I wanted to share our last few weeks of our Montessori Voting Board at Bickford of Gurnee! It is truly awesome to see such a simple activity bringing our residents in every week to show their personalities. My favorite part has got to be when they start writing in their own preferences and truly thinking outside of the box! In Montessori-based living, choice matters. Our voting board encourages residents to share their preferences, engage with one another, and take an active role in community life. When residents have a voice in decisions, it fosters purpose, independence, and a true sense of belonging. Having our board outside of the bistro gives our residents the perfect talking point as they're walking to and from the dining room, having a snack, or enjoying happy hour on Thursdays. Stay tuned for our next prompt!

Bickford of Gurnee Weekly Update Hello Bickford Families, Welcome to September! What a wonderful time of year as we begin looking forward to cooler temperatures, changing colors, and all the special moments that fall brings. Our community has been busy enjoying meaningful outings, celebrating together, and making plans for exciting events ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, trust, and partnership. We are grateful to have you as part of the Bickford family. This Week's Highlights Labor Day Happy Hour Our Labor Day Happy Hour was a tremendous success and the most attended Happy Hour to date! Residents enjoyed delicious BBQ prepared by Chef Carlos along with a variety of desserts. The lively conversation and fellowship continued right into dinner hour as everyone gathered to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. It was wonderful to see so many residents enjoying great food, drinks, and each other's company. ???? Special Entertainment: Jane Allyson Residents were treated to a special performance by Jane Allyson, who delighted everyone with her tribute to Dolly Parton. The room was filled with smiling faces as residents sang along, clapped to the music, and reminisced about favorite songs. Independence Grove Outing Thankfully, the rain held off for our outing to Independence Grove! Residents enjoyed relaxing by the lake, watching wildlife, and even picking beautiful flowers. It was a peaceful afternoon spent enjoying nature and the beauty of the season. Community Announcements Mary B's Neighborhood Refresh Rodney has been hard at work refreshing and repainting the common areas in Mary B's Neighborhood. During this project, you may notice patched walls, painting supplies, or areas that are still being completed. Please know these improvements are ongoing and will take some time to finish. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue enhancing our beautiful community. Welcome Our New Hairdresser! Please join us in welcoming Sara, our new hairdresser, to Bickford of Gurnee! Her next available day will be Thursday, September 10, 2026. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Mallory. Vaccination Clinic This Fall Flu clinic consent forms were due on September 3, 2026. If you have any questions regarding flu vaccinations, please contact Alonda. Residents interested in receiving a COVID vaccine should also see Alonda for a separate consent form. Upcoming Events Adeline's 100th Birthday Celebration Join us as we celebrate a truly remarkable milestone! September 21, 2026 2:00 PM The celebration will include an Elvis performance, snacks, and birthday cake as we honor Adeline's 100th birthday. Family members are encouraged to RSVP to Mallory if they would like to attend. Scenic Drive Mallory will be taking interested residents on a scenic drive: Friday, September 11, 2026 10:00 AM Residents will return before noon. Please let Mallory know if you would like to participate. Community Garage Sale Start gathering those treasures! Thursday, October 15, 2026 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Happy Hour to Follow Residents and families are encouraged to reserve a table and sell items in exchange for donations. All proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Please notify Mallory if you would like to participate. Walk to End Alzheimer's - Lake County The 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Lake County will be held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville on: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Event Schedule • Registration: 9:00 AM • Opening Ceremony: 10:00 AM • Walk Begins: 10:30 AM Location Independence Grove Forest Preserve 16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Route Options • 2.5-mile main route • Short route under 1 mile The event will take place rain or shine. We encourage families, friends, and community members to join this important cause by walking, volunteering, or donating. Important Reminder About Outings Memory Care residents are welcome and encouraged to participate in community outings. However, an escort is required for participation. If you would like your loved one to attend an upcoming outing, please speak with Mallory or Christine before signing up so arrangements can be made. Thank You As always, if you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support both you and your loved ones every step of the way. Thank you for being such a valued part of the Bickford family. We appreciate the trust you place in us and look forward to creating many more meaningful moments together this fall. Warm Regards, Christine Lawrence Executive Director Bickford of Gurnee

The ladies recently had a lovely afternoon tea! Residents helped decorate and setup the tables. They got to choose between hot tea or iced tea, and there were quite a few sweets to choose from too! Resident choice is a very important aspect of Montessori here at Bickford. Whether it's an organized group activity or one-on-one, the heart of Montessori is definitely present at our branch. #Bickfordseniorliving #Bickfordofgurnee #assistedliving #montessorimemorycare

Flu Shot Reminder At Bickford, preventive health measures like annual flu vaccinations are an important part of supporting resident wellness. For older adults, the flu can lead to serious complications, and in a community setting, vaccination helps reduce the spread of illness among residents, visitors, and caregivers. We will continue offering flu vaccinations for residents this season and encourage families to return consent forms as soon as possible if you would like your loved one to participate. By taking proactive steps to prevent illness, we can work together to help keep our residents healthy, engaged, and thriving throughout the fall and winter months. Thank you for partnering with us in making wellness a priority. #HigherPath #BickfordSeniorLiving #ProactiveCare #FluPrevention #ResidentWellness

Finding the right place for a loved one is about more than care. It's about comfort, connection and peace of mind. It's about finding a place that truly feels like home. At Bickford of Gurnee, our residents enjoy private apartments, personalized support, delicious home-style meals, engaging daily activities, and meaningful friendships. From sharing stories over coffee to participating in community events, every day is filled with opportunities to live with purpose and joy. Families often tell us that the moment they walk through our doors, they feel the difference. Warm smiles, familiar faces, and a welcoming atmosphere create a sense of belonging that helps residents feel comfortable from day one. If you or someone you love has been considering assisted living, now is a great time to explore our available apartments. We'd love to show you around, answer your questions, and help you discover why so many families say Bickford truly feels like home. Schedule a tour with Savannah today and see the difference for yourself, just call 224-219-1741. #FeelsLikeHome #BickfordOfGurnee #AssistedLiving #SeniorLiving #FamilyFirst #SeniorCare #GurneeIL

Feeling Beautiful, Feeling Valued At Bickford, we believe every resident deserves opportunities to express who they are, celebrate their individuality, and continue living with purpose. As part of our Higher Path philosophy, one of our beautiful memory care residents enjoyed some special pampering today at our beauty station, where she was assisted with having her hair styled and makeup applied. While these moments may seem simple, they are deeply meaningful. Looking and feeling your best can promote confidence, dignity, self-esteem, and a sense of identity. The smile on her face as she admired her reflection reminded us that beauty routines are more than just self-care, they are an opportunity to reconnect with lifelong preferences, cherished memories, and personal pride. Through our Montessori-inspired approach to memory care, we focus on honoring each resident's abilities, choices, and interests. Experiences like selecting a favorite hairstyle, choosing a lipstick shade, or participating in familiar grooming routines help foster independence, engagement, and purpose while supporting emotional well-being. At Bickford, we don't simply care for our residents, we truly get to know them. By creating meaningful opportunities that reflect who they are and what brings them joy, we help residents continue living life with dignity, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging. It's just one of the many ways our family-centered memory care neighborhood feels like home. Because when someone feels loved, respected, and seen, their beauty shines from the inside out. #HigherPath #BickfordFamily #MontessoriInspired #MemoryCareWithPurpose #FeelingBeautiful #DignityInCare #PersonCenteredCare #PurposefulLiving #SeniorLiving #MemoryCareMoments #EveryMomentMatters #LifeAtBickford #BickfordGurnee #BickfordSeniorLiving #WeLoveMontessoriMemoryCare #Montessori #MemoryCare #Gurnee #WeLoveOurResidents

Bringing Joy Through Music At our community, meaningful moments come in many forms, and music is one of the most powerful. Recently, our Montessori Enrichment Coordinator, Mallory, shared her love of music with residents through a music therapy session filled with familiar melodies, smiles, and connection. Music has a unique way of sparking memories, encouraging engagement, and uplifting spirits. As Mallory played and interacted with residents, the room was filled with joy, participation, and meaningful moments that brought everyone together. We are grateful for dedicated team members like Mallory, who create enriching experiences that support the well-being of our residents and make each day a little brighter.

Bickford of Gurnee Weekly Update Hello Bickford Families, We hope you have had a wonderful week and are enjoying these beautiful final days of August! Our community has been busy with meaningful outings, special moments, and exciting plans for the weeks ahead. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, trust, and partnership. We are grateful to have you as part of the Bickford family. This Week's Highlights Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Outing This week, our residents enjoyed a special opportunity to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children. The outing was filled with teamwork, laughter, and purpose as residents spent time together while helping make a difference in the lives of others. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved and a wonderful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together as a community. Dollar Store Shopping Trip Residents had a fantastic time on our shopping trip to the Dollar Store. Everyone enjoyed browsing the aisles, finding treasures, and selecting special items to bring back home. One resident even shared that it was their first shopping trip in years, making the experience especially meaningful. The smiles and excitement throughout the outing made it a memorable day for all! Community Announcements Mary B's Neighborhood Refresh Rodney is currently hard at work painting the common areas in Mary B's Neighborhood. During this project, you may notice patched walls, painting supplies, or areas that are still being completed. Please know these improvements are ongoing and will take some time to finish. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue enhancing our beautiful community. Welcome Our New Hairdresser! We are excited to welcome Sara, our new hairdresser, to Bickford! Sara will be available for her first appointments on: Thursday, August 27, 2026 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Mallory has placed the Salon Pricing Menu in each resident's mailbox. If you would like your loved one added to the appointment schedule or have questions regarding salon services, please contact Mallory. Vaccination Clinic Coming This Fall We are currently planning a vaccination clinic for this fall. Additional information regarding dates, times, and available vaccinations will be shared as details become available. Please watch for future communications. Upcoming Event Taste of Italy Happy Hour Thursday, August 27, 2026 | 3:00 PM Join us for a delicious afternoon featuring Italian-inspired appetizers prepared by Chef Carlos. Residents, families, and guests are all welcome as we enjoy great food, fellowship, and a taste of Italy together! Important Reminder About Outings Memory Care residents are welcome and encouraged to participate in community outings; however, an escort is required for participation. If you would like your loved one to attend an upcoming outing, please speak with Mallory or Christine before signing up so arrangements can be made. As always, if you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support both you and your loved ones every step of the way. Thank you for being such a valued part of the Bickford family. We appreciate the trust you place in us and look forward to creating many more special moments together. Warm regards, Christine Lawrence Executive Director Bickford of Gurnee

At Bickford of Gurnee, we believe that every person has a purpose, and that purpose does not retire. Tomorrow at 1:30 PM, our residents will be putting that belief into action as they volunteer at Feed My Starving Children once again. This opportunity beautifully reflects the Montessori philosophy we embrace each day. Montessori is built on the idea that people thrive when they have meaningful roles, opportunities to contribute, and the ability to remain connected to their community. By helping pack meals for children around the world, our residents are not simply volunteering, they are making a difference and continuing to share their gifts with others. Moments like these promote independence, foster a sense of belonging, and remind us all that meaningful engagement can happen at any age. We are so proud of our residents for choosing to spend their afternoon serving others and spreading kindness far beyond our community walls. Interested in joining us? We'd love to have you! Meet us at Feed My Starving Children tomorrow at 1:30 PM and experience the joy of making an impact together, if you would like to come on the Bus email Mallory to sign up as seats are first come first serve. After all, one of the greatest lessons of Montessori is that every person has something valuable to contribute, and tomorrow, our residents will be proving just that. ❤️

Today, our residents enjoyed a very special visit from Lola, Savannah’s lovable French bulldog! From the moment she arrived, Lola was the star of the day. She made her way around the branch greeting residents, accepting pets and spreading smiles wherever she went. Residents enjoyed spending time with her, and Lola was more than happy to soak up all the attention. Whether she was sitting on a residents lap, showing off her style with a fun boa in the activity room or making new friends throughout the branch, Lola brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. Of course after a busy day of pet-therapy and making people smile she was completely worn out and ended her visit fast asleep in her mom‘s office. Visits from therapy-friendly pets like Lola can brighten moods, encourage socialization, reduce stress and create meaningful moments of connection. Today was a wonderful reminder of the comfort and happiness that animals can bring. Thank you Lola for sharing your day with us. We can’t wait for your next visit! #BickfordofGurnee #PetTherapy #Frenchie #HappierTogether