Our residents are enhancing their cooking skills in the courtyard cooking club, where they unwind while waiting for their pasta to cook, savoring the pleasant weather and fresh air while sharing nostalgic moments about their gardening experiences in their younger years. And now they are planning to beautify the garden, making it an even more vibrant and appealing space for everyone. With the assistance of the residents' activity leaders and a family member, the pasta was delicious, and everyone was satisfied. Yummy yummy tummy..

Antipsychotic Use Reduced by More Than 27% Understanding always comes before medication--Behavior is communication >By utilizing Montessori-based memory care, our Northern IL/IN Division reduced antipsychotic use by more than 27%. Through meaningful engagement, choice-driven activities, and respectful redirection, residents are supported without relying on unnecessary medication. > Choosing the Higher Path means slowing down, listening closely, and responding with compassion—always preserving dignity and honoring each resident’s voice. #higherpath

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Lundhal Middle School Students especially to Ms. Beth for conducting a highly meaningful painting club session with our residents. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the experience and proud of the artwork they created. This event also served as a great motivator for our residents, encouraging them to be more productive and contribute positively to the community.

Despite the impending storm, our residents enjoyed a delightful day filled with engaging conversations and singing in the courtyard, followed by a successful family bingo night where residents and guests eagerly participated to win prizes. It was a fun night with some treats and refreshments.. MontessoriMemoryCareProgram #AssistedLiving#HigherPath #HappyStormyFunFriday

A busy day unfolded at Crystal Lake, where our community gather together for a Lifelong Learning session with Library staff, engaging in various activities with residents. And family members decorated the garden with hanging flowers as a birthday gift for one of the residents, enhancing the view from their rooms. Meanwhile, a mother and daughter enjoyed quality time together in the garden, taking in the scenery, appreciating the flowers, and listening to birdsong. #MontessoriMemoryCareProgram#AssistedLiving#HigherPath #ActivitiesOverload

It only takes one caring team member to brighten a resident’s day, but having three makes the smiles even bigger. Today is a perfect day to enjoy the sunshine in our secure courtyard with friends. Let’s get you or your loved one on the Higher Path to exceptional care, kindness, and days filled with purpose and joy. Stop in for a tour — I can’t wait to meet you! Lisa Watkins, Family Advocate Bickford Senior Living Crystal Lake Assisted Living / Montessori Memory Care 815-859-9637 .

We have some very special people at Bickford helping our residents live longer ,happier and healthier lives. # higherpath

Improving Memory Care Safety with Safely-You At Bickford, every fall is an opportunity to learn and improve. Safely-You gives our Memory Care teams greater insight into why falls happen, how to respond faster, and how to strengthen care going forward. With video review, teams can identify the true root cause of unwitnessed falls—moving beyond assumptions to create meaningful, individualized interventions. Safely-You also provides immediate fall notifications, allowing staff to respond quickly, reduce time on the floor, and reassure residents right away. Beyond response, Safely-You supports ongoing staff education. Reviewing real-life scenarios helps teams sharpen awareness, improve approaches, and reinforce a culture of learning—not blame. Safely-You supports our Higher Path by turning challenging moments into safer care, stronger teams, and better outcomes for the residents we serve. #higher path

Our residents enjoyed lunch at an Italian restaurant, as requested, where they savored delicious pasta, salad, and dessert, resulting in happy faces and satisfaction. This outing also coincided with a celebration for one of our residents, Marilyn, who just turned 87 years old. #HappyTummy

just wanted to highlight one of our great nurses and Residents. #higher path