Montessori Memory Care

We believe your loved one can live  well with dementia

Discover a radically different dementia care approach
with Bickford’s Montessori Memory Care

A structured, supportive home environment

Purposeful roles that empower each resident

Care focused on abilities, not limitations

Dementia shouldn’t mean the end of a meaningful life

We understand the heartache of watching someone you love struggle with dementia. Many families feel overwhelmed, guilty, and uncertain about the future. Traditional memory care treats residents and their behaviors as problems to manage rather than people who still have a life to live.

But it doesn’t have to be that way

Did you know

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

What if the answer was doing less,  not more?

At Bickford, we’ve adopted a radically different approach to dementia care, built on the proven principles of the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia.

After more than 30 years of caring for seniors, we knew there had to be a better way—something that truly honored each resident’s worth and potential. When we discovered the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle, we knew we had found it.

This evidence-based model draws from the pioneering work of Dr. Maria Montessori, who developed compassionate, innovative methods to help children learn—especially those considered “unteachable.” Applied to seniors, these methods create a sense of purpose, reduce distress, and reconnect residents with meaning every day.

This is dementia care like you’ve never seen before.

What makes the Montessori approach different?

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

Residents guide their own experience

We’ve learned that residents with dementia are capable of far more than we once believed—especially when they’re given real choices. At Mary B’s, residents help shape their day by deciding what they want to do and contributing to community life. These opportunities build confidence, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Independence matters

Our trained caregivers actively support residents in using their strengths and abilities, rather than focusing on limitations. Personalized assessments help us see what each resident is still capable of. We then shape the environment to help residents succeed, maintain dignity, and experience genuine independence.

Residents are lifelong learners

We believe personal growth doesn’t stop with dementia. With the right support, cues, and environment, residents can—and do—learn new skills, discover new interests, and feel a renewed sense of possibility.

This is their home

Mary B’s Neighborhood is designed as a truly resident-led community that feels like home. The physical environment is intentionally calm, easy to navigate, and rich with cues that support independence—from accessible kitchens and labeled drawers to inviting garden spaces and quiet nooks. Residents shape the flow of their day and take ownership in shared routines—living with autonomy and purpose, not just receiving care.

Imagine your loved one...

Waking up every day with a real sense of meaning and purpose
Proudly helping prepare meals, setting tables, and feeling valued
Leading resident committees, shaping community decisions
Discovering new passions like gardening or art
Living in a vibrant community where they’re deeply respected

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.”

What is Montessori?

Montessori is an educational philosophy developed in the early 1900s in Italy by Dr. Maria Montessori, who set out to help children considered difficult or unteachable. Through careful observation and experimentation, she discovered that, when given the freedom to learn independently, explore their natural curiosity, and build confidence through purposeful activities, these children not only thrived but outperformed their peers. Dr. Montessori’s revolutionary approach soon spread. Today, Montessori is widely used in schools around the world to cultivate active learners and independent thinkers. When applied to dementia care, these powerful principles help residents regain purpose, dignity, and engagement through structured activities and opportunities that emphasize their remaining strengths and abilities.

The Global Standard in Montessori Memory Care

Bickford is proud to partner with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, the only organization that certifies memory care communities in the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle. We’re committed to having all our branches certified by this world-renowned organization that holds us to the highest standard. The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle was developed by Dr. Cameron Camp, a renowned researcher in dementia care.

“Bickford Senior Living stands out as an exemplary provider, demonstrating the effective implementation of the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle model with both depth and integrity. Their commitment to enriching the lives of those they serve is evident in every aspect of their operations, reflecting a genuine dedication to exceeding the expectations of residents and their families. In doing so, Bickford showcases how a visionary approach, grounded in values and ethical principles, can lead to meaningful and positive outcomes in the communities they serve.”

–Dr. Cameron Camp

From our family to yours

At Bickford, we believe in taking the Higher Path—a proactive approach to care that honors individuality and creates space for every resident to live happier, healthier—longer. Mary B’s Memory Care Neighborhood was inspired by our grandmother, Mary Bickford, who lived with Alzheimer’s. We’ve created the kind of environment we wish had existed for her—a place filled with dignity, respect, and real community. It’s why we got started, and it remains our life’s work.

The Bickford Story

Memory care is a specialized type of care specifically designed for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

It provides personalized support, a secure and structured environment, and purposeful activities tailored to residents’ unique cognitive needs, enhancing their quality of life.

Just because your loved one has dementia doesn’t mean that the extra attention of memory care is needed at this time. Nearly 80% of people who live in a more traditional assisted living setting have some form of dementia. If you’re wondering if memory care is right for your loved one, we’ll do a variety of cognitive assessments and discuss their behaviors to give you a recommendation. You deserve professional help to find the best setting for your loved one.

Because there’s a higher staff to resident ratio, memory care costs more than traditional assisted living. The exact cost depends on what location you’re interested in.

Because we value transparency, you can view all-inclusive rates on the page of any Bickford branch.