Bickford of Gurnee Weekly Update Hello Bickford Families, We hope you’ve had a wonderful week and are enjoying the beautiful days of July! Our community has been busy with fun outings, meaningful connections, and exciting plans for the weeks ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. This Week’s Highlights This week, our residents enjoyed a special outing to the ever-popular Emily’s Pancake House. The trip was a wonderful success, filled with delicious food, laughter, and great company. Residents always enjoy these opportunities to get out into the community, and Emily’s never disappoints! Community Announcements Chaplain Services Update We would like to share that our chaplains will no longer be serving the Bickford community. We are grateful for the care and support they have provided to our residents over the years. We are thankful that Ann Marie has graciously offered to continue leading Bible Study every other week for our residents. Mallory will be updating the activity schedule to reflect these upcoming sessions. Mary B’s Refresh Rodney is currently working on painting the common areas in Mary B’s neighborhood. If you notice patched walls or areas in progress, please know that the project is ongoing and will take some time to complete. We appreciate your patience as we continue making improvements to our community. Hair Salon Update Our current hairdresser’s last day with us will be July 28, 2026. We greatly appreciate her service and dedication to our residents. We are actively working to find a replacement as quickly as possible and will keep everyone updated as we move forward. Upcoming Events Independence Grove Field Trip Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM Residents will be taking a scenic trip to Independence Grove to enjoy the outdoors and summer beauty. Family members are welcome to join us! Please let Mallory know if you would like to participate. 1950s-Themed Happy Hour Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 3:00 PM Get ready to step back in time! We’ll be hosting a fun-filled 1950s Happy Hour featuring classic favorites, themed foods, great music, and plenty of nostalgia. All family members and friends are welcome to join us for this special event! Friendly Reminder Christine will be on vacation from July 22–26. During this time, please reach out to Alonda or Savannah if you need assistance. They will be happy to help with any questions or concerns that may arise. As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and your loved ones. Thank you for being a valued part of the Bickford family. Warmly, Christine Lawrence Executive Director Bickford of Gurnee

Five Big Stars to Bickford One of the greatest compliments we can receive is hearing from families who have entrusted us with the care of someone they love. Recently, a family member shared a heartfelt Google review that perfectly captures what we strive for every day at Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care. Moving to assisted living is rarely an easy decision. For many families, it comes with uncertainty, worry, and the fear that a loved one may lose the independence they've worked so hard to maintain. That's why reviews like this mean so much to us. At Bickford, we believe senior living should enhance life—not change who someone is. Residents can fill their day with meaningful activities, social opportunities, and friendships while still enjoying the comfort, privacy, and routines that make them feel at home. We love hearing that a resident who once spent much of her day alone is now enjoying conversation, activities, and the sense of community that comes from being surrounded by caring staff and neighbors. And just as important, we love knowing she can relax in the comfort of her apartment whenever she chooses. To this family, thank you for your trust, your kind words, and your five big stars. Stories like yours remind us why we do what we do every day. If you've been wondering whether senior living might be the right next step for someone you love, we invite you to come experience Bickford of Gurnee for yourself. You may discover what so many families already have—a welcoming community where residents can thrive, connect, and truly feel at home. Interested in learning more? We'd love to show you around. Contact Savannah at 224-219-1741 to schedule a personalized tour and see the Bickford difference firsthand.

Last week the residents had a blast celebrating the 4th of July! We kicked off the celebration with a special 4th of July Happy Hour on Thursday and enjoyed brats and hotdogs. On Friday, we had a Patriotic Sing Along with Michele that everyone loved; one resident volunteered to dress up with a pair of patriotic glasses! Here at Bickford, we are all about celebrating holidays and creating special memories for our residents. Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces definitely makes everything worthwhile!

The Beauty of Girlhood, at Every Age There is something magical about girlhood. It's found in laughter that comes easily, in stories shared between friends, and in the simple joy of sitting outside on a sunny afternoon. While we often think of girlhood as something tied to youth, the truth is that its spirit stays with us throughout our lives. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time outdoors with one of our beloved residents, Jennie. As we sat together soaking up the sunshine, we shared conversation, smiles, and a few laughs. In that moment, despite the years between us, it felt as though we were simply two girls enjoying a beautiful day. One of the greatest gifts of senior living is the opportunity to build meaningful friendships across generations. Our residents carry decades of wisdom, resilience, and memories, yet they still possess the same spark that made them who they were as young girls. Whether reminiscing about childhood adventures, first loves, favorite fashions, or lifelong dreams, those pieces of girlhood remain woven into their stories. At Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori memory Care, we cherish these connections. We celebrate not only the lives our residents have lived but also the joy they continue to find each day. Moments like sharing sunshine with Jennie remind us that friendship, curiosity, kindness, and laughter never grow old. Girlhood isn't defined by age. It's found in the twinkle of an eye, the comfort of companionship, and the ability to appreciate life's simple pleasures. And on a warm summer day, sitting beside Jennie, I was reminded that some of the most beautiful parts of ourselves stay with us forever. Here's to sunshine, friendship, and the timeless spirit of girlhood. #LifeAtBickford #BickfordOfGurnee #GirlhoodAtEveryAge

Hot Dogs Take the Crown! At Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care, there’s never a shortage of lively conversation—and last week’s resident poll proved that even the simplest questions can spark some friendly debate! With Independence Day right around the corner, we asked our residents: Which Fourth of July favorite is better: Hot Dogs or Cheeseburgers? After plenty of discussion and a few passionate opinions, hot dogs won by a landslide! While cheeseburgers put up a good fight, our residents overwhelmingly agreed that nothing says summer and Fourth of July quite like a classic hot dog fresh off the grill. Of course, a few residents made sure their personal favorites were heard, giving honorable mentions to bratwurst and chicken as worthy contenders for any holiday cookout. We love these weekly polls because they give residents a chance to share memories, swap stories, and enjoy a little friendly competition. Plus, it's always fun to see which side comes out on top! This Week’s Summer Showdown Now it’s time for a brand-new debate: Which is the better summer treat: Ice Cream or Watermelon? Will residents choose a cool scoop of their favorite frozen flavor, or will juicy, refreshing watermelon take the title? We're excited to find out! Stay tuned for next week’s results—and if you stop by Bickford of Gurnee for a visit, be sure to cast your vote and join the fun. After all, summer is sweeter when everyone has a say! Want to see what life is like at Bickford of Gurnee? We'd love to show you around. Contact Savannah today at 224-219-1741 to schedule a tour and experience all the laughter, friendship, and fun for yourself!

As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, we are reminded of the freedoms, sacrifices, and enduring spirit that make our country so special. At Bickford of Gurnee, we are grateful for the veterans, families, and residents who have helped shape the communities we cherish today. Their stories, resilience, and dedication inspire us every day. We hope everyone enjoys a joyful and safe holiday weekend filled with family, friends, and treasured traditions! Reminders & Weekend Updates Mallory will be in the community tomorrow, so be sure to stop by and say hello! Please note that management will be out of the community tomorrow. Our dedicated team will continue to provide excellent care and support throughout the day. Live entertainment begins at 2:00 PM tomorrow! We look forward to an afternoon of music, fun, and celebration with our residents and families. Saturday's lunch will be a festive barbecue! Residents can enjoy classic summer favorites as we continue our holiday festivities together. Thank you for being part of our Bickford family. Wishing everyone a wonderful Independence Day filled with happiness, gratitude, and red, white, and blue memories! Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Bickford of Gurnee!

The residents had an enjoyable afternoon today making table centerpieces for July 4th! It was a great outlet to express creativity and to socialize with other residents. #assistedliving #bickfordofgurnee #bickfordseniorliving #memorycare

Celebrating a Milestone: Montessori Bronze Certification at Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori memory Care We are incredibly proud to share a special moment for our community—Bickford of Gurnee has officially earned our Montessori Bronze Certification! This achievement represents so much more than a designation. It reflects our deep commitment to providing meaningful, purposeful, and person-centered care—especially for those living with memory loss. Through the Montessori approach, we focus on each resident’s strengths, abilities, and individuality, empowering them to stay engaged, connected, and fulfilled each day. At Bickford, this looks like: Creating opportunities for independence and choice Encouraging purposeful activities that spark joy and familiarity Building routines that provide comfort and confidence Supporting each resident’s unique story and abilities Our team has worked with great dedication and heart to bring this philosophy to life, and this certification is a celebration of their passion and commitment to excellence. When you walk through our neighborhood, you’ll see the difference—residents actively participating, smiling, and truly living with purpose. We are honored to continue growing in this journey and bringing the very best to our families. We invite you to come see our Montessori approach in action—schedule a tour and experience the Bickford difference for yourself.

Hello Bickford Families, We hope you’ve had a wonderful week and are enjoying this beautiful month of June! The sunshine and warmer weather have brought such a refreshing energy into our community, creating many meaningful moments we’re excited to share with you. ________________________________________ This Week’s Highlights Our residents had the opportunity to enjoy a special field trip to Feed My Starving Children. It was a wonderful experience, and we are so grateful to those who participated. Their helping hands truly made a difference, and their kindness and generosity continue to inspire us all. ________________________________________ Upcoming Outings & Events We have an exciting and festive week ahead, and we would love for you to join us whenever you can! • July 3rd @ 2:00 PM Join us for a Patriotic Sing-Along featuring a special entertainer. It will be a joyful way to celebrate the holiday weekend together! • 4th of July Happy Hour @ 3:00 PM Celebrate Independence Day with us! Enjoy delicious grilled appetizers prepared by Chef Carlos. Families are warmly invited to attend—come relax, mingle, and celebrate with our residents. • 4th of July BBQ @ 12:00 PM (July 4th) We will be hosting a festive BBQ lunch for residents and families. Please RSVP to Mallory by July 3rd if you plan on attending. ________________________________________ Announcements We are incredibly proud to share that Bickford of Gurnee has received our Bronze Certification for the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle! ???? This achievement is the result of months of dedication and teamwork from our amazing staff. We are so excited to continue enhancing the quality of life for our residents through this meaningful program. Please see the attached certification for more details. ________________________________________ Friendly Reminder Please note that due to the holiday, management will be out of the office on July 3, 2026. As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I am always happy to help. ________________________________________ Thank you for being such an important part of our Bickford family. We wish you a safe, joyful, and blessed holiday weekend filled with celebration and time with loved ones. Happy 250th Birthday to the USA! Warmly, Christine

If You Could Be Any Age Again… Just for a Day At Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care, we are always looking for meaningful ways to spark conversation, laughter, and reflection with our residents. This week, we asked a simple yet powerful question: “If you could go back to any age for the day, what age would you pick?" The answers were as unique and beautiful as the stories behind them. Some of our residents chose their younger years—ages filled with energy, adventure, and new beginnings. We heard about carefree childhood days, first loves, and the excitement of raising families. Others shared that they wouldn’t go back very far at all, choosing ages where they felt confident, accomplished, and proud of the lives they were building. A few residents surprised us by saying they are happy right where they are today. Their answer wasn’t about going back—it was about appreciating the wisdom, relationships, and memories they’ve gained along the way. These conversations reminded us that every stage of life holds something special. Whether it’s the joy of youth, the pride of adulthood, or the richness of experience that comes with age, each chapter tells a story worth celebrating. As you scroll through the photos, you’ll see smiling faces paired with the ages our residents chose—and just maybe, you’ll start to think about your own answer too. What age would you choose if you could go back for a day? At Bickford, it’s moments like these that bring us closer, spark connection, and remind us that every life has a story worth sharing.