The Quiet Caregiver: Changing Lives One Sip at a Time
At Bickford of Suffolk, the Montessori approach to dementia care is more than a method—it’s a mindset. It centers on dignity, independence, and meaningful engagement, helping residents live not just longer, but happier and healthier!
Ms Gail a retired RN and resident, has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, she wheels her hydration cart room to room, offering refreshing drinks and warm conversation. For those who are room-bound, her visits are a daily highlight—an opportunity to connect, share stories, and feel seen. She greets them by name, shares stories, listens with care, and reminds them they’re not alone. Her simple act has had a profound impact. Residents are more alert, more engaged, and more joyful looking forward to her morning visits. Her initiative is a shining example of how small, intentional actions—rooted in compassion and purpose—can elevate quality of life.
But Ms Gail’s mission isn’t just transforming the lives of others—it’s enriching her own. Staying active and purposeful gives her a renewed sense of identity and fulfillment. She’s using her lifelong skills to make a difference, and in doing so, she feels more energized, more connected, and more alive.
“I spent my life caring for others. That part of me hasn’t retired.”
Her story is a beautiful reminder here at Bickford that aging doesn’t mean stepping back—it can mean stepping forward into new roles, new relationships, and new ways to thrive! Through her hydration cart, Ms Gail is helping her community live happier, healthier, and longer—and she’s living that truth herself. Her hydration cart is more than a service. It’s a daily dose of love.
#HydrationCartGail #StayHydrated #DoseofLove #HigherPath #HigherPathSuccess
Amber Frederick
Nov 14, 2025
At Bickford of Suffolk, our residents are our family. Yesterday, after winning two rounds of bingo Eddie jokingly said he wanted a pepperoni pizza as his prize. So what did our Happiness Coordinator do? She made it happen by surprising him and his wife Sandra with a private pepperoni pizza date from one of their favorite pizza spots Gianna’s! There’s nothing more special than seeing our residents smile! #PizzaPartay #PizzaDate #MomentsofHappiness #PepperoniAlltheWay #BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath
Ouahid Soubai
Nov 13, 2025
#BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath #CommunityLiving #TourToday #WelcomeHome #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #LifelongLearning #Montessori #LifeSkills
Amber Frederick
Nov 13, 2025
It’s chicken therapy time at Bickford of Suffolk! Our residents loved spending time with our feathered friends today, and we discovered we’ve got a few chicken whisperers among us! #BokBok #ChickenTherapy #EatMorBeef #Therapy #BickfordSeniorLiving #HereChickyChicky
Amber Frederick
Nov 12, 2025
Congratulations to our Bickford of Suffolk team for obtaining their gold certificate for Montessori! A special thank you to our Montessori internal trainers Nadia, Annette, and Lynette for fostering a loving and engaging environment for our residents! We look forward to seeing how far you can continue to grow our Montessori program! #Montessori #MontessoriDementia #GOLD #BickfordofSuffolkisGOLDEN #GoldenTeam #InternalTrainers
Amber Frederick
Nov 12, 2025
Thank you to everyone who helped make Veterans Day so special for our resident Veterans! From certificates and roses provided by Gentiva Hospice, to patriotic yard signs from @YCQChesapeake, to a beautiful service led by Dave from Marketplace Chaplains, and a heartfelt performance by Courtney — all topped off with cake and wonderful conversations about their time in service, thanks to Trinity Hospice. #vetransday #community #thankyou
Amber Frederick
Nov 11, 2025
Happy Veterans Day from Bickford of Suffolk! This morning, our Mary B’s residents spent time coloring heartfelt Veterans Day cards before our special service honoring all who have served. We’re so grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans, today and every day. #VeteransDay #ThankYouforYourService #RedWhiteandBlue #Montessori #MontessoriDementia
Amber Frederick
Nov 10, 2025
Today our Bistro Assistant Jane, along with our wonderful volunteers Jan and Jennifer, led a Thanksgiving cookie cooking class! Residents measured, mixed, and decorated their own cookies, engaging their senses and fine motor skills through hands-on, purposeful activity. Our Montessori-inspired approach encourages independence and creativity while giving residents the joy of making (and tasting!) something delicious together. A special thank-you to resident Rosemary for helping with cleanup afterward! Teamwork makes the day even sweeter! #MontessoriForDementia #ThanksgivingFun #BickfordFamily #PurposefulLiving #SweetMoments
Ouahid Soubai
Oct 31, 2025
#BickfordSeniorLiving #HigherPath #CommunityLiving #TourToday #WelcomeHome #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #LifelongLearning #Montessori #LifeSkills
Amber Frederick
Oct 29, 2025
The Quiet Caregiver: Changing Lives One Sip at a Time At Bickford of Suffolk, the Montessori approach to dementia care is more than a method—it’s a mindset. It centers on dignity, independence, and meaningful engagement, helping residents live not just longer, but happier and healthier! Ms Gail a retired RN and resident, has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, she wheels her hydration cart room to room, offering refreshing drinks and warm conversation. For those who are room-bound, her visits are a daily highlight—an opportunity to connect, share stories, and feel seen. She greets them by name, shares stories, listens with care, and reminds them they’re not alone. Her simple act has had a profound impact. Residents are more alert, more engaged, and more joyful looking forward to her morning visits. Her initiative is a shining example of how small, intentional actions—rooted in compassion and purpose—can elevate quality of life. But Ms Gail’s mission isn’t just transforming the lives of others—it’s enriching her own. Staying active and purposeful gives her a renewed sense of identity and fulfillment. She’s using her lifelong skills to make a difference, and in doing so, she feels more energized, more connected, and more alive. “I spent my life caring for others. That part of me hasn’t retired.” Her story is a beautiful reminder here at Bickford that aging doesn’t mean stepping back—it can mean stepping forward into new roles, new relationships, and new ways to thrive! Through her hydration cart, Ms Gail is helping her community live happier, healthier, and longer—and she’s living that truth herself. Her hydration cart is more than a service. It’s a daily dose of love. #HydrationCartGail #StayHydrated #DoseofLove #HigherPath #HigherPathSuccess
Amber Frederick
Oct 29, 2025
Twinning is Winning Wednesday! Today our Physical Therapist and Happiness Coordinator brought some colorful nostalgia to Bickford by twinning as their favorite childhood cartoon—Rainbow Brite! Their bright smiles and even brighter outfits reminded us that a little color and fun can make any day magical!