Bickford of West Des Moines

08/08/2025

📌 One Question. Endless Insight.

At Bickford, we believe that meaningful care starts with meaningful conversation. That’s why, each month, we don’t send out a checklist—we ask one powerful question. Just one.

The responses? They inspire us. They challenge us. They remind us why we do what we do.

Because here, care isn’t a task—it’s a relationship built on listening, understanding, and heart.

💬 This month’s answers from our families are especially moving.
👇 Take a moment to read what they shared.

08/07/2025

❤️A Caregiver's Manifesto❤️

There is no higher calling,
no greater purpose than that of a caregiver.
Somehow, we've come to believe that caregiving
is just for some of us and not all of us.
Yet at our core, we are all made to love, to connect,
to extend ourselves in service of others.
The questions is ... do we have the will to love, to do what it takes,
to risk ourselves in caring, even when the burden is great?
In times of happiness, in times of sadness -
we are that caregiver.
WHATEVER IT TAKES

Watch a short film about who we are and what we stand for: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/our-culture/

Created to care for our family; devoted to serving yours. We're a family of caregivers willing to do whatever it takes to make our residents happy.

08/06/2025

🌟 From Hospice to Hope: Dena’s Remarkable Comeback at 98 🌟

Dena Petersen has never backed down from a challenge—from trekking 600 miles with three kids in tow to walking to church in high heels (well, almost 😉). But her most inspiring journey yet? Recovering from a stroke at 98.

With the support of the HigherPath team at Bickford of Clinton, Dena went from hospice care to walking to the dining room three times a day. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets compassionate, coordinated care.

💪 “She’s going to outlive me,” says her daughter.
💬 “You’ve brought her back to life,” says a longtime friend.

✨ Want to see how HigherPath helped Dena defy the odds?
👉 Read her full story here:

... read more

08/04/2025

🕊️ Faith. Connection. Comfort.
At Bickford, spiritual care isn’t an afterthought—it’s a cornerstone of how we support our residents.

✨ Whether it’s one-on-one visits, multi-faith resources, or regular services right in the branch, our professional chaplains are here to walk alongside each resident on their personal faith journey.

From hospital visits to heartfelt conversations, we’re committed to providing consistent, compassionate spiritual support—because care goes beyond the physical.

💬 Learn more about how we nurture the soul as well as the body.

08/01/2025

🧭 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.

07/31/2025

❤️ You Can Feel It. ❤️
At Bickford, the heart of a caregiver beats with something deeper—something you can’t always see, but you always feel.

It’s in the Optimistic Warmth that greets you at the door.
It’s in the Curiosity that drives us to do better every day.
It’s in the Grit that keeps us going, even when the road gets tough.
It’s in the Empathy that turns care into connection.
And it’s in the Self-Awareness that helps us grow and serve with intention.

These aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of our culture. They’re what make our team different. They’re what make Bickford home.

✨ Want to see how these values come to life?
Schedule a tour today.

07/30/2025

🎨 From Ballet Slippers to Walkers Wrapped in Ribbon—Sherry’s Story is a Masterpiece of Resilience 💪

When Sherry Choppa stopped creating art, her daughter knew something was wrong. A lifelong artist, dancer, and teacher, Sherry was losing her spark—until she found a new rhythm at Bickford of Spotsylvania.

Through the HigherPath approach, Sherry didn’t just recover from two broken hips—she rediscovered her joy. With a care team that wove creativity into every step of her therapy, Sherry is now dancing, painting, and inspiring everyone around her.

👉 Read Sherry’s full story and discover how the HigherPath helps residents thrive: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/keep-on-dancing/

... read more

07/29/2025

Fun time with our sister branches for a great cause! 💜

07/28/2025

☀️ Summer is in full Swing at Bickford! 🌸

There’s something special about summertime here at Bickford. The warm days bring out even warmer smiles as our residents enjoy the beauty and brightness of the season. Whether it's sharing stories on the porch or simply enjoying the fresh air, this time of year reminds us how sweet life can be.

At Bickford, we celebrate every season—but summer holds a special place in our hearts. ❤️

07/28/2025

☀️ Summer at Bickford Senior Living ☀️

At Bickford, we believe every season is a chance to create meaningful moments—but there’s something especially joyful about summertime!

07/28/2025

🚐 Getting there is easy—because we make it that way.
Whether it’s a group outing on Howie the bus or a scheduled appointment with a caregiver es**rt, your loved one can travel safely and comfortably.

From local restaurants and museums to routine checkups, we handle the details so they can enjoy the journey.

07/25/2025

🧭 How do we stay aligned with what matters most?
We ask the people who know best—the families we serve.

Each month, we reach out not with a checklist, but with a single, meaningful question. Their responses? They inspire us, challenge us, and remind us why we show up every day.

Because at Bickford, care is more than a service—it’s a relationship built on trust, compassion, and honest conversations.

💬 Take a look at what families shared with us this month.

07/22/2025

🧠✨ Montessori Memory Care Principle #1: Offer Choice Whenever Possible
At Bickford, we believe choice empowers dignity—especially in memory care.

That’s why we surveyed our residents to learn what activities bring them the most joy. 🎨🎶🧩 From painting and puzzles to music and gardening, we’re building daily routines around what they love most.

Because when seniors choose, they thrive. 💚

07/21/2025

🔔✨ Before the Bell Rings, Come Home to Bickford ✨ 🔔

Looking for a place for your loved one to call home? Now’s the perfect time to make your move—before the back-to-school bustle begins. 📚

🌟 Why Choose Bickford? 🌟
👵👴 We created the HigherPath Senior Health Model—a nationally recognized approach to help seniors live happier, healthier, longer
❤️️ We’re a family of caregivers who are willing to do whatever it takes for our residents
🏆 We are featured in U.S. News & World Report as Best Senior Living
😊 Our happiness scores are 2x the national average!

📞 Call today or visit us at bickfordseniorliving.com to schedule a tour.
📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait!

07/18/2025

🧭 How do we know we’re on the right path?
We ask the people who matter most.

Every month, we check in with families—not with a survey full of boxes to tick, but with one heartfelt question. Their answers? They guide us, challenge us, and remind us why we do what we do.

Because at Bickford, care isn’t just a service—it’s a relationship. And relationships grow stronger through honest conversations.

💬 Here’s what families told us this month.

07/17/2025

🔒 Peace of Mind, Powered by Innovation 💚

At Bickford, we believe safety isn’t just a feature—it’s a promise. Our Resident Monitoring System ensures your loved one is always seen, heard, and kept safe.

✨ Here’s how we’re redefining senior safety:

▪️ Secure Building: Controlled access keeps our community safe.
▪️ Wander Management: Real-time location tracking prevents unsafe wandering.
▪️ Wearable Call Button: Help is just a button—and a voice—away.
▪️ Intelligent Fall Detection: AI-powered alerts mean faster response and better outcomes.

Because when someone you love lives at Bickford, someone’s always paying attention.

07/16/2025

🌟 From Setback to Strength: Ray’s Journey Back to His HigherPath 🌟

After a devastating fall, Navy veteran Ray Przyborowski faced a long, uncertain road. But with unwavering love, a dedicated care team, and a whole lot of Eagles spirit, Ray found his way back—not just to Bickford of Chesapeake, but to himself.

💚 This is more than a recovery story. It’s a testament to what happens when personalized care, compassion, and community come together to lift someone onto the HigherPath.

📖 Read how Ray’s spark was reignited, one small victory at a time: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/coming-home/

... read more

07/15/2025

🌟 Montessori in Action: Independence Through Bingo 🎉

Every Wednesday and Friday at 2:00 PM, our Bingo Director gathers the community for a fun-filled game. But today was different — and deeply moving.

After over a year of gentle guidance and consistent routine, something beautiful happened:
✨ The residents led the entire process themselves.
They picked up their Bingo cards, set up their spaces, played joyfully, and returned everything afterward — all without a prompt.

This is the Montessori lifestyle in motion: fostering independence, dignity, and purpose at every age.
Today, I didn’t lead — I simply watched, and I was moved to tears. 🧡

Because here, independence is the real win — and every resident is a treasure.

07/14/2025

☀️ Summer Tips for Seniors: Stay Safe, Stay Cool, Stay Connected 🌿

As temperatures rise, so do the risks—especially for older adults. Here are a few essential reminders to help seniors enjoy the sunshine safely this summer:

💧 Hydrate Often
Older adults may not feel thirsty as quickly, so it’s important to drink water regularly—even if you’re not feeling parched.

🧢 Dress Smart
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat can help keep you cool and protected from the sun.

🏡 Stay Indoors During Peak Heat
Try to plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when the sun is less intense.

🧴 Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Even short periods in the sun can lead to burns. Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.

👥 Check In Often
Whether you’re a caregiver or a neighbor, a quick call or visit can make all the difference during extreme heat.

🌼 Summer should be a time of joy—not risk. Let’s help our seniors stay safe, healthy, and happy all season long.

07/11/2025

💭 “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:

07/10/2025

🌟 Bertina Whaley: A Caregiver Whose Heart Knows No Bounds 🌟
At Bickford Senior Living, we believe caregiving is more than a job—it’s a calling. It’s timeless work, powered by infinite love. That’s why we created the Caregiver Ring of Honor—our highest recognition for those who live out the spirit of “whatever it takes.”

No one embodies that spirit more than Bertina Whaley from Bickford of Omaha Hickory.

For 14 years, Bertina has been a guiding light—bringing joy, comfort, and dignity to every resident she serves. From organizing meaningful outings to delivering small, thoughtful gestures like coffee and smiles, she makes every day brighter. And she’s not doing it alone—five of her own family members have joined her in this mission of care.

💬 “We really care. We change lives.”

Whether she’s helping a resident experience her first-ever pedicure, fostering teens, or being “Granny” to her granddaughter, Bertina lives the Bickford way—with heart, humility, and purpose.

👉 Her story is one of love, legacy, and lasting impact.
Read more: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/caregiver-ring-of-honor-bertina-whaley/

... read more

07/09/2025

🌟 From Silent Struggles to Calling Bingo Numbers at 91 🌟
Lois Harris was once the life of every room she entered—until illness, falls, and hearing loss left her isolated and silent. Her daughter feared the worst.

But the team at Bickford of Chesapeake had other plans.

💡 Through the HigherPath, our interdisciplinary care model, the team came together weekly to create a personalized plan for Lois—addressing everything from nutrition and mobility to emotional well-being and communication.

With relentless dedication, creative problem-solving, and a simple piece of technology, Lois made a stunning comeback. Today, she’s not just surviving—she’s thriving.

💬 “It’s called living,” her daughter says. “Not just existing.”

👉 You won’t believe what helped bring Lois back.
Read her inspiring story: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/her-best-life/

... read more

07/08/2025

🌿 Dementia doesn’t mean the end of a meaningful life.
At Mary B’s Neighborhood, we believe in honoring the person behind the diagnosis.

We know how heartbreaking it is to watch someone you love struggle with dementia. The guilt, the uncertainty, the overwhelm—it’s a lot. And too often, traditional memory care focuses on managing behaviors instead of nurturing the person.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

✨ Here’s how the Montessori approach changes everything:

▪️ Residents lead their own journey – with real choices and meaningful engagement.
▪️ Independence is encouraged – because growth doesn’t stop with dementia.
▪️ Strengths are celebrated – our caregivers focus on what residents can do.
▪️ This is home – our environment is calm, familiar, and designed to support autonomy.

💛 We see the person, not just the condition. Because everyone deserves a life filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

07/07/2025

🏡 You Belong Here.
Looking for a new place for your loved one to call home? ✨
At Bickford Senior Living, we’re more than just a residence — we’re a family. With apartments now available, it’s the ideal time to help your loved one find their perfect place to feel truly at home.

📍 Schedule a tour today and see why your loved one belongs here.