Bickford of Suffolk joins an exclusive group of credentialed senior living communities that have implemented a revolutionary Montessori-based approach to memory care. The team at Bickford of Suffolk is devoted to building a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® (MIL) for their branch, earning them a Bronze 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, BFMs learned how to implement the Montessori principles of equality, dignity, and respect into their community. BFMs 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, fewer responsive behaviors, more satisfied families, and better staffing and census (Witt-Hoblit, Miller, & Camp, 2016). Bronze Level organizations have resident-led committees, multidisciplinary Learning Circles, effective signage and environmental cues, and a system for residents to volunteer for purposeful community services activities, among many other milestones.

A huge shoutout to everyone who joined us for our St. Patrick's Day celebration! From the laughter and smiles to the festive green outfits and delicious treats, we had a shamrockin' good time. Your energy and spirit made the day extra special! Until next time-may the luck of the Irish be with you! #StPatricksDay #LuckyToHaveYou #ThankYou #SeniorLivingCelebration #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath

Our residents went on the best kind of adventure today—a Pub Crawl, Bickford-style! Our Bickford Leadership Team set up festive “pubs” with games, goodies, and plenty of Irish cheer, and our residents “crawled” from table to table, collecting treats and having fun along the way! From lucky prizes to lively conversations, it was a celebration filled with fun, friendship, and a touch of Irish magic. Sláinte to another great day at Bickford! “Sláinte” (pronounced slahn-cha) is an Irish Gaelic word meaning “health” and is commonly used as a toast, similar to saying “cheers!” in English. It’s a way to wish good health and happiness when raising a glass. #BickfordPubCrawl #LuckOfTheIrish #ShamrocksAndShenanigans #MakingMemories #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath

Lucky to Have Visitors Like These! A big thank you to the wonderful students from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy for bringing the St. Patrick’s Day spirit to our residents! Their festive parade, bright smiles, and cheerful energy made the day extra special. From leprechaun hats to Irish tunes, our halls were filled with laughter and joy. We’re so grateful for these young visitors who remind us that community and kindness go hand in hand. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! #LuckyToHaveYou #StPatricksDay #NSAStudents #BickfordFamily #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath #Intergenerational

Our adorable Cuteness Ambassador, Bentley, is gearing up for our Sips & Shamrocks event this Monday! And yes, we’re a pet-friendly community! #PetFriendly #Cute #StPatricks #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath

Our residents had a blooming good time today crafting beautiful plastic flowers with our wonderful volunteer, Becca! Her creativity and kindness made for such a fun and colorful afternoon. Thank you, Becca, for helping our creativity blossom! #GratefulHearts #CreativeAging #CraftingJoy #Volunteers #WeLoveOurVolunteers #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath

Welcome to our home! Stop by today to explore our beautiful Branch, see all that we have to offer, meet our resident's and staff. We can't wait to show you around! #TourToday #CommunityLiving #WelcomeHome #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #BickfordSeniorLiving

Today, our residents got hands-on and learned a brand-new skill: soap making! From choosing scents to pouring molds, they had a blast creating their own handmade soaps. Who’s ready for a little extra luxury at bath time? #HandmadeWithLove #LifelongLearning #SplishSplash #LifeSkills #Montessori #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath

We love our volunteers! Their kindness, energy, and generosity make such a difference in the lives of our residents. Today, we’re excited to welcome Becca and her daughter to our volunteer family! Volunteering is even more special when shared with family—including the families of our residents! Whether you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend time with your loved one or hoping to brighten someone’s day, we’d love to have you join us. If you’re interested in becoming part of our volunteer family, contact our Happiness Coordinator to learn more! #Volunteers #VolunteerFamily #FamliesWelcome #MardiGras #ChocolateCoveredPretzels #MotherDaughterDuo #AllSmilesatBickford #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate the luck of the Irish! Join us for Sips & Shamrocks on March the 17th from 6 pm to 8 pm for a night full of festive drinks, good vibes, and all things green! Whether you're a fan of craft cocktails or just here for the good times, it's going to be a shamrockin' good time! Save the date, bring your friends, and don't forget to wear green! #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath #SipsAndShamrocks #StPatricksDay #LuckOfTheIrish #CheersToGreen #GoodTimesAndGoodVibes