One of our favorite reasons for older adults to opt for senior living? SOCIALIZING! We love our resident birthdays at Bickford and any other reasons to party. Socializing is beneficial for older people for several reasons, which span physical, mental, and emotional health: Mental Health:Reduced Risk of Depression and Anxiety: Regular social interaction can help mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among older adults and can lead to depression and anxiety. Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in conversations and activities with others can help keep the brain active, potentially delaying or reducing the risk of cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Physical Health: Improved Immune Function: Positive social interactions can boost the immune system, making older adults more resilient to illnesses. Encouragement of Healthy Behaviors: Social networks can motivate individuals to maintain healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and balanced diets. Lower Blood Pressure and Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Issues: Social engagement can help lower stress levels, which in turn can help maintain healthier blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart-related issues. Emotional Well-being: Enhanced Sense of Belonging and Purpose: Being part of a community and having regular interactions with friends and family can enhance an older person's sense of belonging and purpose. Increased Happiness and Life Satisfaction: Socializing can lead to feelings of happiness and fulfillment, contributing to overall life satisfaction. Emotional Support: Having a network of friends and family provides emotional support during difficult times, which is crucial for mental health. Staying Engaged: Continued Learning and Growth: Socializing often involves new experiences, activities, and learning opportunities, which can keep life interesting and engaging. Maintenance of Communication Skills: Regular interaction helps maintain and improve communication skills, which are essential for independent living. Encouraging social engagement among older adults can greatly contribute to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Call us to schedule a tour and see how your loved ones can boost their social lives!

Thank you to Suncrest Hospice for sponsoring today's Bingo game!

Speaking of "Black Pearls", our BFM Randy is a two time winner!! Randy works 2 full time jobs, & has been with Bickford here in Tinley Park for almost 5 years now. He is loved by both our other BFMs and all of our residents and family members. He is one of the ones who make us who we are.

All of our residents and their families know Beverly at Bickford of Tinley Park - she's she quiet nurse with the warm smile who's a foundation of our caregiving team. Beverly Hoitsma, RN, is also a winner of this year's Black Pearl Award. The Black Pearl is an honor bestowed by Bickford on those who exemplify our ethic of caregiving and doing whatever it takes to make residents happy. Beverly, our Health & Wellness Coordinator, has worked with older adults throughout her decades-long nursing experience. "Almost my entire nursing career has been with seniors. I am drawn to them," she says. "My husband jokes that I make a new senior friend every time I go shopping at the Jewel.” Beverly joined our team 7 years ago, practically when the community opened. She tried to retire once but came back part-time for the reward and joy she finds from working with Bickford residents. “I love working with seniors because I can learn from them and they often need a listening ear,” she says. When not working, Beverly and her husband are often seeking adventure with their new camper. A Chicago native, Beverly is a proud mother of 2, grandmother of 5, and friend to many. Congratulations to our new Black Pearl!

With many of our residents who like to play golf, we thought they would like to practice throughout thier days.

This past weekend a few of our residents went on a field trip to see the Vasquez Circus from Mexico City in Orland Park and had lunch at McDonald's. We had a great time watching all the performers.

Sandra our Bread Basket Manger led our baking class today. While putting together all the ingredients, we talked about their memories of baking pies abd cakes for their families. Once the muffins were ready, we shared the zucchini muffins with our residents.

Often when people first tour Bickford they're wondering when's the right time for assisted living. While their loved ones may have been fine at home, here are some of the common signs that can mean NOW is the time: - Health and Safety: Frequent falls or medical emergencies. - Daily Activities: Struggles with bathing, dressing, or eating. - Cognitive Decline: Memory issues or managing medications. - Home Maintenance: Difficulty with chores and upkeep. - Social Isolation: Loneliness or depression. - Caregiver Burnout: Overwhelmed family caregivers. - Nutrition and Hygiene: Weight loss or poor personal care. - Safety risks for those with dementia. If you are experiencing any of these signs, come talk with us! We are interested in what's happening with your loved one. Our Higher Path approach can help.

We would like to welcome our newest volunteer for the summer -Johnathon Ugo! Johnathan is 22 years old and graduated from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin this spring. Johnathan is an aspiring Physician Assistant. Johnathan is volunteering in order to get his volunteer required community service hours. Also, to help others in anyway possible. As well as to be able to make others days and see a smile or hear a laugh. Johnathan chose Bickford of Tinley Park because of how kind and open everyone is. Without even being hired he feels apart of our community. Johnathan hopes to be the change or difference others need. Johnathan likes to read books, workout, watch movies/TV shows, play video games, and listen and learn from others.

Our resident Tom just finished this 1,000 piece puzzle. It was so beautiful that our maintenance manager, Art, framed it for him to hang above his puzzle table.