Exciting News from Bickford of Tinley Park & Montessori Memory Care! We are honored to announce that Bickford of Tinley Park & Montessori Memory Care has been recognized as a 2026 Bronze Recipient through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. This national recognition reflects the dedication, compassion, and commitment demonstrated every day by our entire Bickford family. From our residents and their loved ones to our Bickford Family Members, volunteers, and community partners, this achievement belongs to all who help make our house a place of purpose, connection, and belonging. We believe quality care goes beyond meeting needs—it means creating meaningful moments, fostering independence, encouraging engagement, and ensuring that every resident feels valued, respected, and at home. Through our Montessori-inspired approach, resident-led opportunities, family partnerships, and person-centered care, we strive to create an environment where each individual can continue to thrive. Receiving the Bronze Quality Award is an important milestone and a testament to the culture we have built together. It recognizes our commitment to continuous improvement, excellence in senior living, and our mission of enriching the lives of those we serve. We are incredibly grateful to our residents for inspiring us, our families for trusting us, and our team members for bringing their hearts to work each day. This recognition celebrates the countless acts of kindness, care, leadership, and dedication that occur within our community every single day. Thank you for being part of our journey and helping us achieve this remarkable honor. Together, we continue Creating Happiness. One Family at a Time.

FROM GARDEN TO TABLE Our residents enjoyed the complete journey from garden to table! Fresh spinach was harvested from our courtyard garden, enjoyed as a fresh salad, and later transformed into a delicious homemade lasagna prepared by Sandra, our Bread Basket Manager. In true Montessori spirit, residents engaged purposefully by participating in the growing, harvesting, and sharing of the food they helped nurture. This meaningful activity fostered a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection to our community. A special thank you to Sandra and our Garden Club members for bringing fresh garden goodness to our table. Growing food, growing friendships, and growing meaningful moments together.

Driving Better Outcomes Through Intentional Care At Bickford of Tinley Park, our commitment to the Higher Path is rooted in one simple belief: when we lead with intention and consistency, outcomes improve for our residents. This past quarter, our team focused on strengthening clinical awareness, early intervention, and proactive communication—and we’re seeing the impact. Improved Outcomes for Resident Health Over the most recent quarter, Tinley Park achieved a 20% reduction in emergency room visits. This improvement reflects fewer disruptions for residents and stronger clinical stability within the community. Each avoided ER visit represents: • A resident remaining safely at home • Earlier recognition of changes in condition • More effective coordination between caregivers, nurses, and providers This progress is not accidental—it is the direct result of disciplined execution of the Higher Path.

A Fun and Busy Week of Learning! This week, Olivia Eby joined us at Bickford of Tinley Park as part of her Operations Specialist training, spending time learning the Montessori Engagement Coordinator role. It was a fun and busy week filled with hands-on learning! From creating calendars and planning activities to recruiting volunteers, leading socials, and learning the Montessori Assessment Tool, Olivia jumped right in. She even took the lead during several resident programs, including Happy Hour, Ice Cream Social, Bingo, and group activities. One of the best parts of the week was watching Olivia connect with residents and experience firsthand how meaningful engagement, purpose, and choice can make a difference in their day. We wish Olivia the best as she continues her cross-training journey next week in St. Charles as she learns the Family Advocate role. We're excited to see all the wonderful things ahead for her!

Our residents enjoyed a wonderful Wine Social filled with great conversation, laughter, and delicious appetizers. The menu included refreshing melon-and-prosciutto bites, cucumber appetizers, savory roast beef crackers, and a sweet strawberry shortcake parfait station that residents helped assemble. It was a relaxing afternoon spent with friends, good food, and plenty of smiles.

A special birthday celebration for a very special gentleman. Yesterday, Larry celebrated his 83rd birthday surrounded by the love of family — including his wife Alice, his son and grandson. Moments like these remind us how important family, connection and togetherness truly are. Happy 83rd Birthday, Larry! Wishing you many more smiles, celebrations and sweet memories ahead.

A little sunshine, fresh air and the simple joy of harvesting something you grew with your own hands. These meaningful moments are what Montessori-inspired living is all about — purpose, connection, contribution and pride in everyday life. Today’s harvest: beautiful fresh radishes headed straight to the kitchen, while our spinach continues growing alongside them for fresh salads coming soon.

Sometimes, one young person’s kindness, faith, and dedication can inspire an entire community. I, Rene, Montessori Engagement Coordinator recently contacted Bob Meyers, Staff Writer for the Tinley Park Progress, to share the story of Danielle Acevedo and the incredible impact she has made through her volunteer work at Bickford. Danielle was recently honored with the Golden Rose Award through St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. The Golden Rose Award, presented by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, Vicariate I, honors young women who exemplify leadership, spirituality, integrity, and exceptional service within their parish and community. Recipients are recognized for actively practicing their faith and going above and beyond in service to others. Danielle was selected in recognition of her faithful witness to Christ through: • Leadership among her peers • A strong commitment to her Catholic faith and Sunday Mass • A spirit of service that extends beyond expectations • A life marked by integrity, generosity, and compassion As part of this Archdiocesan honor, three young women were selected from the forty-six recipients to receive a $300 monetary award to put toward a community service project that would help beautify a space within the community, and Danielle was one of those selected recipients. Today Danielle, Grace Garrity, and Danielle’s friend, Brea Roland, joined our residents to participate in the beautification of the courtyard and garden areas. With the assistance of residents involved in our Gardening Club — George, Darla, and Linda — along with resident gardening leader Linda Peck, the group spent the day planting together, creating a beautiful example of generations working side by side with purpose, compassion, and teamwork. Through GODsend Youth Ministry, Danielle has volunteered at Bickford since 8th grade and is now a freshman at Victor J. Andrew High School. She spends time visiting with residents, helping with activities, assisting outdoors in the garden, and bringing companionship and joy to so many in our community. Her kindness, patience, and genuine heart for others are felt by everyone around her. What makes this story especially meaningful is seeing how young people’s hearts for service continue to inspire others around them. Moments like these remind us that true leadership begins with kindness, faith, and the willingness to serve others. After speaking with Danielle and hearing her passion for volunteering and helping others, Bob was so inspired that he even came out to help with the garden himself. It was a beautiful reminder of how one person’s kindness can encourage others to step in, connect, and make a difference together. We are beyond grateful for Danielle, Grace, Brea, and all of the young volunteers who continue to make such a beautiful difference in the lives of our residents each and every day.

Ice Cream Social You’re invited! Join us for a sweet afternoon treat at Bickford of Tinley Park. This Wednesday, May 13th @ 2:15 pm Text our Family Advocate @ 708-634-5745 if you have any questions or wish to RSVP. However, RSVP is not necessary. Come enjoy ice cream, smiles, and good company. Residents, families, and friends are welcome—we’d love to see you there! Feel free to share and join us for the fun!

Join us for our Dementia Support Group on Wednesday, May 21 from 6:00–7:00 PM at Bickford of Tinley Park. This group offers a welcoming space for caregivers, family members, and loved ones affected by dementia to connect, share experiences, and find support together. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of encouragement, conversation, and community. Bickford of Tinley Park Wednesday, May 21 6:00–7:00 PM