JOIN US FOR BICKFORD OF CROWN POINT'S MONTESSORI CAFÉ — FEBRUARY 26TH! Baking & Snack‑Making Social Hour 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Bickford of Crown Point Did you know that staying socially connected can make a meaningful difference for those living with dementia? Social engagement has been shown to boost mood, support cognitive abilities, and help slow decline — and sometimes, all it takes is a warm conversation, a shared activity, or a joyful moment at the table. If you’ve noticed your loved one experiencing increased isolation or showing signs of cognitive decline lately, this is a perfect opportunity to reintroduce gentle, purposeful engagement in a supportive environment. At this month's installment of Montessori Café, your loved one can: *Enjoy hands‑on baking and snack‑making *Socialize naturally with peers and staff *Build confidence through simple, meaningful tasks *Experience connection, joy, and a sense of belonging We’d love for you — and your family — to join us, or simply encourage your loved one to attend. Sometimes the smallest experiences become the brightest moments in someone’s day. If you have questions or want to learn more about how we support socialization and cognitive health through Montessori‑based engagement, I’d be happy to show you. Give me at 219-663-0972! Looking forward to seeing you on February 26th! - Joshua W.

{Higher Path Spotlight: Respiratory & GI Bug Prevention at Bickford Senior Living} Keeping our residents, families, and team members healthy is at the heart of the Higher Path. As respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal (GI) viruses become more common during winter months, simple everyday habits make a powerful difference in keeping our Branch safe and thriving. <<< Preventing Respiratory Illnesses (Flu, RSV, COVID‑19 & more) >>> The CDC highlights five core strategies that help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses: staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, improving indoor air quality, taking precautions when sick, and seeking timely care when symptoms appear. [cdc.gov] +What We Can Do at Bickford: ~Keep hands clean: Wash hands often and clean high-touch surfaces regularly. [cdc.gov] ~Fresh air matters: Open windows when appropriate or use clean‑air devices to improve airflow. [cdc.gov] ~Stay home when sick: Team members and visitors should stay away until symptoms improve and fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without medication. [healthserv...sstate.edu] ~Masks as needed: During higher‑risk periods or outbreaks, masks offer an added layer of protection. [restoredcdc.org] <<< Preventing GI Bugs (Norovirus & Stomach Flu) >>> Norovirus and other GI illnesses spread quickly in community settings—but everyday precautions can dramatically reduce the risk. +Proven Prevention Steps: ~Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—hand sanitizer alone doesn’t reliably kill norovirus. [cdc.gov] ~Avoid preparing food when sick and for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop. [cdc.gov] ~Clean and disinfect surfaces using bleach‑based products effective against norovirus. [cdc.gov] ~Handle laundry carefully and wash soiled linens immediately in hot water. [cdc.gov] <<< How We Live the Higher Path Together >>> At Bickford, prevention isn’t just a policy—it’s an act of love. By protecting one another through simple daily habits, we strengthen our community, reduce illness, and help ensure that every resident enjoys comfort, safety, and connection. Thank you for walking the Higher Path with us—your care makes all the difference. #BickfordofCrownPoint #higherpath #assistedliving #montessorimemorycare

~ Walking the Higher Path at Bickford Senior Living ~ At Bickford, we believe the Higher Path isn’t a destination—it’s a daily choice. It’s choosing compassion over convenience, connection over routine, and dignity in every interaction. Every day, we have the privilege of stepping into moments that truly matter: + A shared laugh that brightens a morning + A gentle hand offered in comfort + A story told for the hundredth time, but listened to like it’s the first + A small act that makes a big difference These are the moments that define who we are. These are the moments that shape our Higher Path. To walk this path means leading with heart, serving with purpose, and honoring every resident as family. Because here, care isn’t something we do—it’s who we are. ~ Let’s keep choosing the Higher Path—together. ~ #higherpath #assistedliving #montessorimemorycare #bickfordofcrownpoint

Now here’s a fantastic example of perseverance! Our puzzling resident, Betty, has been working on this Sherlock Holmes puzzle for several weeks, and today she finally finished! She was so excited with the results and everyone at Bickford of Crown Point who saw it was very impressed. Congrats Betty - not many people would have the patience to complete a 500 piece puzzle!

Working on cognitive skills can be challenging but fun when it’s done with friends. In Mary B’s a few ladies came together to complete a puzzle and compete in Jenga. At Bickford of Crown Point, we won’t divulge in who won, but focus on the progress made!

Thank you Pet Supplies Plus! Our friend Pat was able to get Emily's nails trimmed. If you know Pat, you know that she adores her Emily who is a corgi and lab mix. Emily has become our Bickford of Crown Point mascot! Bickford of Crown Point Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care

Rediscover Purpose at Bickford of Crown Point’s Assisted Living & Montessori Memory Care At Bickford of Crown Point, we believe every person—no matter where they are on their memory care journey—deserves a life filled with purpose, dignity, and connection. Our Montessori Memory Care program, paired with our award‑winning care and warm, home-like environment, helps residents do exactly that. Let us share Karen’s story. When Karen first came to us, she had been hospitalized after a fall—largely the result of limited mobility and a lack of social interaction. During her hospital stay, our team visited her, spent time getting to know her, and gently encouraged her to re-engage with the world around her. Those early conversations helped reignite something in her: the desire to socialize, to move, to participate— to live with purpose again. Today, Karen is thriving. She’s settled into our community with wonderful mobility, meaningful friendships, and a renewed sense of belonging. Not only is she active—she now leads several of our activities, including her beloved bingo sessions. Her confidence, joy, and leadership have inspired everyone around her. Stories like Karen’s are why we do what we do. If you’re looking for a memory care option that truly puts your loved one’s needs first—one that feels just like home and empowers them to rediscover their independence and purpose—Bickford of Crown Point is here for you. Because home is not a place—it’s a feeling. And purpose is something everyone deserves. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a visit, we’d love to welcome you in. Call Joshua at 219-388-6160 to book your tour today!

A lot going on in Mary B’s today! Some of our residents chose to create valentines using simple items such as paper plates and do-a-dots, while others opted to paint on canvas with our creative Cristal. One lucky resident even requested a manicure from our talented staff member, Aaron. The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle allows for choices and meaning when it comes to how they spend their time here. It’s a wonderful way to end a productive week at Bickford of Crown Point!

Karen, a former nurse and current resident at Bickford of Crown Point, graciously accepts the role of calling Bingo for her friends whenever the need arises (which is regularly!) This role she willingly accepts, parallel the Montessori Inspired lifestyle which encourages residents to take an active part in their environment. Karen really enjoys it, is good at it, and is certainly appreciated for doing it, both by the staff and the residents!

Baby, it’s cold outside, but the residents at Bickford of Crown Point know how warm things up! Nothing wrong with sipping a glass of moscato while enjoying mango and pineapple. To top it off, our piano man decided to treat our residents to some lovely classics - thanks Kenny!