Why Touring Assisted Living Before You’re Ready Is a Smart Move Making the decision to move into assisted living is a big step—and one that’s best made with confidence and clarity. That’s why touring communities before you actually need to move can be one of the smartest things you do for yourself or a loved one. Here’s why: 1. You Get to Explore Without Pressure When you tour early, you’re not in crisis mode. That means you can take your time, ask questions, and truly get a feel for each community—without the pressure of making an immediate decision. 2. You Can Find the Right Fit Each assisted living community has its own personality. Touring in advance allows you to compare options and find the environment, amenities, and level of care that feel like home. 3. You Can Plan Financially and Logistically Understanding costs, waitlists, and what’s included gives you time to plan, budget, and prepare. It helps reduce stress for both you and your family down the road. 4. You Stay in Control By exploring your options early, you stay in the driver’s seat. You make the choice on your own terms, rather than having it made for you in an emergency. Bottom Line: Touring assisted living before you're ready to move isn't about rushing—it's about preparing. It’s a proactive step that empowers you to make informed, thoughtful decisions when the time comes.

Morning fitness is more fun when we crank up the music! It is a good way to get everyone moving! We have daily fitness and know the importance of staying active!

The Higher Path Senior Health Model is our nationally recognized approach to help seniors live happier, healthier-longer. The goal of the Higher Path model is to intervene prior to adverse health events occurring. One secondary service of this model is podiatry. Bickford has a partnership with a podiatrist that comes on site, quarterly, to treat and prevent conditions of the foot, ankle and lower leg. This helps residents maintain mobility and overall foot health.

This weekend the Huckleberry's entertained us all afternoon with country and 50's music, our house was rockin it! Music, dance,singing and Root beer floats ! We know how to party!

Self-care doesn’t always mean big, dramatic changes – it can be as simple as taking an hour for a manicure. When we care for ourselves in small, intentional ways, it creates a ripple effect on both mood and health. Bickford offers weekly manicures that go beyond polished nails. We take the time to allow our friends to focus on themselves, increase feelings of relaxation and enjoy the pampering!

From cooking up a storm to designing a doll house, and of course cuddles and snuggles! Life is good at Bickford Senior Living!. We enjoy so many things! Smiles are a sign of happiness and can be found here daily! Have a great day all!

Give Abbie a call today to set up a tour, 712-301-8165. Let's get your loved on on the Higher Path to living longer, happier and healthier!

Mary first arrived at Bickford very upset. Mary did not want to stay with us. We she was struggling to trust us, and wanted to isolate herself. We began spending time just visiting with Mary, and sharing little bits of information about ourselves with her, encouraging her to share with us as well. Mary began to relax into her new environment, and was reaching out to staff by name. Mary soon began to attend meals without prompting. Mary slowly began to join some of our activities, and wanted to be a part of our cooking club. Mary thrives in cooking club, she loves having a purpose, and creating good things to eat, she also began to form friendships with her peers. It was time to invite Mary on an outing with us, and she gladly accepted. Mary showed happiness and was relaxed on the outing and began having enjoyable conversations with others on the bus. On an outing to an Ice Cream Parlor Mary walked through their gift shop, and spotted a beautiful plush stuffed rabbit. Mary held the bunny and hugged the bunny, and was smiling ear to ear, so we contacted her daughter and to share this with her, and she instructed us to purchase the bunny. Mary was guided to the counter to purchase the bunny, when she leaned forward and hugged staff and with tears on her cheek Mary stated I just love this day, it is the best day ever! On the bus ride home Mary held her prized bunny as staff took photos of this tender moment and shared them with her daughter. Mary's daughter responded as follows :We went through so much anxiety deciding to pursue this move, and now I see this pictures, and her happy face and I know that that anxiety was worth very bit of it because my mom is happy at Bickford and I can rest easy now. Mary participates in nearly all activities, she loves music and continues to be adjusting comfortably and happily.

Bickford caregivers understand their purpose is to do whatever it takes to help our residents live their best life.

Saturday afternoon we enjoyed a sip and paint as we chatted and enjoyed each other's company. We also sipped on Our Favorite Beverages and talked about county fairs. We will be celebrating county fairs on Wednesday and we are looking forward to all the fun!