Memory Care

An intimate, engaging environment designed specifically to help seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s live their best life.

Specialized Programming

Purpose-Built
Environment

24/7 Professional Care

Having a loved one with dementia is heart-wrenching

Dementia is not a normal part of aging — it destroys the brain’s ability to function properly. Your loved one with dementia seeks to be busy in a variety of ways:

Wandering
Rummaging
Exit seeking
Aggressiveness & outbursts
Other difficult behaviors

These are their efforts to engage in the world that’s real to them. It’s difficult to know how to respond helpfully.

Did you know

Nearly 80% of seniors in assisted living deal with some form of dementia

How can your loved one who suffers from dementia live their best life?

Dementia/Alzheimer’s is a scary, horrible disease. But there ARE many things we can do to give your loved one the best quality of life. It’s why we started Bickford Senior Living, and it’s become our life’s work.

Welcome to Mary B’s Memory Care Neighborhood

Mary B’s is Bickford’s purpose-built memory care environment.

In Mary B’s, we have one simple goal:

Your loved one is engaged in meaningful moments throughout the entire day.

Enhanced sense of wellbeing

Improved overall behaviors

Better nighttime sleep patterns

Lifesong

We get to know their story

We’ll capture your loved one’s detailed life history in what we call their “Lifesong Document.”

We want to know the things that have been important to them, such as:

Daily routines
Family history
Occupations
Hobbies & Interests
Religious experiences
Etc.

These details enable our caregivers to thoughtfully enter their world every day.

Cuetivities

We fill their days with meaningful activities

We intentionally, proactively engage your loved one throughout the day so they’re not left to their own devices. We call these specialized activities that cue meaningful moments “Cuetivities.”

Small, dedicated groups
Planned activities 5 hours a day, 7 days a week
Personalized to their interests
Impromptu activities when residents are exhibiting difficult behaviors

Built Environment

We set the stage for success

Mary B’s Neighborhood is specifically designed to set up a resident with dementia to succeed. We use the “whole-home” concept, where residents’ apartments are simply bedrooms, and the communal living room, dining room, and kitchen provide settings to encourage interaction.

Murals disguise exit doors
Smaller spaces decrease anxiety and frustration
Secured courtyard provides safe access to the outdoors
Custom baskets and stations full of photos, hobbies, collectables, etc. cue meaningful interactions

From our family to yours

Mary B’s Memory Care Neighborhood is a place close to our family’s heart. It’s the environment we would have wanted 30 years ago for our own grandmother, Mary Bickford, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. While we can’t take away the painful effects of this horrible disease, there are SO many things we can do to give your loved one the best quality of life. It’s why we got started, and it’s become our life’s work.

The Bickford Story

Common Questions about Memory Care

Nearly 80% of seniors in assisted living deal with some form of dementia. Since our assisted living communities use controlled access for security, residents in the early to mid stages of dementia/Alzheimer’s are able to be safe and thrive in an assisted living environment. Mary B’s is designed for residents with a higher level of dementia/Alzheimer’s. Our nursing assessment will determine if your loved one needs this higher level of care.

Yes. Not all Bickford assisted living communities have a dedicated memory care area (Mary B’s Neighborhood), but all Bickford locations offer dementia programming. This includes engaging residents in small, meaningful activities personalized to their interests. Specialty trained caregivers can provide impromptu activities when residents are exhibiting difficult behaviors. Additionally, 1:1 companion care services are available to maximize your loved one’s engagement and wellbeing.