Today’s bingo was one for the books! We had a full house filled with familiar, new, and even a few rare faces, which made it extra special. As always, the laughter and excitement kept the room buzzing, and everyone had an absolute blast. To mix things up, our residents even created their own twist on the classic “X Game”—your bingo only counts if it forms an X! It definitely added a fun challenge, but they were all up for it and loved every minute. We’re so lucky to have such a creative and enthusiastic group that keeps our activities fresh and exciting every day! #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines

Today we celebrated our incredible Executive Director Tesse with a heartfelt going-away party. While her last day with us will be May 15, we couldn’t let the moment pass without showing just how much she means to all of us. Her dedication to our residents and our building has truly been amazing, and her impact will be felt for a long time to come. We are so grateful for everything she has given to our community. While we are incredibly sad to see her go, we are also excited for what this next chapter of her life has in store. We wish her nothing but the very best in all that comes next! A huge thank you to our incredible team for coming together to make today so special—we are lucky to have such a thoughtful and caring group. #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines #TeamAppreciation #Grateful #Bittersweet #SeniorLiving

Please come join us in welcoming our new Executive Director Ayla Repp on Wednesday, May 6th 2026; from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Ayla has over 20 years in healthcare experience. She takes pride in being a dependable and compassionate in whatever she is doing. Ayla plans to bring a positive energy into the workplace each day. She shares that she is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences and staying organized. She shares that she will always look for ways to improve in her role. She is looking forward to meeting everyone and joining the team. Stop by and say hello!!

We added some more color and creativity to our garden today! Our residents had a wonderful time painting rocks to add to our rock garden, right alongside the beautiful garden stones we created a few weeks ago. Each piece is unique and full of personality—just like the amazing individuals who made them! It’s so special to see our garden continue to grow with these personal touches. Be sure to stop by and take a look at all their great work! #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines

We planted the first of our garden today and couldn’t be more excited to get things started! We began with flowers to add some bright, cheerful color and really bring the space to life. There’s something so special about getting our hands in the dirt and watching something beautiful begin to grow. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect, and create something together. We’re so excited to watch everything grow and bloom over the coming weeks. Stay tuned as we continue planting and bringing our garden to life—veggies and herbs are coming soon in May! #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines

What an amazing day spent at Ledges State Park! We packed up for a picnic and enjoyed the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and great company. The drive through the park was just as fun—so many smiles and moments to take in along the way! It’s days like these that remind us how special it is to get out, explore, and enjoy nature together. #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines #SeniorLivingFun #NatureDay #MakingMemories #PicnicPerfect

There’s nothing like a little fresh air to lift the spirit! Today we took advantage of the beautiful weather and headed out to the patio for a fun game of giant Jenga. Not only did we share lots of laughs, but spending time outdoors helps boost mood, increase vitamin D, and keep everyone feeling refreshed and energized. Moments like these remind us how important it is to soak up the sunshine and enjoy each other’s company. #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines #SeniorLiving #OutdoorFun #FreshAir #GiantJenga #MakingMemories

Meaze: Our Jack of All Trades Every workplace has that one person who seems to wear a dozen hats—and does it all with heart. For us, that person is Meaze. As a med aid, Meaze is a steady and reliable presence when it comes to medications. From timely med passes to paying close attention to individual needs, Meaze approaches each task with professionalism and care. Residents know they can trust Meaze to keep their routines running smoothly. But the role doesn’t stop there. Meaze shines in resident care, always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or provide comfort when it’s needed most. Whether it’s assisting with daily activities or simply taking a moment to listen, Meaze treats every resident with dignity and respect. And then there are the little things that make a big difference—like grooming and shaving. Meaze understands that personal care isn’t just about appearance; it’s about confidence, comfort! #higherpath #bickfordwestdesmoines #jackofalltrades

There was no shortage of friendly competition and laughter today as we brought out the table air hockey! Residents had a blast taking turns, cheering each other on, and showing off their skills. It’s always wonderful to see everyone engaged, active, and enjoying time together. Moments like these remind us that fun has no age limit! #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines #SeniorLiving #AssistedLiving #SeniorActivities #ActiveAging #LifeEnrichment

Today we got creative and had so much fun painting garden stones in preparation for getting our garden up and running! Each resident added their own personal touch, making every stone unique and full of personality. It was a wonderful way to relax, socialize, and look forward to the warmer days ahead. We’re so excited to see our garden come to life soon, and these special stones will be the perfect personal touch to make it truly ours. Stay tuned as we continue preparing our outdoor space for a season full of growth, beauty, and time spent together! #HigherPath #Bickford #WestDesMoines