Today at Bickford Senior Living of Saginaw Township, we held our monthly Bickford Store event! Our residents earn "Bickford Bucks" throughout the month by participating in a variety of activities such as exercise classes, games, and of course, bingo. These earned bucks are then used to shop for fun items and treats at our in-house store. It’s always a joy to see the residents excited, laughing, and enjoying the rewards of their active engagement. Community spirit was shining today!

Walking the Higher Path: How Montessori-Based Activities at Bickford of Saginaw Help Prevent Falls and ER Visits At Bickford of Saginaw, we believe that every resident deserves to live with purpose, dignity, and joy. That’s why we’ve embraced a Montessori-inspired approach to wellness—one that empowers our residents to stay active, engaged, and safe. What Is the Higher Path? The "Higher Path" is our philosophy of proactive care. Instead of waiting for health issues to arise, we focus on preventing them through meaningful engagement, personalized routines, and holistic wellness strategies. One of the most impactful tools in our toolkit? Montessori-based activities. Why Montessori? Originally developed for children, the Montessori method has been beautifully adapted for older adults—especially those living with dementia or cognitive decline. It emphasizes: -Choice and independence -Sensory stimulation -Purposeful tasks -Repetition and routine These principles help residents maintain cognitive function, physical coordination, and emotional well-being—all of which are crucial in preventing falls and emergency room visits. Montessori in Action at Bickford of Saginaw Here’s how we integrate Montessori-based activities into daily life: -Purposeful Tasks Residents participate in familiar, meaningful activities like folding laundry, setting tables, or organizing supplies. These tasks reinforce motor skills, balance, and a sense of contribution. -Cognitive Engagement We offer puzzles, sorting games, and memory activities tailored to each resident’s abilities. These help maintain mental sharpness and reduce confusion, which can lead to falls. -Movement with Intention Gentle exercise routines, chair yoga, and walking clubs are designed to improve strength and coordination. Activities are often paired with music or rhythm to enhance engagement and reduce fall risk. -Sensory Stations We create calming sensory experiences using textures, scents, and sounds. These stations help residents self-regulate, reducing agitation and the likelihood of unsafe movements. -Social Connection Group activities like gardening, cooking, and storytelling foster community and reduce isolation—a key factor in overall health and safety. The Results Speak for Themselves Since implementing Montessori-based programming, we’ve seen: -Fewer falls -Reduced ER visits -Improved mood and engagement -Greater resident independence -Our residents aren’t just living—they’re thriving. A Safer, More Joyful Tomorrow At Bickford of Saginaw, we’re proud to walk alongside our residents on the Higher Path. Through Montessori-based activities, we’re not only preventing falls and hospital visits—we’re nurturing lives filled with purpose, connection, and joy. #BickfordOfSaginaw #MontessoriForSeniors #SeniorWellness #FallPrevention #HigherPathCare #DementiaCare #PurposefulLiving #MontessoriMethod #SeniorSafety #EngagedAging #HealthyAging #ElderCareInnovation #MemoryCareMatters #MontessoriMoments #SeniorLivingWithPurpose

Everyone here at Bickford of Saginaw Township both Al and Mary B’s residents would like to send a huge thank you to our amazing Amara Hospice friends, Tyler and Kelly! You both did an outstanding job with the live entertainment—your music truly brought joy to everyone. We sang, we danced, and we had an absolute ball! Also, a big thanks for the delicious cookies—what a sweet treat! We appreciate you so much!

Big shoutout to Dorthey for working hard with FOX Therapist Kari in our Mary B's Memory Care at Bickford Senior Living of Saginaw Township! Their dedication and teamwork are truly inspiring Want to see the Heart to Heart difference in person? Schedule a tour with Family Advocate Heather Ouderkirk today @ (989)341-8518! #BickfordSeniorLiving #MemoryCareMatters #HeartToHeartCare #FOXTherapy #SeniorLivingSupport #CompassionInAction #SaginawCare #TeamworkInCare

Bickford Saginaw Township Achieves Bronze Level Certification as a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Community Bickford Saginaw Township joins an exclusive group of credentialed senior living communities that have implemented a revolutionary Montessori-based approach to memory care. Saginaw, 09/23/2025— The team at Bickford Saginaw Township is devoted to building a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® (MIL) for their community, 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, staff learned how to implement the Montessori principles of equality, dignity, and respect into their community. Staff 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. “At Bickford Saginaw Township, we’ve embraced the Montessori lifestyle because it reflects who we are—‘whatever it takes.’ Through daily tasks such as cleaning, exercise, chores, and job duties, our residents experience joy, purpose, and a true sense of belonging. This approach empowers them to live healthier, happier lives while giving our staff meaningful ways to connect and grow. We’ve learned that Montessori isn’t just a program, it’s a way of living that strengthens our entire community and aligns perfectly with our mission to enrich happiness in life’s journey.”-Mel Kline, Executive Director At Bickford, we believe senior living should feel like home — filled with joy, purpose, and belonging. With delicious scratch-made meals, engaging activities, and caregivers who do whatever it takes, your loved one is supported every step of the way. Our nationally recognized HigherPath health model and Montessori program empower residents to live happier, healthier, longer lives. Family-owned since 1991, we remain devoted to serving yours. Contact Heather Ouderkirk at 989-702-2815 for more information or visit Bickford of Saginaw Township - Bickford Senior Living

Today, our wonderful residents at Bickford of Saginaw Township had a blast playing a lively game of bingo! The room was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and lots of cheering as numbers were called and winners celebrated. It's always heartwarming to see everyone come together, share smiles, and enjoy these special moments. At Bickford, we cherish every opportunity to make each day joyful and engaging for our amazing residents! #BingoFun #SeniorLivingJoy #BickfordMoments #SaginawTownship #MakingMemories

Everyone’s face lit up with excitement today as we, the Assisted Living residents at Bickford of Saginaw Township, enjoyed a delightful lunch outing to Applebee’s! The atmosphere was filled with laughter, good conversation, and the joy of sharing a meal together. The food was absolutely delicious, and the service made us feel right at home. Days like this remind us how special it is to make memories together! #BickfordMoments #LunchOuting #ApplebeesFun #SeniorLivingJoy #MakingMemories #BickfordFamily

Today marks the last day of summer, and we at Bickford Senior Living of Saginaw Township celebrated in style with an End of Summer Bash! We fired up the grill for some delicious brats, enjoyed classic potato salad, and had a blast playing cornhole. The air was filled with laughter and the sweet sounds of oldies but goodies. Goodbye, summer—it’s been a joy. Hello, fall—we’re ready for cozy moments!

Today was a powerful reminder of why we walk. Executive Director Mel Kline and Family Advocate Heather Ouderkirk proudly joined resident Darlene Potter and her family—son Michael and daughter-in-law Julie Potter—for the End of Alzheimer's Walk here in Saginaw Township. Together, we walked with purpose, with hope, and with love. Thank you to the Potter family for standing beside us in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Your time, energy, and heart make a difference—and we’re honored to walk this path with you. #EndAlz #WalkToEndAlzheimers #BickfordStrong #SaginawCares #TogetherWeRemember #AlzheimersAwareness #BickfordSeniorLiving #FamilyIsEverything #HopeInAction

Staying Strong on the Higher Path at Bickford of Saginaw At Bickford of Saginaw, we believe aging should be a journey of vitality, purpose, and joy—not decline. That’s why we’ve embraced the Higher Path, a nationally recognized senior health model that focuses on proactive, personalized care to help our residents live happier, healthier, and longer lives. One of the key ways we support this mission is through our partnership with Fox Therapy. Their expert team of physical, and occupational therapists works hand-in-hand with our caregivers to help residents: -Strengthen their bodies through customized movement and mobility programs -Sharpen their minds with cognitive support and speech therapy -Boost independence by improving balance, coordination, and daily function Fox Therapy doesn’t just treat symptoms—they empower our residents to thrive. Whether it’s walking with confidence, dancing during Assisted Living Week, or simply enjoying a stroll with a beloved pet, every step forward is a step on the Higher Path. Together, we’re redefining what senior living can be. Because at Bickford, care isn’t just a service—it’s a calling. #HigherPath #FoxTherapy #BickfordStrong #SeniorWellness #LifeAtBickford #SaginawLiving #AgingWithPurpose