A CNA with Many Talents Some team members simply can't help but give a little extra, and Jalessa is one of them. Whenever time allows outside of providing compassionate resident care, Jalessa joins activities and often asks if she can lead one herself. This week, she shared her creativity by leading a painting class for our residents. With paintbrushes in hand and plenty of encouragement, residents enjoyed an afternoon filled with creativity. Thank you, Jalessa, for sharing your talents, stepping in wherever needed, and helping create meaningful moments for our residents. We are grateful to have you as part of our Bickford family.

Celebrating 10 Wonderful Years at Bickford As we reflect on 10 years at Bickford, we are grateful for the moments, traditions, and experiences that have brought residents, families, and Bickford Family Members together. Through changing seasons and new faces, our house has remained a place where everyone is known, valued, and encouraged to share their gifts, talents, and life stories. I have been blessed to be a part of our community since opening day ten years ago, watching our community grow into the warm and welcoming home it is today. Thank you to everyone—past and present residents, families, volunteers, community partners, and Bickford Family Members—who have been part of this journey. Here's to 10 years of meaningful moments and many more to come! Rene Montessori Engagement Coordinator

BINGO, SMILES & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS! A heartfelt thank you to Kelvin Ebai and In Home Caregiver for sponsoring an afternoon of Bingo for our residents at Bickford of Tinley Park & Montessori Memory Care! Our residents enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, friendly competition, and meaningful social engagement. We are grateful for community partners like Kelvin and his team who take the time to visit, build relationships, and create special moments for those who call Bickford home. Interested in making a difference? We welcome local businesses, organizations, and community members who would like to sponsor an activity, host a social event, share a talent, provide entertainment, or simply spend time with our residents. Whether it's Bingo, crafts, gardening, music, baking, or a special luncheon, your support helps create purposeful days and lasting memories. Please reach out to Rene Cwyl, Montessori Engagement Coordinator, to learn how you can become part of our Bickford family.

A Special Thank You! We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to James Dankert, Hospice Care Consultant with Heartland Hospice, for generously sponsoring a delicious taco lunch for our amazing CNA team during CNA Appreciation Week. Our CNAs provide compassionate care, comfort, and support to our residents. Gestures like this help remind them just how appreciated they are. Thank you, James, and the entire Heartland Hospice team, for your continued partnership and for helping us celebrate the dedicated caregivers who make a difference every day.

Montessori in Action: Cake Pop Creations! Jean and our newest resident, Linda, teamed up with CNA Michelle to make delicious cake pops for the very first time! Using a step-by-step cognitive ramp, they rolled, dipped, decorated, and created their own sweet treats while working together and supporting one another throughout the process. At Bickford of Tinley Park & Montessori Memory Care, meaningful engagement happens when residents are empowered to participate, make choices, and experience the joy of accomplishment. From mixing ingredients to adding the finishing touches, every resident had a role and every role had a purpose. A special thank you to Michelle for providing encouragement and support every step of the way. The smiles, laughter, and delicious results made for a wonderful afternoon!

We are celebrating a very special resident! Please join us in wishing Rose a wonderful 88th birthday filled with happiness, laughter, love, and all the sweet moments that make birthdays special.

A Higher Path to Medication Safety Managing medications at home becomes increasingly difficult with age. National research shows that nearly 50% of older adults do not take medications exactly as prescribed, often due to forgetfulness, complex schedules, or changes in health needs. Studies also show that medication noncompliance contributes to up to 25% of avoidable hospitalizations among seniors. At Bickford of Tinley Park, we take a different approach—one rooted in our Higher Path. Through consistent routines, professional oversight, and strong safety systems, our Health & Wellness teams ensure medications are administered on time, accurately, and with care. Residents are closely monitored for side effects and changes, allowing us to respond quickly and thoughtfully. For families, this means peace of mind. For residents, it means better health, greater stability, and the freedom to live each day without the burden of managing medications alone. That’s the Higher Path—care you can trust, every step of the way.

This Week We Are Celebrating Three Very Special Birthdays! Please join us in wishing Jean, Lynda, and Nancy a very Happy Birthday! This week, we are honored to celebrate these wonderful ladies and the joy, friendship, and warmth they bring to our Bickford family. We hope each of your birthdays is filled with love, laughter, sweet treats, and precious moments with family and friends.

Congratulations to Evelyn – Our June BFM of the Month! Please join us in celebrating Evelyn, our BFM of the Month for Dietary Services at Bickford of Tinley Park & Montessori Memory Care! Evelyn is a valued member of our Dietary Team whose dedication, reliability, and positive attitude help make each day special for our residents. Whether she is preparing the dining room, assisting with meal service, delivering beverages, or lending a helping hand wherever needed, Evelyn consistently demonstrates teamwork, initiative, and a genuine commitment to those she serves. Her warm smile, caring nature, and willingness to go above and beyond do not go unnoticed. Evelyn helps create a welcoming dining experience while supporting both residents and fellow BFMs with kindness and grace. Congratulations, Evelyn, on being named BFM of the Month!

This fella beat everyone in this pitching golf game, what a guy!