Bickford of Urbandale

Our June calendar is full of fun!

Here are some dates to highlight:
6/3, 24,& 30 Therapy dogs
6/5 Resident Council
6/11 Tom Hofer Music
6/15 Lucile & the Noted 3
6/19 Father's Day Happy Hour

🌟 We Hear You—Because It Matters
At Bickford, we know families hold insight no one else can. That’s why each month we ask one intentional question—simple, heartfelt, and focused on what truly counts.

Your words guide us.
They influence how we care.
They keep our relationships genuine and personal.

Because here, care isn’t just something we do—it’s something we build together.
💬 Here’s what families shared this month.

❤️ 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.

We've had an eventful morning in Mary B's!

From Recovery to Independence

After a rehabilitation stay, Janet moved to Bickford requiring assistance with mobility and limited to a puréed diet. These challenges impacted her independence and required ongoing clinical support as she adjusted to her new environment.

Bickford’s HigherPath approach brought the team together to help Janet regain her strength, confidence, and independence.
✅ Ongoing assessments and daily observations helped track her progress and guide adjustments to her care and therapy plan
✅ The Fox Therapy team worked closely with Janet to improve her balance, mobility, and overall strength
✅ Therapy also focused on safely advancing her diet as her swallowing and endurance improved
✅ BFMs encouraged mobility, reinforced therapy goals, and supported her independence with consistent encouragement each day

Today, Janet is fully independent throughout the community and enjoys a regular diet. Her renewed confidence and freedom reflect the progress she has made.

Janet’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when collaboration, consistency, and personalized care come together to restore independence and quality of life.

This story is from Bickford of Iowa City

Residents from Assisted Living and Mary B’s neighborhood came together for a special Wine Social 🍷—and they didn’t just attend, they helped create it.

With thoughtful, Montessori-inspired guidance, residents confidently prepared a beautiful spread of appetizers—from cucumber bites and prosciutto-wrapped melon to strawberry parfaits. Even more meaningful, many of the ingredients came straight from our own garden 🌱

The best part? Watching everyone enjoy what they made together—going back for seconds (and thirds!) while sharing laughter and connection. Moments like this are what it’s all about ❤️

This story is from Bickford of Tinley Park

We had so much fun on our fishing trip to Easter Lake!

When someone you love is living with dementia, the right care makes all the difference.

Our dementia programming is built around:
• Personalized life stories that guide care
• Meaningful, familiar items to ease anxiety
• Specially trained caregivers who understand the journey
• Family support because you deserve care too
• One-on-one companionship for deeper connection

It’s not just care—it’s compassion, intention, and a commitment to helping every resident feel known and valued. 💛

🌟 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
🥇22 Montessori Lifestyle certified branches
🥉27 branches earned the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality award

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

Listening Makes Us Better
At Bickford, we know families understand our residents in a unique way. That’s why every month we ask one meaningful question—simple, honest, and focused on what truly matters.

Their answers guide us.
They shape our care.
They keep our relationships personal and real.

Because here, care isn’t a checklist—it’s a connection.
💬 Here’s what families shared this month.

This May, we’re celebrating the lives, stories, and strength of those who call Bickford home. 💙

Older Americans Month is a time to honor the contributions, independence, and well-being of older adults across our communities. This year’s theme—“Champion Your Health”—is a powerful reminder that wellness is a journey, and every step matters.

At Bickford Senior Living, this is what we do every day.

We walk alongside our residents as they build strength, pursue independence, and embrace each day with purpose. Through our HigherPath approach, personalized care, and strong clinical partnerships, we help our residents focus not just on care—but on living well.

Because “Championing Your Health” isn’t just a theme…
it’s a commitment we make to every resident, every day.

Join us this month in celebrating the resilience, wisdom, and joy of older adults—and the meaningful lives they continue to lead. 💫

Kathy's Path to Purpose, Connection and Joy

From the moment Kathy joined Bickford, she sought out ways to stay engaged, connected, and purposeful. With a natural enthusiasm for involvement, Kathy embraced community life through activities, outings, and helping hands wherever she was needed.

Bickford’s HigherPath approach supports residents like Kathy by encouraging connection, purpose, and meaningful engagement.
• Kathy actively participates in social activities and outings, staying connected to the world around her
• She contributes to community baking projects, working alongside team members and residents
• Daily activities provide opportunities for connection and memory-making, which Kathy approaches with enthusiasm
• The HigherPath model focuses on belonging and purpose, creating a vibrant, engaged community

Today, Kathy’s involvement helps shape the warm rhythms of daily life at Bickford. Her presence uplifts others, strengthens community bonds, and reflects what it truly means to thrive.

Kathy’s journey is a reminder that walking the Higher Path isn’t just about staying active — it’s about contributing, belonging, and embracing each day with intention.

This story is from Bickford of West Lansing

Jill spent her career in Human Resources with the Federal Government—where attention to detail and handling sensitive documents mattered every day.

So when she stepped in to help shred paperwork in our front office, it wasn’t just a task—it was familiar, meaningful work. You could see the comfort, the confidence, and the quiet pride in contributing again.

This is Montessori in action—honoring each person’s story and creating opportunities for purpose, independence, and connection. 💛

This story is from Bickford of Virginia Beach

💙 Care That Honors Dignity, Choice, and Independence 💙

At Bickford, we believe great care is personal. From assistance with daily living to maintenance-free living, we do whatever it takes to help your loved one feel respected, supported, and truly at home.

✨ What sets us apart:
• Individualized care plans reviewed by a nurse every 90 days
• Five levels of care—so your loved one can age gracefully without moving
• Certified, compassionate caregivers who are made to love
• Personal care assistance, from bathing and dressing to mobility and more
• Maintenance-free living—we handle the chores (yes, even the TV remote!)

Because your loved one deserves more than care—they deserve a place where they can thrive. 💛

🌟 We Hear You—Because It Matters
At Bickford, we know families hold insight no one else can. That’s why each month we ask one intentional question—simple, heartfelt, and focused on what truly counts.

Your words guide us.
They influence how we care.
They keep our relationships genuine and personal.

Because here, care isn’t just something we do—it’s something we build together.
💬 Here’s what families shared this month.

💙 Caregiving is more than a role—it’s a calling we all carry. 💙

At our core, we were created to love, to connect, and to show up for one another. Care is not reserved for a select few; it lives in each of us—in moments of joy and in seasons of sorrow. True caregiving asks something of us: courage, compassion, and the willingness to give even when it’s hard.

Today, we honor that spirit—the quiet strength, the selfless love, and the “whatever it takes” hearts that make a difference every single day.

🚶 Maria's Walk Back to Independence 🚶

After a fall left Maria recovering in the hospital and then rehab, her mobility and confidence were shaken. Once able to use her walker at home as needed, she now required a wheelchair and significant assistance with her daily tasks. Moving to Bickford marked a new chapter—one filled with both challenges and hope.

Bickford’s HigherPath approach brought the whole team together to support Maria’s strength, mobility, and daily independence.
✅ Maria continued under the care of her personal physician, Dr. Buchan, just as she requested
✅ Bay Nursing provided home‑care physical and occupational therapy as she transitioned from rehab
✅ Fox Rehab continued therapy in the branch, helping her rebuild function and endurance
✅ Branch BFMs supported her with medication management, meals, activities, and ADL assistance to safely encourage independence

Six months later, Maria’s progress is undeniable. She now walks with her walker again, has improved from Level‑4 to Level‑3 care, and can complete some of her daily tasks with much less assistance. Her strength—and her confidence—continue to shine.

Maria’s journey is a powerful reminder of what coordinated care, compassion, and persistence can do. She is regaining her independence one step at a time—and we’re cheering her on every day.

This story is from Bickford of Shelby Township

🌟 A Thoughtful Idea Brought to Life! 🌟

A wonderful project that grew out of our Montessori‑Inspired Welcoming Committee was completed today with the help of several members—and it’s already making a big impact. During early conversations about welcoming new residents, one challenge stood out: knowing exactly when personal services like laundry, housekeeping, and more were scheduled for each individual.

Thanks to the creativity and leadership of Jen, a customized service chart was created for every resident. Today, those charts were placed into acrylic holders and mounted on the backs of residents’ doors, making schedules clear and accessible for both residents and staff. This simple yet brilliant solution saves time, reduces confusion, and supports everyone tremendously.

👏 Kudos to Jen for the fantastic idea—and to everyone who helped make it happen!

This story is from Bickford of Crown Point

Medication management isn’t just important—it's lifesaving.
Did you know that 72% of adverse health events like falls, illness, and ER visits are medication-related? Not on our watch. 💊✨

At our community, medication safety is a top priority. Here’s how we protect the health and peace of mind of every resident:

🔹 Certified & Licensed Professionals
All medications are administered by trained healthcare experts—never guesswork, always precision.

🔹 Electronic Medication Administration
Twenty pills a day? No stress. Our digital tracking systems keep every dose organized, documented, and on time.

🔹 Prescription Management
No more dangerous gaps or missed refills. We take care of coordinating all new and existing prescriptions.

🔹 In‑House Pharmacy Access
A seamless, resident-focused pharmacy experience ensures medications are ready exactly when needed.

🔹 Ongoing Prescription Reviews
Our nurses and pharmacists regularly review medications, dosages, and timing to prevent drug interactions and maximize effectiveness.

🔹 Physician‑Ordered Treatments
From TED hose to breathing treatments to dressing changes—we deliver or coordinate it all.

Your loved one’s safety isn’t negotiable.
Here, medication management is meticulous, proactive, and personal. 💙

🧭 How do we keep our care grounded in what matters most?
We listen—to the families who trust us every day.

Instead of overwhelming surveys, we ask one intentional question each month. Just one. The reflections we receive bring clarity, inspiration, and purpose, reminding us why we do what we do.

At Bickford, care goes beyond tasks—it’s built on relationships, trust, and meaningful conversation.

💬 Here’s what families shared with us this month. Their voices help shape everything we do.