Today our cooking club made Corn Flake wreaths. As we worked we talked about making them as a child. This activity brought back a lot of happy memories. We had to work fast before the mixture got hard. The finishing product turned out really nice. The residents will really enjoy them after dinner.

As we get ready for Christmas, our AL residents love to make holiday crafts. We made wood ornaments for the tree. Here are some photos of our work.

Today our Men's Club worked together to build an off road vehicle. Everyone got a chance to lead the group, screw in the many screws or hold the nuts with the wrench. They were all proud of the finished product.

Welcome to a Different Kind of Senior Living: Montessori-Inspired Care at Bickford of St. Charles - Assisted Living and Memory Care When you think of senior care, “routine” and “safety” might come to mind. But at Bickford of St. Charles, we believe there’s a more meaningful path — one that blends the warmth and community of home with purpose, dignity, and engagement. By embracing a Montessori-inspired lifestyle, our residents don’t just live — they thrive. At Bickford of St. Charles, Montessori principles guide how we design our community and daily life — not as an afterthought, but as a foundation. Here’s how we bring it to life: Meaningful daily routines & purposeful activities. Our memory care program includes what we call “Cuetivities” — small-group or one-on-one activities, 5 hours a day, 7 days a week, tailored to each resident’s history, interests, and abilities. Resident autonomy & engagement. Rather than isolating residents, we invite them to be part of the community: helping set tables, preparing meals, or even taking part in resident-led decision making and committees. This fosters dignity, independence, and a real sense of belonging. Home-like environment designed for comfort & safety. Our community feels like a real home: private apartments, shared kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms where people naturally gather. For those with memory challenges, we use design features — like discreetly disguised doors, secure courtyards, and familiar décor — to reduce anxiety and wandering while preserving freedom. Personal history & identity matter. Through a “Lifesong Document,” we get to know each resident’s story: their routines, hobbies, family history, past occupations, and what’s important to them. Caregivers draw on that information to create personalized activities that resonate. Meaningful social connection and community-centered living. Rather than individual scheduling, Bickford offers shared meals, group events, games, crafts, celebrations, outings — all guided by respect for individual preferences and comfort. Reach out to Brandon Butler -Family Advocate if you have a loved one who can benefit with our Montessori Lifestyle approach! 815-200-5139 brandon.butler@bickfordseniorliving.com

When the residents want to bake, we bake. Today we made dough for sugar cookies. One pair used a mixer. The other went the old fashion way, using their hands. As we made the dough we told stories of what we baked both as kids ourselves and with our own kids. We had a wonderful time and couldn't wait to try our cookies.

Baking is one of our favorite things to do this time of year. Today our residents made Spiced Pecans. The smell filled the air throughout the branch. The pecans tasted so delicious.

It is always a pleasure to have visitors come to entertain our residents. Yesterday we had the pleasure of listening to a local Brownie troop sing Christmas carols to our residents in both Assisted Living and Memory Care. The smiles on the faces of all of the residents made the experience truly worth it. Everyone had a wonderful time. The scout troop even made holiday cards and passed them out after their performance.

Bickford of St Charles - Assisted Living - Memory Care - Montessori Lifestyle Cyber Monday Snowed-In? Take a Virtual Tour From Home The weekend snowfall brought us a true winter scene — beautiful, but not exactly ideal for traveling. If you’re staying warm indoors and prefer not to navigate slick roads and icy sidewalks, we’re making it easier than ever to explore Assisted Living without stepping outside. This Cyber Monday, we’re offering virtual tours for families who want to learn more about our community from the comfort of home. Whether you’re actively seeking care for a loved one or just beginning your search, a virtual visit allows you to see our living spaces, dining areas, activity programs, and care services in real time. You can ask questions, meet staff, and get a feel for the environment just as you would in person — all without facing the winter weather. What you’ll experience during a virtual tour: • A look inside private apartments and community spaces • Details on care levels and support available • Information on activities, dining, and daily life • A chance to speak directly with a team member • The same hospitality you’d receive in person, just through your screen If the snow has you thinking today is a stay-home-and-stay-warm kind of day, you can still take the next step in planning for care. To schedule your virtual tour: Brandon Butler – Family Advocate 815-200-5139 Stay safe, stay warm, and let us bring the tour to you.

Today we had a Pre-Thanksgiving celebration. We had family, crafts, cookies and bingo. Everyone had a wonderful time and the residents were very excited to get help making their Thankful Wreaths. Love and Thankfulness were in the air.

Today Bickford of St. Charles celebrated their annual Chili Cook-off. Each of the managers cooked up a steaming pot of their famous chili and brought it to the bistro. The residents and staff voted on his/her favorite and a winner was chosen. Congrats to all of the cooks. They worked hard and the residents enjoyed the cook-off.