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!”

+Walking the Higher Path—Together+

Making lemonade the old-fashion way with the lovely ladies at Bickford of Crown Point proved to be a messy task worth doing! Juicing eight lemons, and making a simple syrup to sweeten it was an enjoyable experience, and brought up conversations about days gone past on how chores were once completed. This was definitely a Montessori moment that engaged our residents, and reminded them how doing things the long way can bring a big payoff. Everyone agreed the finished product was absolutely amazing, bringing a fresh, sweet, but slightly tart combination of flavors that was so refreshing, and so much better than the premixed alternatives. Great teamwork ladies!

Qui aurait cru qu'on avait trois francophones dans notre établissement? This sentence translates in English to: Who knew we had three French speaking people at our facility? At Bickford of Crown Point, we had a new arrival who, in learning about him at our welcoming committee, speaks fluent French. Don took an interest in French, mastered it during school, and went on to teach it to high school students. Monique, another resident here was born and raised in none other than Paris, and even though she has lived most of her life here in the states, still carries a charming French accent. Lilly, one of our CNA employees, also learned French at a young age, and is conversational. It’s wonderful how learning about others creates common ground and opens doors for new friendships that would otherwise never occur.

Sunshine and delicious food make a wonderful combination! At Bickford of Crown Point, we strive for the highest quality in dining when it comes to our residents’ dietary needs. However, sometimes it’s just fun to go out once in a while for a nice meal with friends. A small group was encouraged by a sunny day to do just that. Noodles and Co. was the designated place and did not disappoint. Even though it’s considered “fast food”, everything was fresh, yummy, and filling. Thanks for your company Joe, Lillie, JoJo, and Carole!

Sunshine and delicious food make a wonderful combination! At Bickford of Crown Point, we strive for the highest quality in dining when it comes to our residents’ dietary needs. However, sometimes it’s just fun to go out once in a while for a nice meal with friends. A small group was encouraged by a sunny day to do just that. Noodles and Co. was the designated place and did not disappoint. Even though it’s considered “fast food”, everything was fresh, yummy, and filling. Thanks for your company Joe, Lillie, JoJo, and Carole!

Stay Connected. Stay Inspired. Stay Informed. Want a closer look at life inside Bickford of Crown Point? Following our Facebook page is the best way to stay connected with everything happening in our community! See how our HigherPath Senior Health Model supports physical health, emotional well‑being, and daily happiness Learn how our Montessori approach helps residents rediscover purpose, independence, and joy Get updates on events, activities, celebrations, and community moments Experience what makes Bickford feel like home; before you even walk through the doors If you’re exploring options for yourself or someone you love, we’d also love to invite you in to see it all in person. Schedule a tour today! Contact me, Joshua Warren, Family Advocate 219‑388‑6160 joshua.warren@bickfordseniorliving.com Follow Bickford of Crown Point on Facebook and be part of a community focused on connection, purpose, and living life fully. Every day. #BickfordOfCrownPoint #HigherPath #MontessoriMemoryCare #SeniorLivingDoneDifferently #ScheduleATour #CommunityMatters