Wow - What a voice! Our latest entertainer, Kristi Alsip, was a newcomer to Bickford of Crown Point. It’s always a gamble not quite knowing the level of talent of each vocalist, but not only did she captivate the audience with the incredible range of her voice, she also engaged and encouraged them to accompany her with maracas she provided! Both Assisted Living and Mary B. residents were taken back in time to songs such as “Blue Bayou” by Linda Ronstadt, to Nancy Sinatra’s, “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” She definitely earned an invitation back, and we can’t wait to hear her again this summer!

Join Us for Our Montessori Café! Thursday, February 26th at 2:30 PM We’re opening our doors to families and the community for our special hands‑on Montessori Café experience! If you have a loved one who’s becoming more forgetful, confused, or socially withdrawn, this event is a gentle, joyful way to reconnect. Our café features baking and snack‑making activities with simple, step‑by‑step instructions that empower participation, spark memories, and encourage meaningful social engagement. What to Expect: *Fun, sensory‑rich baking and food prep *Easy, guided steps so everyone can take part *A warm, supportive environment *Laughter, conversation, and community connection *A chance for your loved one to feel confident and included This gathering is open to everyone, so feel free to bring friends, neighbors, and anyone who may benefit from a little extra companionship and purpose. We can’t wait to welcome you! To RSVP reach out to Joshua at 219-388-6160 Ask me how to make Bickford your loved one's new home!

~ Choosing the Higher Path: How We Reduced Falls from Q3 to Q4 ~ At Bickford Senior Living, walking The Higher Path means constantly striving to create a safer, more supportive environment for our residents. One of the most meaningful indicators of that commitment is our ability to reduce fall risk — and this quarter, our efforts paid off in a big way. >> A Significant Improvement After Q3, our branch focused on resident falls. While each incident is taken seriously, this number motivated us to take a deeper look at our processes, communication, and preventive strategies. By the end of Q4, our total number of falls had a 28% decrease. This is more than data on a report; it represents dozens of moments where a resident remained safe, supported, and steady because our team showed up with intention. >> What Drove the Progress? Our success didn’t come from one single change — it came from a culture-wide shift toward purposeful action. >>Together, we focused on: ~Proactive monitoring during peak risk times ~Daily huddles to identify early warning signs ~Refresher training on safe transfers and environmental scanning ~Improved communication with families and clinical partners ~Purposeful rounding designed around resident-specific risk factors Every associate contributed — from nursing to dining to housekeeping — demonstrating what The Higher Path looks like in daily practice. >> Why It Matters Falls don’t just impact health; they influence a resident’s confidence, independence, and emotional well‑being. This reduction is a direct reflection of our dedication to preserving dignity and quality of life. It also showcases the strength of a team that chooses connection over convenience, purpose over routine, and compassion over complacency. >> Continuing the Momentum As we move into Q1, this improvement inspires us to push even further. By building on what worked — and staying true to The Higher Path — we can continue to reduce risks, elevate care, and strengthen the trust families place in us. #higherpath #bickfordofcrownpoint #assistedliving #montessorimemorycare

Celebrating Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday” came easy for the residents at Bickford of Crown Point. Trying on the traditional Mardi Gras masks and eating the rich Polish Paczki doughnuts, while listening to the festive music offered by our resident piano player, Kenny, sent spirits in high motion! The Paczki’s were gobbled up quickly, and probably spoiled the appetite of a few of the people who chose to have second and third helpings! They are richer than doughnuts, since they’re made with extra eggs and butter, giving them a brioche like texture. The Paczki’s, which mean “little packages” came and went, but the memories created for our residents are what will linger and matter the most!

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