Bickford of Gurnee Weekly Update Hello Bickford Families, We hope you have had a wonderful week and are enjoying these beautiful final days of August! Our community has been busy with meaningful outings, special moments, and exciting plans for the weeks ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, trust, and partnership. We are grateful to have you as part of the Bickford family. This Week's Highlights Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Outing This week, our residents enjoyed a special opportunity to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children. The outing was filled with teamwork, laughter, and purpose as residents spent time together while helping make a difference in the lives of others. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved and a wonderful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together as a community. Dollar Store Shopping Trip Residents had a fantastic time on our shopping trip to the Dollar Store. Everyone enjoyed browsing the aisles, finding treasures, and selecting special items to bring back home. One resident even shared that it was their first shopping trip in years, making the experience especially meaningful. The smiles and excitement throughout the outing made it a memorable day for all! Community Announcements Mary B's Neighborhood Refresh Rodney is currently hard at work painting the common areas in Mary B's Neighborhood. During this project, you may notice patched walls, painting supplies, or areas that are still being completed. Please know these improvements are ongoing and will take some time to finish. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue enhancing our beautiful community. Welcome Our New Hairdresser! We are excited to welcome Sara, our new hairdresser, to Bickford! Sara will be available for her first appointments on: Thursday, August 27, 2026 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Mallory has placed the Salon Pricing Menu in each resident's mailbox. If you would like your loved one added to the appointment schedule or have questions regarding salon services, please contact Mallory. Vaccination Clinic Coming This Fall We are currently planning a vaccination clinic for this fall. Additional information regarding dates, times, and available vaccinations will be shared as details become available. Please watch for future communications. Upcoming Event Taste of Italy Happy Hour Thursday, August 27, 2026 | 3:00 PM Join us for a delicious afternoon featuring Italian-inspired appetizers prepared by Chef Carlos. Residents, families, and guests are all welcome as we enjoy great food, fellowship, and a taste of Italy together! Important Reminder About Outings Memory Care residents are welcome and encouraged to participate in community outings; however, an escort is required for participation. If you would like your loved one to attend an upcoming outing, please speak with Mallory or Christine before signing up so arrangements can be made. As always, if you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support both you and your loved ones every step of the way. Thank you for being such a valued part of the Bickford family. We appreciate the trust you place in us and look forward to creating many more special moments together. Warm regards, Christine Lawrence Executive Director Bickford of Gurnee

At Bickford of Gurnee, we believe that every person has a purpose, and that purpose does not retire. Tomorrow at 1:30 PM, our residents will be putting that belief into action as they volunteer at Feed My Starving Children once again. This opportunity beautifully reflects the Montessori philosophy we embrace each day. Montessori is built on the idea that people thrive when they have meaningful roles, opportunities to contribute, and the ability to remain connected to their community. By helping pack meals for children around the world, our residents are not simply volunteering, they are making a difference and continuing to share their gifts with others. Moments like these promote independence, foster a sense of belonging, and remind us all that meaningful engagement can happen at any age. We are so proud of our residents for choosing to spend their afternoon serving others and spreading kindness far beyond our community walls. Interested in joining us? We'd love to have you! Meet us at Feed My Starving Children tomorrow at 1:30 PM and experience the joy of making an impact together, if you would like to come on the Bus email Mallory to sign up as seats are first come first serve. After all, one of the greatest lessons of Montessori is that every person has something valuable to contribute, and tomorrow, our residents will be proving just that. ❤️

Today, our residents enjoyed a very special visit from Lola, Savannah’s lovable French bulldog! From the moment she arrived, Lola was the star of the day. She made her way around the branch greeting residents, accepting pets and spreading smiles wherever she went. Residents enjoyed spending time with her, and Lola was more than happy to soak up all the attention. Whether she was sitting on a residents lap, showing off her style with a fun boa in the activity room or making new friends throughout the branch, Lola brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. Of course after a busy day of pet-therapy and making people smile she was completely worn out and ended her visit fast asleep in her mom‘s office. Visits from therapy-friendly pets like Lola can brighten moods, encourage socialization, reduce stress and create meaningful moments of connection. Today was a wonderful reminder of the comfort and happiness that animals can bring. Thank you Lola for sharing your day with us. We can’t wait for your next visit! #BickfordofGurnee #PetTherapy #Frenchie #HappierTogether

At our August Birthday Social, residents came together to celebrate friendships, milestones, and another wonderful month of community life. One special moment was seeing a resident take an active role in helping serve sundaes to fellow residents, demonstrating the Montessori philosophy in action. Montessori for Aging and Dementia Care emphasizes the importance of meaningful roles, choice, and contribution. Rather than simply participating in an event, residents are encouraged to engage in ways that allow them to share their strengths and support others. Helping serve ice cream may seem like a small task, but it creates opportunities for purpose, connection, and accomplishment. As residents enjoyed creating their own sundaes and celebrating August birthdays, this act of service brought smiles to many faces. Moments like these remind us that everyone has something valuable to contribute to our community. Whether it is assisting with an activity, welcoming a friend, or lending a helping hand, these meaningful experiences help foster dignity, independence, and belonging. We are grateful for the residents who make our celebrations so special through their willingness to participate and support one another. Our August Birthday Social was filled with laughter, sweet treats, and the joy that comes from being part of a caring community. Happy Birthday to all of our August celebrants!

Tour Today. Feel the Difference. Choosing senior living is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and sometimes the best way to know if a community feels right is to experience it for yourself. At Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care, we invite you to take a tour and see what makes our community so special. From our welcoming apartments and delicious dining options to our compassionate caregivers and engaging daily activities, you'll get a firsthand look at the support, comfort, and connection we provide every day. Whether you're planning ahead or need guidance now, our team is here to answer your questions, learn about your loved one's needs, and help you explore the options available. Don't wait to start the conversation. Tour today and discover a place where your loved one can thrive, feel at home, and enjoy peace of mind. Contact Savannah today at 224-219-1741 to schedule your personal tour. We can't wait to meet you!

Bickford of Gurnee Weekly Update Hello Bickford Families, We hope you’ve had a wonderful week and are enjoying the beautiful August weather! Here at Bickford of Gurnee, our residents have been staying busy with engaging activities, special entertainment, and meaningful moments shared with friends and neighbors. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, trust, and partnership. We are grateful to have you as part of our Bickford family. ________________________________________ This Week’s Highlights A Musical Afternoon This week, our residents were treated to a special performance by a talented accordion player. His unique style of music brought smiles, laughter, and plenty of toe-tapping throughout the program. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with nostalgia and joy, and residents thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Ladies' Tea Celebration Our Ladies' Tea was a tremendous success! Residents gathered to enjoy delicious tea, sweet treats, and wonderful conversation in a charming and elegant setting. A special thank you goes to Rosie for helping make this event so memorable. Everyone looked absolutely fabulous in their fascinators, and the afternoon was filled with laughter and friendship. Due to its popularity, we are excited to announce that the Ladies' Tea will become a monthly tradition! ________________________________________ Community Announcements Mary B’s Neighborhood Refresh Rodney has been hard at work painting the common areas in Mary B’s neighborhood. As part of this improvement project, you may notice patched walls, fresh paint, or areas that are still in progress. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue enhancing our community and creating a beautiful environment for our residents. Hair Salon Update Our current hairdresser's last day with us was July 28, 2026. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her dedication and exceptional care of our residents over the years. We are actively searching for a replacement and hope to have salon services restored as soon as possible. If you know of a licensed hairdresser who may be interested in this opportunity, please reach out to Christine. ________________________________________ Upcoming Events August Birthday Social Tuesday, August 11 at 2:30 PM Join us as we celebrate all of our August birthdays with cake, refreshments, and plenty of birthday cheer! Mira the Therapy Dog Visit Wednesday, August 12 at 2:30 PM Residents always look forward to spending time with Mira. Her visits bring comfort, companionship, and lots of smiles. County Fair Happy Hour Thursday, August 13 at 3:00 PM We're bringing the fun of the county fair to Bickford! Residents can enjoy a special happy hour featuring classic county fair-inspired foods and treats. Lunch Outing to Lambs Farm Friday, August 14 at 11:00 AM Residents are invited to join us for a fun lunch outing to Lambs Farm. If you are interested in attending, please let Mallory know as soon as possible. ________________________________________ Friendly Reminder Alonda will be on vacation August 8 through August 16, 2026. During her absence, please contact Christine or Savannah for assistance. They will be happy to help with any questions, concerns, or needs 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 both you and your loved ones every step of the way. Thank you for being such an important part of the Bickford family. We look forward to another week of creating meaningful moments together! Warmly, Christine Lawrence Executive Director Bickford of Gurnee

Our Mission: To Transform How America Cares for Seniors At Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care, our mission is simple but profound: to transform how America cares for seniors. For us, this isn't just a statement on a wall. It's the commitment that guides every interaction, every decision, and every moment we share with our residents and families. We believe senior living should be more than receiving care. It should be about living with dignity, purpose, connection, and joy. Whether it's a helping hand with daily routines, a meaningful activity that sparks a smile, or the comfort of knowing someone is always there, our team is dedicated to creating a true sense of home. We take the time to know each resident's story, celebrate their individuality, and provide personalized support that helps them thrive. Families deserve peace of mind, and seniors deserve a place where they feel valued, respected, and loved. That's the heart behind our mission and the reason we do what we do every day. If you've been wondering whether it's time to explore senior living options for a loved one, we'd be honored to show you what makes Bickford different. Schedule a visit with Savannah at 224-219-1741 and experience our mission in action.

Earlier this week, the ladies had a tea-riffic time at our afternoon tea! They enjoyed the tea, sweet treats, and each other's company. As part of our Montessori program, residents gave input on what kinds of tea they wanted and helped decorate. It was a great way to spend the afternoon, and the residents are already looking forward to next time! #montessorimemorycare #assistedliving #bickfordofgurnee #bickfordseniorliving

FOR IMMEDIATE RELESASE Bickford of Gurnee Achieves Silver Level Certification as a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle Community Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care joins an exclusive group of credentialed senior living communities that have implemented a revolutionary Montessori-based approach to memory care. August 3, 2026- The team at Bickford of Gurnee is devoted to building a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle for their community, earning them a Silver Level credential. The MIL program was created by the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD) after one of its founders, Dr. Cameron Camp, adapted Dr Maria Montessori's principles for older adults with dementia. Guided by CARD, staff learned how to implement the Montessori principles of equality, dignity, and respect into their community. Staff were trained to empower residents with memory impairment to be as independent as possible. This is achieved through tapping into each resident's remaining strengths, designing environments they can thrive in, and helping them find purposeful activities and meaningful roles within their community. Communities effectively using Montessori principles benefit from healthier and happier residents, fewer drugs, and fewer responsive behaviors, more satisfied families, and better staffing and census (Witt-Hoblit, Miller, & Camp, 2016). Silver Level organization have resident led committees, multidisciplinary Learning Circles, effective signage and environmental cues, personalization of resident spaces, and ongoing staff training by credentialed internal trainers, among many other milestones. We at Bickford of Gurnee are so proud of this accomplishment, and want to give a special thank you to Mallory, our Montessori Enrichment Coordinator, for all of her hard work and devotion to our residents.

Sweet Corn it is!!!! Last week our residents and families at Bickford of Gurnee Assisted Living and Montessori Memory Care showed there is nothing better than some fresh grown sweet corn (with toppings added for some)!! This weeks show down: Which weather condition do you prefer??? 85°F and Sunny or 45° and Snowy. We can’t wait to see what this week brings so we can get to know everyone just a little bit better!