Friday’s are for fudge pops and funny faces
It’s is a beautiful fall day here in Iowa City. Our courtyard trees are peeking over the roof and waving good morning.
Today we welcomed October and the cooler weather with homemade pumpkin snicker-doodle cookies and fresh hot coffee (both being a huge hit)! Not to mention the laughs and lighting the fireplace for the first time this season! ..... Welcome Fall 🧡🍁🎃☕
Poppy moved on from my chair to my printer. Any guesses on where her new favorite spot will be?!
I got to enjoy a very welcoming Ice Cream social with these wonderful people this afternoon... I will say the staff and residents at Bickford of Iowa City have been nothing but inviting and encouraging during my first week and a half as the new director in this building! Nothing like having a warm welcome into this new Bickford Family! I look forward to meeting all the families in the near future! -Lindsey
It’s a SWEET day here at Bickford!!
You’re never to old to play in the leaves!
Our BFMs do it all!! Even cute hair do’s
Become part of the Bickford family and work in a home like environment to provide love and cares for our residents.
BICKFORD OF IOWA CITY
Certified Nursing Assistant - 2nd Shift
Work to help the dining process, clean tables and wash dishes, work to sanitize the branch and tables between meal services.
BICKFORD OF IOWA CITY
Dietary Aide
Our new Life Enrichment Coordinator, Hailee, started this week, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome her in the Bickford Family! Today she broke out the conversation ball to learn about our residents and so they could learn about her! Welcome to the Family Hailee!!!
What do you do when a family calls needing immediate placement? What else? Put it into high gear, send the nurse to assess and start moving furniture! This is one of the many things we as caregivers do at Bickford. If someone you love needs immediate placement, even for the short term, give Bickford a call! One of our Directing Family Group members will be happy to assist you and discuss Retreat Stay availability.
#whateverittakes #retreatsuites
Our director tried her hand at baking this week and everyone loved the results! Nothing like fresh warm apple crisp, ice cream and good chats amongst friends on this brisk fall day! .... Happy Fall from all of us at Bickford of Iowa City!
Celebrating #WorldCatDay with our Branch Buddy, Poppy!
I love the creativity our recreation therapists come up with...this is our Iowa City courtyard, and that is NOT a real apple tree, but they turned it in to one for a day!
#recreationtherapistsareallfunandgames
#myfirstprofession
Bickford of Iowa City (Iowa City, IA) added 4 new photos from October 14 at 12:31 PM.
October 14 at 2:31 PM ·
We go to Wilson’s Apple Orchard every year. It was one of our favorite trips we took. Since we couldn’t go this year, for obvious reasons, we brought the apple orchard to our residents. We enjoyed caramel apples, apple cider, and “apple picking.”
We go to Wilson’s Apple Orchard every year. It was one of our favorite trips we took. Since we couldn’t go this year, for obvious reasons, we brought the apple orchard to our residents. We enjoyed caramel apples, apple cider, and “apple picking.”
Afternoons are perfect for puzzles and coloring!
It’s the perfect morning to cozy up by the fire.
I-O-W-A! Cheering on the Hawks in a socially distanced way! #GoHawks
Nothing like some music therapy over Facebook live to get everyone up and groovinf on this Thursday afternoon. Technology is a great thing that allows us to still have such fun activities in our branch still!
Thank you so much Jackie Ross Armstrong for a wonderful Music Therapy session quarentine style! The residents really enjoyed seeing your face and singing along with you!
We sure did miss this lady! Thanks for all you do for us, Sally. We feel the love through the window
Beautiful fall leaves make for lovely crafting materials!
Winner winner! A fun afternoon of BINGO here at Bickford!
This is the reason we do what we do.... not for recognition but for peace of mind. Our RNC Laura went above and beyond to help this family today and it gave great peace of mind for all involved..... thank you Cynthia for the beautiful flowers, were so glad you let Bickford care for your parents!
Lunch date!
The crazy Halloween decorating has begun!! Shirley is making sure the activity room looks extra spooky!!!
We are all in the Halloween spirit here at Bickford of Iowa City... the witches are out in full force!
Stop on by for a trick or drink!
BINGO make Tuesdays more fun! So much so Poppy even joined in!
Bob thinks we should have s’mores s’more often. What do you think???
When November throws us such beautiful days what else sounds good than to pull out the fire pit and roast smores!! Our LEC had this wonderful idea and it was more than enjoyed by all.... keep these beautiful fall days coming!!
My apologies family and friends! Here is the November newsletter and calendar so you can see what we're up to here at Bickford of Iowa City!
Congratulations to our BFM, Becca on her engagement!! We had so much fun celebrating you and we even pulled it off as a surprise. Taco bout a good party!! #bickfordfamily
What a beautiful fall day!!!
Yesterday's BINGO winners!
If you can be anything, be kind! Happy World Kindness Day! A resident helped our LEC put these together to deliver to everyone at dinner!
To all veterans of all branches: Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. In short, thank you for your service!
Happy Birthday to one sweet lady!!
Join us tomorrow for a FB Live event @ 3pm and our BIG reveal of our updated Veteran's Wall!!
Way to go Team Iowa City!!!
Thank you to the Cedar Rapids Prairie football team who came to visit us from outside and help create some holiday joy. They are a special group of young men who gave us some smiles and laughs. Be on the lookout this week for a special reveal!
Special delivery!! Bob helped Renee pass out mail this afternoon!
Shirley loves puzzles and used to put one or two together in a single day! No amount of puzzle pieces can scare her away!
Thank you Circle K for the lovely Thanksgiving cards!!
Cheers to coffee and chat, and delicious donuts too!
With the Holidays approaching, we thought we could do something to give back to the community. At the end of this week and the beginning of next, you will notice a blue bin on our front porch. The bin will be there for donations to CommUnity Food Bank in Iowa City. If you are able to donate during the week from 9-4, you will receive a caramel apple as a thank you. I hope that we can come together as a community with our Bickford Family and contribute to the people in our area that just need a little extra help right now.
*chef's kiss* Belissimo! Such a fun time putting together our own French bread pizzas this afternoon with the help of resident pizza expert, Mike! The residents will be enjoying the pizzas they made tonight for dinner!
It's moments like this that I am thankful for. These moments of caring and love shared between our BFMs and residents that makes what we do in these trying times so worth it! We appreciate all the cards sent to our residents during these times ... so keep them coming! From our Bickford family to yours have a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.
Rainy afternoons are great for puzzles and baking!
Tomorrow is the last day to donate!!!
Bickford of Iowa City (Iowa City, IA)
November 17 at 7:22 AM ·
With the Holidays approaching, we thought we could do something to give back to the community. At the end of this week and the beginning of next, you will notice a blue bin on our front porch. The bin will be there for donations to CommUnity Food Bank in Iowa City. If you are able to donate during the week from 9-4, you will receive a caramel apple as a thank you. I hope that we can come together as a community with our Bickford Family and contribute to the people in our area that just need a little extra help right now.
ONE MORE DAY FOR CANNED GOODS AND CARAMEL APPLES. Don’t forget to come on over to donate some canned goods in the blue bin right at the front door tomorrow!!
We love pizza, yes we do! We love pizza! How 'bout you?! We can't wait for make your own pizza night! Be on the lookout for photos on Friday!
What a Friday this is! Hailee got her license to drive the Howie.... so what a better way to celebrate than her first driving lesson! .... watch out Iowa City we are on the move! #whateverittakes #happinessonwheelsinspiringexploration
Day 4 on our countdown to Christmas: wear red and green today! Stay tuned for our red and green outfits.
Who doesn't love a good paint and sip?! Especially when the "sip" involves your favorite vino! Our LEC Hailee provided these ladies with some painting instructions, wine and chats....the outcome.... of course smiles shared by all.
Hanging out with my gnomies! Thanks Bernice and Ruby for helping me make gnomes out of pinecones this afternoon!
Hailee spreading joy, bringing the gift of chocolate, and giving me a preview this afternoons craft! Look at that cute little gnome!
Day 3 of our 25 days of Christmas sure brought some smiles! Today's prompt was "share chocolate with a friend!"
Paint and sip success!! I think our LEC really likes gnomes!
Please join us for this virtual event with St. Croix Hospice. If you need assistance with operating zoom, please contact me at leah.colbert@bickfordseniorliving.com
Today marked day 9 of our 25 days of Christmas! Our prompt today was to make snowflake cookies out of tortillas and sugar! Despite our best efforts they didn't turn out. So we had peppermint ice cream instead!
A truly special treat this afternoon having DonnaRae play the piano for us!
Snowflake crafts to kick off our Winter Festival today!
Attention all Families, Residents, BFMs and anyone who wants to join in a festive holiday competition! Get bragging rights for a whole year! Send in your ugliest sweater pictures by December 21st and let our Ugly Sweater Judges deem who is the winner of the Bickford Ugly Sweater Contest! .... winner will be announced via Facebook live and will get a year's worth of bragging rights and a festive prize! #whateverittakes
Poppy makes friends with everyone, and convinces them to give her treats.
Thank you St. Croix Hospice for the pretty window decor!
A fun filled day yesterday! We had a "celebrity" BINGO caller, Mike! He's very popular amongst the residents here at Bickford! Here are some of our BINGO winners!
Thank you to our friend Kristin Ricklefs Greathouse for helping us make this time of year special for our residents—again! Past, present, and future Bickford Family: we love you all and are very thankful for all you do!
The best of pals! Poppy is keeping Margaret company while she reads a book on this cold day
Don't forget to tune it tonight at 6, via Zoom, for our presentation on Grief During the Holidays.
Bickford of Iowa City (Iowa City, IA)
December 10 at 4:32 PM ·
Please join us for this virtual event with St. Croix Hospice. If you need assistance with operating zoom, please contact me at leah.colbert@bickfordseniorliving.com
Off on our first tour of Christmas lights! Watch our Iowa City the Bickford Howie is on the move!
1st round of open season was a big success today! Our reindeer brought lots of smiles and laughs to our residents today... we will be finding Nerf darts for weeks! Merry Christmas week from all of our hunters and a couple reindeer at Bickford Iowa City! .... don't forget to get your submissions in and tune in tomorrow for our Ugly Sweater competition! #openseason #whateverittakes
It’s reindeer season!! Getting ready for our open season activity!!! Keep and eye out on Facebook to see if our residents have good aim with nerf guns
What better way to spend Day 20 of our 25 Days of Christmas than watching the snow and eating cookies? I don't know that there is a better way besides including a fuzzy blanket and a furry friend like Margret did!
Day 19 of our 25 days of Christmas was to watch the move "A Christmas Story!" What's your favorite Christmas movie??
“We wish you a Merry Christmas.” -Poppy the cat
Day 2 of our Christmas light tour, with a new crew!!!
Everyone loved their Christmas presents and we loved seeing the smiles on their faces when they received them!
Bickford of Iowa City (Iowa City, IA)
December 23 at 11:10 AM ·
What time is it???? PRESENT TIME!!!!
It is so much fun to surprise the residents with Christmas presents. This is the season of giving!
And the winner of the sweater competition is.... Mari, our favorite elf.
Bickford of Bexley (Columbus, OH)
December 30, 2020 at 6:31 AM ·
It’s Vaccination Day!!
Bickford of Bexley’s first COVID-19 vaccination clinic starts this morning! Please celebrate with us by liking and sharing this video!
Lyrics are inspired by “For the first time in forever” from Disney’s Frozen!
Lyrics:
It’s Vaccination Day!
The window is open, so's that door
I didn't know they did that anymore
Who knew we could save so many lives?
For months I've roamed these empty halls
Why are there so many zoom calls
Finally, there’s vaccines in this place!
There'll be actual, real, live people
It'll be totally strange
But wow, am I so ready for this change!
'Cause for the first time in forever
There'll be music, there'll be light
For the first time in forever,
I’ll be holding family tight.
Don't know if I'm dreaming, so pinch me
Cause the vaccine’s here today!
'Cause for the first time in forever
We’ll celebrate this day!
“We wish you a Merry Christmas.” -Poppy the cat
Day 2 of our Christmas light tour, with a new crew!!!
Everyone loved their Christmas presents and we loved seeing the smiles on their faces when they received them!
Bickford of Iowa City (Iowa City, IA)
December 23, 2020 at 11:10 AM ·
I always chuckle when I see a new resident move in that has a famous name. Over the years, we have had a Howard Johnson, a Patsy Cline, a Jesse James, a Bob Dylan and many more. I always wonder how their famous name affected them, and if they enjoyed it or if it ever became annoying.
Regardless of these names, or any other names that come through our doors, know that we treat everyone like a celebrity. All of our residents have movie star status, and I think they are all deserving of their name in lights.
Check out these branch Happenings at Bickford of Iowa City for January
Bickford of Bexley (Columbus, OH)
December 30, 2020 at 6:31 AM ·
It’s Vaccination Day!!
Bickford of Bexley’s first COVID-19 vaccination clinic starts this morning! Please celebrate with us by liking and sharing this video!
Lyrics are inspired by “For the first time in forever” from Disney’s Frozen!
Lyrics:
It’s Vaccination Day!
The window is open, so's that door
I didn't know they did that anymore
Who knew we could save so many lives?
For months I've roamed these empty halls
Why are there so many zoom calls
Finally, there’s vaccines in this place!
There'll be actual, real, live people
It'll be totally strange
But wow, am I so ready for this change!
'Cause for the first time in forever
There'll be music, there'll be light
For the first time in forever,
I’ll be holding family tight.
Don't know if I'm dreaming, so pinch me
Cause the vaccine’s here today!
'Cause for the first time in forever
We’ll celebrate this day!
“We wish you a Merry Christmas.” -Poppy the cat
Day 2 of our Christmas light tour, with a new crew!!!
Happy birthday Bernice! Hope your day was as sweet as some "sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at supper time!"
FRI, JAN 22 AT 10:00 AM CST
COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
COVID-19 Vaccine is Finally Here!
Come Get Your Questions Answered
Friday, January 22nd at 10 am
This is a live virtual discussion where you will have the opportunity
to get your questions answered about the COVID-19 vaccine.
All are welcome!
RSVP By Phone: 319-774-2283 or follow the link below
http://bit.ly/3seWm7D
Celebrating National Rubber Ducky day with the carnival game Duck Pond!
264 Days !! What an accomplishment for our BFMs and Residents to have remained COVID free for such a long period of time! We are truly committing ourselves to keeping those we love safe! #whateverittakes
Starting off our January birthday celebrations with Shirley E's big day! Happy birthday Shirley!
RSVP to attend this virtual event to get all of vaccine questions answer! It is an awesome resource and the perfect opportunity to gather vital information.
FRI, JAN 22 AT 10:00 AM CST
COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
Happy National Popcorn Day! We celebrated at Bickford with a popcorn bar sampling five different kinds of popcorn! Yum!
"Hit me with your best shot!" Our first dose of COVID vaccines were administered yesterday! Everyone was very brave getting their shot!
"Hit me with your best shot!" Our first dose of COVID vaccines were administered yesterday! Everyone was very brave getting their shot!
Looking forward to our activities tomorrow! Day dreaming of warmer days! Be on the look out for fun photos!
Yes, we are as tough as we look. Today was vaccine day and there was so much excitement in the building. We always give it our best shot, on the court and off.
Lots of Bingo winners this afternoon!
What makes for the perfect snow day you ask? Well it’s cats, naps, and snacks... and poppy agrees. Disclaimer: we had to give her a treat to pose for this picture.
Despite some technical difficulties we were still feeling the music during music therapy with Jackie! Thanks so much!!
Cheers to good friends, good food, and good booze! Happy hour was in full swing this afternoon!
We Can Do It!
Rosie the Riveter was first in line today for the vaccine at Bickford of Burlington! I rolled up my sleeve to protect those that I love, but also because I am ready for some normalcy to return. We ALL want our loved ones to be safe and healthy, and it's not selfish to want travel, concerts and gatherings back again. Vaccine clinics are taking place throughout Bickford now, so check us out, we would love to make you a part of our family. Beth Fleming
Afternoons are for card games! Uno is a Branch favorite! Sometimes even Poppy gets involved!
Happy February! Here's a look at our calendar and newsletter for the month! Be on the lookout for fun photos from our activities!!
Celebrating quite the milestone today! Our Cubs loving Ruby is 99 years old today!
Sitting fireside on a Friday
Dance class is in session. A dance exercise class (video to come) prompted Connie to share some of her moves with BFM, Sidnie.
In case you didn't know it's National Chocolate Cake Day! We celebrated here at Bickford by decorating and eating chocolate cupcakes! If you haven't celebrated yet, treat yourself to some chocolate cake today!!
Happy Activity Professionals Week to our very own Hailee. She is the one that is always keeping smiles on our residents faces and keeping us busy. Hailee is such an important part of our Bickford Family and we are so lucky to have her “ray of sunshine” personality in our home. Thank you for all you do, Hailee!!
It's Superbowl Sunday! Snacks and sodas are in order!
"Step into Hailee's parlor... but remember to pick your favorite tattoo and brew before you sit down".... besides what else is there to do on a cold day then get some new ink with your Bickford Family!
Be on the lookout for photos from this afternoon's activity! Booze & Tattoos!!
“WHHAATT, you’re telling me that Leah isn’t my real mom?!” -Poppy the cat.
Happy “Gotcha” Day to Poppy!!
Bob came out of his apartment dressed for a snowball fight. So Alyssa, a BFM, went outside to make him a snowball. Watch out for Bob, he’s got some ammo now!!
Life tastes better after a slice of cheesecake! Thank you Mike for whipping these up for the residents to decorate and enjoy!
Pizza making fun!!
Please order your candy gram by the end of the day tomorrow for delivery on Sunday for Valentine's Day! Compliments of Bickford! Just email our LEC, Hailee, at iowacitylec@bickfordseniorliving.com
With Valentine's Day approaching we'd like to extend the invitation to you to send a friend or loved one here at Bickford a candy gram! Compliments of Bickford! Please email me, Hailee, at iowacitylec@bickfordseniorliving.com by this Friday (2/12) for delivery on Sunday (2/14)!
We love music therapy with Jackie! Thankful for some cheery songs on this snowy day!
CRUSHING COVID. We received our second dose of the vaccine today, cheers to that!
Thank you Amy Nicole's Custom Cookies for these adorable cookies for our second dose Covid vaccine clinic today!!
Horray for pajama day!!
What's better on National Drink Wine Day than to spend the afternoon tasting all the best, surrounded by good company and a beautiful charcuterie board made by our very own LEC Hailee?... here's the answer.... Absolutley Nothing! #nationaldrinkwineday
Alyssa, BFM, is so strong. She even has a six pack!!!
What an accomplishment for this Bickford of Iowa City team!..... 300 days and going strong! We appreciate all our families and BFMs abiding our COVID precautions, your dedication to the safety of our BFMs, families and most importantly our residents shows and we are so appreciative of it.
Nothing can rain on this parade! Happy Mardi Gras!
Olin received a special surprise the other day, his favorite meal!!!
Our most winningest couple! Six Bingos between the two of them!
We love music therapy! Singing and dancing along on this Monday!
We are CELEBRATING being COVID free for over 300 days and counting!!!
Spring is just around the corner and Doris is ready for it!
I am so excited to share the news! For the sixth time, Bickford of Iowa City is in the Top 10 of resident happiness. Congratulations to an amazing team! - Andy Eby, Owner/Caregiver of Bickford Senior Living
Monday are for making mini donuts!
A pretty sweet resident made a special delivery of freshly made donuts all the way to my office from cooking club. Thanks Ernie!!
Hello March! Good to see you! Here's what we've got going on this month!
Thank you Jackie! Music therapy always puts us in a good mood!
An afternoon of spring inspired craft! Fluffy cotton ball bunnys and beaded pipe cleaner flowers!
Meet our celebrity Black Jack dealer for today, our visiting RN, Rob!
"Everyone deserves to have beautiful nails!" .... our ladies love to be pampered and Fantasia Edwards made it possible with her donation of Color Street nail sets.... the pinks were a huge hit today! Thank you Fantasia we appreciate your donation and the ladies love them!!
It’s Casino Day at Bickford!!! Grand prize is a BRAND. NEW. CAR. $$100 Grand$$ or FINE JEWELRY... don’t worry we have something for the suckers too! Check out our first two winners of the day.
We are CELEBRATING being COVID free for over 300 days and counting!!! We are also completely VACCINATED!!!(We do not own rights to those music)
Happy National Plant a Flower Day! We celebrated by planting some pansys and violas!
Are you working hard or hardly working Poppy?
WED, MAR 31 AT 10:00 AM CDT
FOX Rehab Virtual Event-The Top 7 Fall Risks as We Age
We've got our "game faces" on for balloon ball today! Our team captain Mike showed us how it's done!
Our winning ladies today from bingo!
https://youtu.be/3uav0yAcYqo
YOUTUBE.COM
Bickford Senior Living is COVID Free!
A beautiful day for a cruise!
Happy St. Paddy's Day! Irish Cream and Green Beers all around!
BINGO!! Winner winner!!
We were so happy to see Jackie in the flesh yesterday!! Music therapy rocks!
Happy National Plant a Flower Day! We celebrated by planting some pansys and violas!
Our celebrity chair dance instructor JT showed us his moves this morning!
Wednesdays are always a favorite at Bickford.... our ladies always look forward to being pampered and getting their "do's did"..... and a big thank you to our beautician Rosemary for making our ladies always look and feel fabulous
Trivia with Mike is so much fun!
When the weather is dreary and the music is good... you dance ❤
Today's BINGO winners!!
Free burritos on April 1st!! This is not an April Fools joke. We are celebrating spring and National Burrito day by passing out free burritos. All you have to do is drive through Bickford from noon to 1 on Thursday, April 1st, and collect your burrito.
