At Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care, we believe life is meant to be celebrated—every day, in every way. One of the most beloved traditions in our branch is Happy Hour, a twice a month gathering that brings our residents, staff, and sometimes even family members together for an hour of laughter, music, and connection.

Fox Chat: The Secret Life of Seniors — Exploring the Internal and External Monologue At Fox Therapy, we believe in listening closely — not just to what’s said out loud, but to the quiet reflections, inner narratives, and emotional experiences that often go unspoken. That’s why we’re thrilled to host our next Fox Chat session: The Secret Life of Seniors, a heartfelt conversation where we’ll explore the rich internal and external monologues of aging adults. As people age, they accumulate stories, insights, doubts, joys, and griefs that aren’t always shared in daily conversation. There’s often a contrast between the outer dialogue — the words spoken to family, caregivers, or friends — and the inner thoughts that remain unvoiced. By understanding both, we deepen empathy, connection, and care.

Spring has sprung in our Mary Bs memory care community! Residents welcomed the season with a joyful teapot painting activity—bringing color, creativity, and conversation to a bright spring afternoon.

Stepping Out in Style: Residents Thrive in Our Walking and Rolling Club At Bickford of Portage, wellness comes in many forms—but one of our most cherished activities is the Walking and Rolling Club. Each day, residents of all mobility levels come together to enjoy hearing the upcoming weather forecast, light exercise, and uplifting conversation as they stroll or roll through our cozy hallways. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the club welcomes everyone—whether walking independently, using a cane or walker. It’s not about speed or distance; it’s about movement, connection, and joy.

Our Garden Is Starting to Take Shape There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a garden come to life. After weeks (or months!) of planning, digging, planting, and a little bit of dreaming, we’re finally starting to see our vision take root—literally. This season, we've been more intentional than ever. From choosing the right plants for our soil and sunlight to mapping out pathways and cozy corners, every step has felt like a creative adventure. And now, with green shoots pushing through the earth and colors beginning to peek out, we can finally say: our garden is starting to take shape.

Sometimes, the best moments are the simplest ones—a sunny afternoon, a group of friends, and the familiar sizzle of a skillet from Chili’s. That’s exactly what made this week’s lunch outing such a hit among our residents. For many, the highlight wasn’t just the food—it was the chance to connect outside the usual routine. Sharing stories over a table filled with comfort food turned a simple lunch into a memorable experience.

Engineering a New Tune: How One Resident Found Music in the Circuitry of an Electric Organ For most people, an electric organ is a nostalgic sound from decades past—warm, warbly chords floating through old recordings or church halls. But for Larry, a retired engineer and resident in our community, the electric organ became something more: a bridge between his love of engineering and a newfound passion for music.

After a brief history lesson on the origins of Apple pie, it was time for the best part: sampling mini apple pies! Residents received their own personal-sized pie, fresh and warm, with flaky golden crusts and sweet apple filling. For some, it brought back childhood memories of baking with family. For others, it was a delicious new discovery. With events like National Apple Pie Day offer more than just a treat — they spark conversations, smiles, and shared stories. Residents chatted about their favorite desserts, swapped baking tips, and even discussed trying their hand at homemade apple pie in the future.

For seniors, engaging in playful activities isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful way to stay active, sharp, and socially connected.

Today we honor hearts so kind, With love and strength so well-defined. For all you do and all you are, You shine for us—a guiding star. From Bickford’s halls, we send our cheer, To every mom we hold so dear. Your warmth and care mean more than words— A song of love that’s always heard. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Bickford of Portage!