Montessori Moment One of our Mary B's residents, Bob, recently gave us all a smile when he wrote “PLEASE UPDATE CALENDAR. MUCH NEEDED” on the activity calendar… even though there were still three days left in January! After thanking Bob for being so observant and keeping an eye on the board, Davida asked if he’d like to help keep the calendar updated by placing an “X” on each day that has passed. Bob happily agreed — and he’s been keeping it up ever since! Moments like this beautifully reflect Montessori principles in action: recognizing a person’s strengths, offering meaningful responsibility, and supporting independence and purpose. By inviting Bob to contribute in a way that matters, awareness became engagement — and that makes all the difference. Way to go, Bob! Why This Works This moment is Montessori through and through: * We focused on strengths instead of correction. Bob wasn’t “misbehaving” — he was demonstrating awareness and initiative. The team honored that. * We transformed awareness into purpose. A quick comment became a meaningful responsibility. * We supported identity and belonging. Bob now has a role that is his, visible and important. When we look underneath the behavior, we find the capability — and that’s where the magic happens! #higherpathsuccessstory

There’s a special kind of magic that fills the air when people come together to share a moment of global celebration—and at Bickford of Bexley Assisted Living and Memory Care, that magic was unmistakable on the afternoon of the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies broadcast from Italy.

Last week, residents at Bickford of Bexley Assisted Living and Memory Care were treated to a truly special visit from Ms. Dolan and the bright, curious students' class project, Creature Features. After helping her students explore the wonders of the animal kingdom, she in turn opened the door to something even more memorable: sharing that creativity, between the generations, with an audience eager to learn, reminisce, and engage.

I couldn't finish the week without giving a special shoutout to one of our newest family members at Bickford of Bexley Assisted Living and Memory Care..."Dottie". She moved in just in time to share her 87th birthday with us! Happy Happy Birthday Dottie! And we hope you have many more with us!

Another activity that draws a crowd at Bickford of Bexley Assisted Living and Memory Care is Art Class! This month we have been using different forms of media to make collages. Its a wonderful feeling to watch the creative juices flow with the residents as they form their own masterpiece! Anyone can be an artist! Give them the supplies and watch the magic happen!

Everyone love BINGO! (most everyone). Especially here at Bickford of Bexley Assisted Living and Memory Care! MY favorite part about BINGO is when a see a new face at the table... and winning!! Aren't you glad you came!

Every so often, you meet someone whose resilience quietly inspires everyone around them. Dave is one of those people. His journey hasn’t been simple — in fact, the past few years have brought more than their fair share of health challenges. But today, when you see him at Bickford, you don’t see a man defined by hardship. You see someone who has rediscovered joy, community, and a renewed sense of purpose. A New Chapter Begins When Dave first arrived at Bickford, he was still recovering from several health issues that had taken a toll on his energy and independence. But something remarkable happened once he settled in: he began to thrive. The supportive environment, the friendly faces, and the steady rhythm of daily life gave him space to heal — not just physically, but emotionally too. Bingo, Sports, and the Power of Connection If you’re looking for Dave these days, you’ll probably find him in one of two places: the bingo table or wherever a game is on. Bingo has become more than a pastime for him. It’s a social ritual — a chance to laugh, compete, and connect with others. He’s known for his good-natured banter and the way he lights up when someone calls out a winning number. It’s not just a game; it’s community. And then there are sports. Whether he’s watching a big game, chatting about teams, or sharing memories of seasons past, sports bring out his spark. They give him something to look forward to, something to talk about, and something to cheer for. It’s a reminder that passion doesn’t fade with age — it just finds new ways to show up. Thriving in the Everyday What makes Dave’s story so meaningful isn’t just that he’s doing well — it’s how fully he’s embraced life again. He’s proof that healing doesn’t always happen in dramatic leaps. Sometimes it happens in small, steady moments: a shared laugh, a familiar routine, a friendly competition, a good meal, a comfortable place to call home. At Bickford, Dave has found those moments. And in doing so, he’s found himself again. A Reminder of What Matters Dave’s journey is a beautiful reminder that life can open up in unexpected ways, even after difficult chapters. With the right support and a community that cares, people don’t just recover — they flourish. And Dave? He’s flourishing. One bingo card, one ballgame, one good day at a time. #higherpathsuccessstory

I'm am so very thankful that Bickford of Bexley Assisted Living and Memory Care has TWO pianos! When our Birthday Wednesday Concert is impeded by a broken foot pedal on the 1st floor, no worries, we'll just head to the 3rd floor! Thank you Wade Jones for entertaining us once again, and I promise to get the pedal fixed before next time!

Montessori living at Bickford of Bexley Assisted Living and Memory Care is a person-centered, strengths-based approach focusing on independence, dignity, and purposeful engagement. This purposeful engagement can be setting the tables, a resident led Bible study, or being a part of the Birthday Committe to help make cookies or cupcakes for the birthdays of the month. Even providing a craft like flower arranging gives the residents a sense of independence in decorating their own dining room.

We love our team! Despite a Level 3 snow emergency, every single nurse, care team member and kitchen crew member made it to work today! They are living our Bickford commitment to “whatever it takes.” #dedication #grit #essentialworkers #winterstormfern