When given options between playing a game of cards or frosting cupcakes, these lovely ladies chose the latter. The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle encourages choices, and some choices involve ways of serving their community. Being able to offer delicious cupcakes to our residents is a wonderful way to achieve this, while celebrating the joy of being part of the Bickford community. Thanks for your service Shirley and JoMarie!

Our residents always look forward to the “Shop ‘Til You Drop” event at Bickford of Crown Point where they can “cash in” their bingo winnings. Since it was a bit overdue, their envelopes were bursting with Bickford bingo bucks just waiting to be spent. We had a few families who were quite generous in donating items they thought the residents would find useful. There were many options, both frivolous and functional, but everyone walked away with something they treasured, and will be back at bingo ready to earn more bucks to spend!

Spring is a season for fresh starts—and planning ahead Join us for our Blooming Open House at Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care for a fun, relaxed, and informative afternoon open to the community. Enjoy treats, games, raffles, and guided group tours Learn how our HigherPath Senior Health Model and Montessori Memory Care support safety, independence, and purpose Ask questions, explore at your own pace, and experience what daily life feels like here Whether you’re planning ahead, supporting a loved one, or just curious to learn more, we’d love to welcome you. Saturday, June 6th | 12–2 PM Bickford of Crown Point RSVP by emailing joshua.warren@bickfordseniorliving.com or calling 219‑388‑6160 Feel free to share this with friends or family—everyone is welcome!

Planning ahead doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. And you don’t have to do it alone. Many families I talk with say the same thing: “We know we should plan… we just don’t know where to start.” That’s exactly where we come in. We help seniors and their families talk through what the future could look like and create a clear plan of action—before stress, urgency, or crisis forces decisions. Together, we make sure wishes are understood, trusted professionals are in place, and loved ones (or power of attorneys) can confidently step in when needed. This proactive approach often: Reduces stress Saves money Prevents last‑minute scrambling Brings peace of mind to the whole family Whether you’re planning for the next few years—or just starting the conversation—Bickford is here as a resource. If you or someone you love could benefit from thoughtful guidance and an extra layer of support, feel free to reach out or share this with them. Sometimes the best gift we can give our families is a plan. 219‑388‑6160 joshua.warren@bickfordseniorliving.com

A Higher Path to Medication Safety Managing medications at home becomes increasingly difficult with age. National research shows that nearly 50% of older adults do not take medications exactly as prescribed, often due to forgetfulness, complex schedules, or changes in health needs. Studies also show that medication noncompliance contributes to up to 25% of avoidable hospitalizations among seniors. At Bickford of Crown Point, we take a different approach—one rooted in our Higher Path. Through consistent routines, professional oversight, and strong safety systems, our Health & Wellness teams ensure medications are administered on time, accurately, and with care. Residents are closely monitored for side effects and changes, allowing us to respond quickly and thoughtfully. For families, this means peace of mind. For residents, it means better health, greater stability, and the freedom to live each day without the burden of managing medications alone. That’s the Higher Path—care you can trust, every step of the way.

Mother Nature decided to bless us with perfect weather this past Saturday for Bickford of Crown Point’s Annual Spring Fling contributing to its’ success. From tempting fresh food favorites to engaging Montessori lifestyle inspired activities, the two hour event flew by! Congrats to Larry, our resident winner who took his daughter’s advice, and guessed the exact amount of candy in the jar contest, winning the whole kit and kaboodle! He was last seen carrying the large jar around, offering sweet treats to random people. At least he’s sharing! Thanks to all our wonderful residents and guests for attending, and making marvelous memories for all who came. This is Bickford! This is what community that feels like family looks like!

One of the most beneficial aspects of working in a senior living facility is getting to know the families of the residents. Likewise, during their visits to Bickford of Crown Point, they become acquainted with other residents that have become friends with their parents. This happens often enough that the level of interaction elevates the desire to volunteer their time. That’s just what happened here! Regina, Rita’s daughter, offered to provide a watercolor class for the residents, which was a huge hit! Just check out the results and decide for yourself!

Work before pleasure” is a motto many use to stay motivated in getting everyday tasks done. A better method is to consider the ability to complete duties as a privilege, rather than a burden. This is the Montessori Inspired Approach, which encourages residents to take responsibility by providing services to those around them. Here is a perfect example, featuring Bo and Carol helping out by folding cloth napkins for the dining area. Then, moving on to completing a farmer’s market themed puzzle. Guess what - they were content doing both!

Montessori Memory Care at Bickford of Crown Point: Meaningful Engagement at Every Stage of Dementia When a loved one is living in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, families are often told the same discouraging message: “There’s not much that can be done anymore.” At Bickford of Crown Point, we believe the opposite. Through our Montessori Memory Care program, we continue to engage, connect with, and care for individuals at all stages of memory loss—including the later stages—by focusing on dignity, purpose, and meaningful connection. Why Montessori Matters—Even in Advanced Dementia Montessori Memory Care is built on a simple but powerful idea: Everyone deserves purpose and engagement, no matter where they are on their dementia journey. Instead of asking residents to conform to activities, we adapt the environment and the experience to meet each individual where they are cognitively, physically, and emotionally. For residents in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, this means: *Hands-on, sensory-based activities *Repetitive, familiar tasks that build confidence *One-on-one engagement focused on success—not perfection *Opportunities to participate rather than simply observe These moments may look small from the outside—sorting, folding, gardening, matching colors—but they create connection, calm, and joy. Caring for the Whole Person, Not Just the Diagnosis At Bickford of Crown Point, Montessori is not an “activity.” It is woven into daily life. Our highly trained team understands how dementia changes the brain—and how to adjust care accordingly. We focus on: *Preserving independence whenever possible *Reducing anxiety and distress through structured routines *Communicating in ways that feel respectful and validating *Creating opportunities for residents to succeed every day Even as verbal communication becomes limited, we continue to connect through touch, routine, music, movement, and purposeful work. Because engagement doesn’t end when words fade. All-Inclusive Memory Care You Can Understand We also know families are overwhelmed—not just emotionally, but financially. That’s why Bickford of Crown Point offers simple, transparent pricing for Memory Care: *$340 per day – flat rate *All-inclusive, with no hidden care-level add-ons This includes: *24/7 care and supervision *Personalized Montessori-based engagement *Assistance with all activities of daily living *Medication management *Dining, housekeeping, laundry, and life enrichment Families often tell us how relieving it is to finally understand what care costs—and to trust that their loved one will continue receiving the support they need as their condition changes. A Different Kind of Memory Care Experience Families choose Bickford not just because of what we do, but how we do it. They see: *Loved ones who are calmer and more engaged *Purposeful moments replacing agitation and isolation *Care that adapts as dementia progresses *A team that truly knows their loved one’s story Even in advanced stages, life can still include meaningful moments. Come See the Difference for Yourself We invite you to experience Montessori Memory Care in action. A personal tour allows you to: *See residents actively engaged—not parked in front of a TV *Meet the caregivers who specialize in advanced dementia care *Ask honest questions about care, safety, and progression *Understand how Montessori principles apply to your loved one’s current stage

Meet our newest resident, June, who didn’t waste any time jumping into activities. At Bickford of Crown Point, a variety of options are available for those that wish to partake. At 94 years old, it was impressive to witness how strong she was. When asked how she kept her amazing physical and mental condition in check, she offered this advice: “Keep moving!”