-hour, or traditional shifts to fit your lifestyle.

💸 Daily Pay Access
Why wait for payday? Get 100% of your net wages by the end of each shift and take control of your financial wellness.

At Bickford, we treat our team like family — because that’s what we are. 💛
Want to dive deeper? Click here to learn more and explore all the details: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/careers/

You deserve a better place to care. We will not stop until we're the best place in America to be a caregiver. Explore careers at Bickford.

10/08/2025

Happy Anniversary!

Janelle Conklin, Family Advocate at Bickford of Upper Arlington
Jennifer Gay, Health & Wellness Director at Bickford of Middletown
Christine Beagle, Executive Director at Bickford of Fort Dodge

10/08/2025

🌿 From Worry to Peace of Mind: Mary’s Journey on the HigherPath 🌿

For Cathy Matthews, peace of mind used to feel out of reach. Her 94-year-old mother, Mary, was caught in a cycle of preventable falls, ER visits, and uncertainty. That all changed when Mary moved to Bickford of Chesapeake.

Now, thanks to the HigherPath Senior Health Model, Mary is not just safe—she’s thriving. With proactive care, smart technology, and a team that treats her like family, Mary’s days are filled with laughter, dignity, and purpose.

💬 “She just seems happier,” Cathy says. “I don’t sleep with one eye open anymore, waiting for that phone to ring.”

Mary’s story is a powerful reminder that the later chapters of life can still be full of joy, connection, and care. This is what the HigherPath is all about.

👉 Read the full story and see how the right care can change everything: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/a-higher-path-for-mary/

... read more

10/07/2025

Happy Anniversary to our amazing nurses!

Eve Safarik, Health & Wellness Director Bickford of Tinley Park
Nicole Wechet, Divisional Director of Health & Wellness- Northern IL/IN
Nancy Stout. Health & Wellness Director Bickford of Oswego
Kelly Chestnut, Health & Wellness Director Bickford of Greenwood

10/07/2025

🌟 Montessori Moments at Bickford 🌟

One way we bring Montessori principles to life is by creating programs that celebrate our residents’ unique interests and talents. Each month, our Bread Basket Manager, Paulina, hosts a cooking demonstration—turning cherished recipes into shared experiences and lasting memories. 🍳📖

This month, our lovely resident Cindy took center stage, sharing one of her favorite go-to recipes! She not only helped Paulina with the demo but also served her fellow residents with joy and pride. 💛

These programs open the door to so many possibilities—cooking demos, taste tests, storytelling, scrapbooking, and more. It’s a beautiful way to honor our residents’ abilities and preserve their achievements in our very own Bickford Cookbook. 🥘✨

10/06/2025

Happy Anniversary!

Brandy Aucunas, Executive Director at Bickford of Battle Creek
Jamie Stratton, Executive Director at Bickford of Midland
Shilpa Ponaganti, Payroll Generalist Branch Support
Danny Moss, Director of Property Management Branch Support

10/06/2025

🌟 Introducing HigherPath Care Coordination 🌟
Because your loved one deserves more than care — they deserve a higher path to wellness.

👩‍⚕️ On-Site Primary Care
24/7 access to a physician-led team specializing in senior health. Care comes to you, right where you live.

🏥 High-Performing Care Network
We’ve handpicked top providers across disciplines to deliver better health outcomes — consistently.

🤝 HigherPath Councils
Your loved one’s journey is guided by an interdisciplinary team that meets regularly to stay proactive, not reactive.

📋 Integrated Health Records
No more silos. We connect the dots for a complete picture of your loved one’s wellbeing.

📲 Outcome-Based Technology
Smart wearables + machine learning = early detection and prevention. Because small changes matter.

💙 Happier. Healthier. Longer. That’s the HigherPath promise.

Click here to find out Why We're Different: 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.

10/03/2025

💬 Real Residents, Real Reviews 💬
Choosing senior living is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. At Bickford, we understand the vulnerability that comes with trusting someone else with your loved one’s care.

That’s why we don’t just share the good—we share it all.
✅ Real feedback from real residents and families
✅ Monthly internal surveys, not cherry-picked quotes
✅ Honest insights into what we’re doing well—and where we need to grow

We believe vulnerability is a strength. And trust is built on transparency, not perfection.
Explore our reviews. Ask questions. We’re here for the hard conversations, because your trust means everything.

10/02/2025

Happy Anniversary!

Carma Harris, Health & Wellness Coach Branch Support
Amanda Brunken, Health & Wellness Director at Bickford of Grand Island
Angie Nutter, Executive Director at Bickford of Lincoln
Jaci Dettman, Family Advocate at Bickford of Grand Island Island

10/02/2025

🌟 We’re setting the standard in senior care — nationally! 🌟

We’re proud to be recognized as leaders in resident and caregiver happiness:
✅ Great Place To Work® Certified — our caregivers love where they work
🏆 22 branches featured in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Senior Living
💖 Happiness Scores 2x the national average — because joy matters

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to creating a place where residents thrive and caregivers feel valued. 💫

10/02/2025

🌟 We’re setting the standard in senior care — nationally! 🌟

We’re proud to be recognized as leaders in resident and caregiver happiness:
✅ Great Place To Work® Certified — our caregivers love where they work
🏆 22 branches featured in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Senior Living
💖 Happiness Scores 2x the national average — because joy matters

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to creating a place where residents thrive and caregivers feel valued. 💫

10/01/2025

💔✨ From a whirlwind romance to 57 years of unwavering devotion, Lynn and Michael’s love story began with a blind date in Cedar Rapids and blossomed into a lifetime of memories. But when health challenges turned their world upside down, what followed was a powerful journey of resilience, caregiving, and unexpected hope.

After losing her beloved husband just days after moving into assisted living, Lynn—once a vibrant flight attendant and fashionista—faced her darkest days. But with the help of a compassionate care team, a loyal dog named Carly, and a few signs from above (yes, cardinals 🐦), she’s rediscovering her sparkle.

💄💫 Now 80, Lynn is back to wearing earrings, giving hugs, and turning heads in her shiny black jacket.

You won’t want to miss this beautiful story of love, loss, and the healing power of community. ❤️

👉

... read more

09/30/2025

🌻 Art That Awakens Memory 🌻
This week, our residents explored the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh, creating beautiful sunflower bouquets and drawings to brighten our tables. These hands-on, meaningful activities are part of our Montessori Memory Care approach, helping residents connect with history, express creativity, and engage their senses in joyful ways.

09/29/2025

🍂 Fall in Love with Your New Home 🍁
There’s something magical about autumn—the crisp air, cozy moments, and the beauty of change. 🍃✨

At Bickford Senior Living, we invite you to experience that same warmth and transformation. Whether you're looking for comfort, connection, or care, our community is ready to welcome you home.

🎃 Schedule a tour this fall and discover why so many are falling in love with senior living done right.

09/26/2025

🧭 How do we stay focused on what truly matters?
We turn to the experts—the families we care for.

Every month, instead of sending out a long list of questions, we ask just one. One thoughtful, intentional question. And the answers we receive? They move us. They challenge us. They ground us in our purpose.

At Bickford, care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. It’s a bond built on trust, empathy, and open dialogue.

💬 Here’s what families shared with us this month. Their words speak volumes.

09/26/2025

🧭 How do we stay focused on what truly matters?
We turn to the experts—the families we care for.

Every month, instead of sending out a long list of questions, we ask just one. One thoughtful, intentional question. And the answers we receive? They move us. They challenge us. They ground us in our purpose.

At Bickford, care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. It’s a bond built on trust, empathy, and open dialogue.

💬 Here’s what families shared with us this month. Their words speak volumes.