Bickford Home Care of Linn and Johnson Counties, Iowa

High school senior takes great-grandmother to her first prom

It was his last high school prom and her first. Check out this heartwarming story about a North Dakota High School Senior who made his 92-year-old great grandmother's dancing dreams come true. https://bit.ly/3xJcYJT

High school senior takes great-grandmother to her first prom A high school senior in North Dakota told his parents he didn’t have anyone he wanted to ask to his senior prom until his father told him to take his great-grandmother.

Is your mom's forgetfulness normal aging or something more concerning, like Alzheimers or another dementia? Understanding the early warning signs could help your senior get early treatment that could slow down the mental decline.

It’s said that Alzheimer's is a family disease. That’s why we offer a special training designed to help family and friends navigate the challenges that come with a dementia diagnosis - like this one held this week at the Iowa City Senior Center.

If you or someone you know would like more information about the trainings, please call our office at 319-774-0580.

How to Choose Respite Care for Dementia Patients

While caring for an aging loved ones is incredibly rewarding, every family caregiver needs an occasional. well-deserved break. This article includes information about respite options - including relying on a professional caregiver for help. https://bit.ly/3u9drmo

How to Choose Respite Care for Dementia Patients For caregivers and their loved ones with dementia, respite care is critical. Finding the best type of short-term dementia care depends on a senior’s mental and physical health, the extent of their care team’s support, and their budget.

World War II Hero Boosted Morale by Sorting Soldiers' Mail

She wasn't on the front lines, but WWII veteran Sgt. Hilda P. Griggs is most certainly a hero. The 98-year-old is one of the last surviving members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - women who were charged making sure soldiers received letters from home. https://bit.ly/3J0YEOQ

World War II Hero Boosted Morale by Sorting Soldiers' Mail Hilda Griggs served in the first and only all-African-American Women's Army Corps (WAC). She was in the Central Postal Directory Battalion.

As part of our world-class training, we help our caregivers understand the challenges that come with aging. In this class, our trainees are wearing bulky gloves in order to learn how arthritis can make it very difficult to complete every day tasks.

Study uncovers barriers and advantages in ridesharing for older adults

Has your senior given up driving? Ride sharing is an option or you can just call us! Our caregivers provide transportation to doctor's appointments, shopping and much more. https://bit.ly/3DiEvCV

Study uncovers barriers and advantages in ridesharing for older adults Nearly 100 seniors surveyed cited safety, accessibility and personal assistance as priorities when using a rideshare service, according to a national poll.

This 101-year-old man finally received his high school diploma

He had a long and distinguished career, but not a high school diploma. It's something 101-year-old Merrill Pitman Cooper always regretted... but not anymore. https://cnn.it/3DFrp2z

This 101-year-old man finally received his high school diploma After waiting more than 80 years, Merrill Pittman Cooper finally received his high school diploma.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. An investment in our planet is an investment in our future.

These Simple Steps Can Help Seniors Manage Their Health Care

Navigating the health care system can be confusing and frustrating - especially for older people. Here are a few tips to help your aging loved one make the most of every list. https://bit.ly/3tPcMFl

These Simple Steps Can Help Seniors Manage Their Health Care SATURDAY, Feb. 19, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Navigating the health care system can be challenging, but an expert urges older people not to try to go it alone."It's common for someone who hasn't had any health problems suddenly to be faced with their own issues and the need to navigate the health care...

Does your mom like to FaceTime with the grandkids? Does your dad refill prescriptions online? More seniors are embracing technology, so it's important to make sure they're protected from online scammers. Here are a few things that will help them safely navigate the Internet.

Study uncovers barriers and advantages in ridesharing for older adults

Has your senior given up driving? Ride sharing is an option or you can just call us! Our caregivers provide transportation to doctor's appointments, shopping and much more. https://bit.ly/3DiEvCV

Study uncovers barriers and advantages in ridesharing for older adults Nearly 100 seniors surveyed cited safety, accessibility and personal assistance as priorities when using a rideshare service, according to a national poll.

Best friends seperated while fleeing the Nazis are reunited after 82 years

The Holocaust tore these best friends apart but now, 82 years later, Betty Grebenschikoff and Ana María Wahrenberg have been reunited. https://bit.ly/36yIgIy

Best friends seperated while fleeing the Nazis are reunited after 82 years They were 9-year-olds when they had to evacuate their home country.

If you’re looking for a career that offers more than a paycheck, join our team. We’re currently hiring caring, compassionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of others. Give us a call today at 319-774-0580 or apply online at https://bit.ly/3IIk5VB

Do you have caregiver burnout? When caring for an aging loved one, it's important to also take care of yourself. If you need a little extra help, give us a call!

Caregiving daughter of mom with dementia cherishes every moment

It's doesn't come without challenges, but Patti LeFleur says caring for her mom, who has dementia, is one of the most rewarding things she's ever done. https://bit.ly/38bepGu

Caregiving daughter of mom with dementia cherishes every moment Patti LaFleur doesn’t know if her mother recognizes her, but her eyes light up when LaFleur enters the room. It’s just another reality of caring for her mom, Linda LaTurner, who is entering the later stages of dementia.

WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday

He just turned 100, but Miller Floyd, Jr. says he still has a lot of living to do. Check out this article to learn what's next for this WWII veteran. https://bit.ly/36QcAxX

WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday A World War II veteran and Chesterfield resident is celebrating a century of life.

Our team is growing! If you would like a job with flexible hours and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of area seniors, give us a call at 319-774-0580 or apply online at https://bit.ly/3IIk5VB

Thanks to Dr. Rachael Dirkson, from Remedy Internal Medicine, who presented at today’s elderly consortium. We were proud to join with Bickford Senior Living to co-host this informative event.

Can I Claim My Elderly Loved One as a Dependent on My Taxes?

You spend a lot of time and money caring for your elderly mom, so can you claim her as a dependent when filing your taxes? Here's what you need to know. https://bit.ly/3Mjqo4t

Can I Claim My Elderly Loved One as a Dependent on My Taxes? Family caregivers contribute their time and money to support those they love. When tax season rolls around, it’s important to understand that you may be able to claim your care recipient as a dependent on your tax return and lower your tax bill.

Caregivers Should Encourage Independence for Loved Ones

Your mom is failing, but she is still fiercely independent. What can you do to help? In this article from @AARP, experts offer ways to provide care while encouraging independence. https://bit.ly/3C7R5Eh

Caregivers Should Encourage Independence for Loved Ones Help maintain their independence rather than doing everything. Empower them and support them by setting a plan to talk about realistic day to day abilities. Be careful and do not move too fast and work at their own pace. Remember to also highlight their strengths so they can gain morale that way.

Do you have caregiver burnout? When caring for an aging loved one, it's important to also take care of yourself. If you need a little extra help, give us a call!

73-Year-Old Amateur Ballroom Dancer Wins Competition

When her children were younger, Nora Fox spent much of her time chauffeuring them to and from swimming, archery lessons and other elite sporting activities. Now, the 73-year-old is focusing on herself - finding her footing in the world of dance. https://bit.ly/3Ndzkc1

73-Year-Old Amateur Ballroom Dancer Wins Competition We talked to Nora Fox, who took up ballroom dancing in her 50s and has gone on to win numerous ballroom dance competitions. Learn how she got her start

We ❤️ spending time with our client, Cindy ! Yesterday we enjoyed shopping 🛍️ 🛒 and lunch 🥪 🥤 before taking her to a doctor’s appointment.

Looking for a part-time job with flexible hours? We have immediate openings for compassionate caregivers who want to make a difference in seniors’ lives. Give us a call at 319-774-0580 or apply online at https://bit.ly/3IIk5VB

Lessons From A Millennial Caregiver

While many family caregivers are middle age or older, almost a quarter are Millennials, who have put their lives on hold to provide full-time care for an aging loved one. Twenty-nine year old Jacquelyn Revere is caring for both her mother and grandmother and is sharing her experience in a new podcast. You can check it out here. https://bit.ly/3tksWGN

Lessons From A Millennial Caregiver Jacquelyn Revere was just 29 when she started caring for her mom with Alzheimer’s. She built an audience of more than half a million followers when she started posting about it on TikTok. She talks with Kitty about what it’s like to become a parent to her parent at a very young age, and how an o...

Damaging thunderstorms, flash floods, tornadoes - it’s that time of year. When preparing for severe weather, keep in mind that many seniors don’t move as quickly as they used to. That’s why it’s important for families to take a few extra steps to help keep your aging loved ones safe.

Need a job with flexibility? We offer amazing caregiving career opportunities - all days and shifts available! Give us a call at 319-774-0580 or apply online at https://bit.ly/3IIk5VB

‘Candy Bomber’ Who Dropped Sweets During Berlin Airlift Dies

101-year-old Gail S. Halvorsen was a decorated war veteran, but it's his incredible acts of kindness that people remember. In this article from AARP , you'll learn why people called him the "candy man." https://bit.ly/3t91SLN

‘Candy Bomber’ Who Dropped Sweets During Berlin Airlift Dies Pilot Gail S. Halvorsen — known as the “Candy Bomber” for his candy airdrops during the Berlin airlift, after World War II ended — has died at age 101.

It’s one of the most difficult discussions you will have with aging loved ones - 🚘 driving 🚘. How will you know it’s time to talk to your senior about giving up the car keys? Look for these red flags.

Happy Birthday Amber! All of us at Bickford Home Care hope you have a wonderful day! 🎂 🎁 🎈 🎊 🎉

Woman Fosters 83 Babies and Counting​

More than 80 foster babies have passed through Linda Owen's loving arms. In this article from AARP, she explains why "babies are her thing." https://bit.ly/3gYyTDe

Woman Fosters 83 Babies and Counting​ Linda Owens, 78, a retired grocery-cafeteria manager nurtured dozens of babies through the years before they were adopted. Learn more about her story.​

May love and laughter light your days! 🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

After a little workout, our caregiver Amber and her client Peter decided to soak up a little sunshine.