Our higher path celebration this week has a unique example of triumphing through the adversity of early on-set dementia. Ms. M has become a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity in our Mary B’s. Ms M’s journey was one that her young family struggled to comprehend how their beloved mother, once vibrant and living a full life of travel, now lived in a world where words eluded her. Ms. M has always been an active woman, a fitness instructor who dedicated her life to health and wellness and her love of Paris! Her days were spent running marathons, teaching aerobics, riding her bike, and inspiring others to lead active lives. Her laughter and energy were infectious, and she was known for her boundless spirit and easy ability to make friends. But as her dementia crept into her life, those traits were challenged. Ms M moved into Bickford of Chesterfield September 2022 on AL and quickly incorporated her life of fitness into daily activities. She attended exercise classes and would proudly display her agility by doing handstands, pushups, and teaching yoga poses! BFM’s were in awe the way she would rise each morning with an undeniable spark in her eyes, despite the confusion that surrounded her. As her dementia advanced and her verbal communication diminished, she moved into Mary B’s where staff is regularly trained in Montessori programs and educated in managing non-verbal residents. They quickly learned to read her moods through her expressions, finding ways to connect with her that didn’t rely on spoken language. Simple gestures, like holding her hand or looking her in the eye, became powerful forms of communication. Despite her limited ability to communicate verbally, Ms M’s will to live shone through in other ways. Staff noticed that she still found joy in movement. Even in her advanced state, she would sway to music, her body remembering the rhythm of the aerobic routines she had practiced for decades. This instinctive response became a source of solace for her family and staff, who found comfort in her ability to express herself through dance. They were comforted in understanding that even without words, Ms M was still very much present in her own way. Her story is not just about the struggles of dementia but about the power of love, connection, and the enduring human spirit. She has taught us that even in silence, there is strength, and that sometimes, simply being present is the greatest testament to a life well-lived. To Ms M we say “Il n'y a pas de bonheur sans courage ni de courage sans bonheur." In French translates to "There is no happiness without courage, nor courage without happiness." A statement that truly reflects the strength she has exhibited throughout her life and her ability to find joy despite the challenges she faces. #HigherPathSuccess #Dementia #AssistedLiving

Hunting for Joy: Mr. S’s Triumph Over Parkinson’s Mr S, a vibrant 84y old avid hunter, has always found solace in the great outdoors. The thrill of tracking game and the serenity of nature were integral parts of his life. He moved into Bickford of Chesterfield in 2024 with visions of passing along his love of the outdoors to his grandkids. However, everything changed when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Initially, the news hit him like a deer in headlights. Mr S felt as though his passion for hunting—and life as he knew it—was slipping away. The diagnosis brought a flood of emotions. Mr S grappled with fear and uncertainty about the future. He worried about the tremors, stiffness, and fatigue that often accompany Parkinson’s, imagining how these symptoms could affect his ability to walk and enjoy his cherished outdoor adventures. It was a dark time for him, as he felt his independence and zest for life begin to fade. Fortunately, here at Bickford of Chesterfield, we pride ourselves on motivating and reaffirming residents that they can still lead a fulfilling life; a higher path journey of living happier, healthier-longer! Mr S found a guiding light in Dr. Majhi, a compassionate primary provider with Curana Health who specialized in managing geriatrics and is well versed in Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Majhi emphasized that while Parkinson’s posed challenges, it was possible to lead a fulfilling life with the right support and treatment. Together, they crafted a personalized medication management plan tailored to Mr S’s specific symptoms and lifestyle. Dr. Majhi encouraged him to stay active, not just through medication, but also by engaging in physical therapy with Fox and adaptive exercises that would help maintain his strength and flexibility. Determined to reclaim his life, Mr S embraced this new chapter. He set out to exercise daily, focused on enhancing mobility and balance. He also started practicing mindfulness techniques to manage stress and anxiety, allowing him to approach each day with a more positive outlook. As the seasons changed, so did Mr S’s outlook on life. He emerged from the woods, not just as a hunter, but as a man who had faced adversity and arose stronger. Mr S’s journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of effective medical management. He has learned that while Parkinson’s disease is part of his life, it doesn’t define him. Instead, he views it as an opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy the things he loves. With every day that passes, he finds joy, strength, and a renewed appreciation for life’s adventures. Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care of Chesterfield #HigherPath #SuccessStory #AssistedLiving

We just got certified as a Great Place to Work! Couldn’t be more proud of our team – we put our people first. @GPTW_US #gptw

Fall is in the air at Bickford of Chesterfield! As the leaves change and the days get cooler, we’re embracing the beauty of the season with cozy activities and heartwarming moments. We invite you to come in for a tour and experience our Branch for yourself. It’s about connection, laughter, and the warmth of Bickford! #HigherPath #HappierHealthierLonger #SeniorLiving Bickford of Chesterfield, Assisted Living and Memory Care

Discover Comfort in Our Memory Care Apartments At Bickford of Chesterfield, we understand that finding the right home for your loved ones is a journey filled with emotions. Our memory care apartments are designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment tailored to support residents with cognitive challenges. What We Offer: Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives individualized care, ensuring their unique needs are met. Engaging Activities: Our daily programs foster connection, creativity, and joy, helping residents feel engaged and valued. Homelike Atmosphere: Our warm, welcoming spaces promote comfort and belonging, making it feel like home. Come see how our community can provide the support your loved one deserves. Together, we can create moments of joy and connection every day. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a tour! #MemoryCare #Community #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath

Who would think that on a Friday night we would have two such beautiful animals for us to enjoy! A special thank you to Mr S for offering to share his families animals with us!

Saint Edwards Church had a blessing of the animals this evening and then we were lucky enough to have these two beautiful visitors. Thank you to Mr. S and his family! Bickford of Chesterfield

Who would think that on a Friday night we would have two such beautiful animals for us to enjoy! A special thank you to Mr S for offering to share his families animals with us!

At Bickford of Chesterfield, we embrace the advancements in medical care that offer new beginnings for so many. Dementia is a condition that affects not just memory but also one’s personality and emotional well-being. For Miss B, the reality of living with dementia was compounded by episodes of psychosis that included vivid hallucinations and intense feelings of paranoia. At times, she would express fear over imagined threats, leading to confusion and distress that not only affected her but also deeply impacted her caregivers and daily care. Miss B’s days were often filled with uncertainty. The once vibrant woman, known for her love of gardening and HGTV, found herself trapped in a fog of confusion. Her family and caregivers worked tirelessly to provide reassurance and comfort, but the struggle was palpable, and there were days when hope seemed distant. After many discussions during our Higher Path meetings, a decision was made to trial a new medication specifically designed to address the symptoms of dementia with psychosis. Curana providers emphasized the importance of monitoring her response closely, and the family and BFMs rallied around her, providing love and support during this transitional phase. The medication had not only alleviated her symptoms but had also restored her sense of self. She began to reconnect with her surroundings, engaging in conversations and sharing in meals that brought smiles to everyone around her. Miss B’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of compassionate care and innovative treatments. Her journey shows that even in the face of debilitating conditions like dementia and psychosis, hope can flourish. As we celebrate her newfound peace, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance, support, and the continual pursuit of better treatments for those facing similar battles. “Life is a garden. Sometimes, we must weather the storms, but with the right care and love, we can bloom again.” Here’s to many more stories of resilience, healing, and the enduring power of a higher path mindset for our seniors at Bickford of Chesterfield. #HigherPathSuccessStory #AssistedLiving

As National Assisted Living Week comes to a close, we celebrated by dressing up in styles from our favorite decades! From the Roaring '20s to the groovy '90s, Bickford of Chesterfield loves bringing joy and engagement through themed days. Our Bickford Leadership team and dedicated BFMs are committed to enhancing life through Empowered Aging, Life Enrichment, and promoting Happier, Healthier, Longer lives. Come visit us to discover how the Higher Path can make a difference for you and your loved ones. Happy National Assisted Living Week! #bickfordcelebratesNALW #HigherPath #LifeEnrichment #HappierHealthierLonger