Bickford of Bloomington

08/15/2025

💭 “Will my loved one be treated like family?”
We hear this often—and take it to heart.
Each month, we ask families one simple question to ensure we’re honoring their trust.
Their feedback helps us grow and stay focused on what matters most: compassionate, dignified care.
💖 Here’s what families shared this month:

08/14/2025

🌟 At Bickford, caregiving isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. 🌟

A person trying to provide, works a job.
A person working to advance, has a career.
But a person living their calling… is a caregiver.

Every day, our Bickford Family Members show up with compassion, purpose, and heart. They’re not just clocking in—they’re answering a deeper call to serve, love, and uplift those who need it most.

💚 To our caregivers: thank you for living your calling and making a difference in the lives of our residents and their families.

08/13/2025

🌟 From Heartbreak to Hope: Edith’s Journey Back to Independence 🌟

At 94, Edith Kemp has lived a life full of grit, grace, and cinnamon rolls. But after a devastating fall, her future looked uncertain—until she found a new beginning at Bickford of Davenport.

Thanks to the compassionate care of her Bickford family and the collaborative power of the HigherPath, Edith went from bedridden to out-walking everyone in the halls. 🏃‍♀️💪

Her story is a testament to what happens when personalized care, trust, and teamwork come together. Want to see how the HigherPath helped Edith reclaim her independence—and her joy?

👉 Read Edith’s full story here: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/making-strides/

... read more

08/12/2025

Using Montessori ramps, Ms. Dolores confidently pours herself a cup of water—nurturing independence through everyday moments. 💧
These cognitive ramps are instructional signs designed to support people with dementia in completing daily tasks independently. When individuals can do things like this for themselves, it not only improves hydration but also fosters a sense of empowerment and accomplishment.
Small supports, big impact. 🌱

08/11/2025

💛 It All Started With Mary.

When Mary Bickford was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, her family searched for a place that felt like home. They couldn’t find one—so they built it.

What began as a labor of love for one extraordinary woman has grown into a mission that spans 56 branches, 7 states, and thousands of lives touched.

At Bickford, we don’t just care for residents—we care like family. Because behind every “Mary” is a story worth honoring.

✨ Discover how one woman’s joy sparked a movement.
👉 Read The Bickford Story:

We started Bickford in 1991 to care for our own mother, Mary Bickford. What started as a family need has blossomed into our life’s work.

08/10/2025

BINGO....BANGO!!!!
This game is always fun on Mary B's!!

08/08/2025

📌 One Question. Endless Insight.

At Bickford, we believe that meaningful care starts with meaningful conversation. That’s why, each month, we don’t send out a checklist—we ask one powerful question. Just one.

The responses? They inspire us. They challenge us. They remind us why we do what we do.

Because here, care isn’t a task—it’s a relationship built on listening, understanding, and heart.

💬 This month’s answers from our families are especially moving.
👇 Take a moment to read what they shared.

08/08/2025

📌 One Question. Endless Insight.

At Bickford, we believe that meaningful care starts with meaningful conversation. That’s why, each month, we don’t send out a checklist—we ask one powerful question. Just one.

The responses? They inspire us. They challenge us. They remind us why we do what we do.

Because here, care isn’t a task—it’s a relationship built on listening, understanding, and heart.

💬 This month’s answers from our families are especially moving.
👇 Take a moment to read what they shared.

08/07/2025

❤️A Caregiver's Manifesto❤️

There is no higher calling,
no greater purpose than that of a caregiver.
Somehow, we've come to believe that caregiving
is just for some of us and not all of us.
Yet at our core, we are all made to love, to connect,
to extend ourselves in service of others.
The questions is ... do we have the will to love, to do what it takes,
to risk ourselves in caring, even when the burden is great?
In times of happiness, in times of sadness -
we are that caregiver.
WHATEVER IT TAKES

Watch a short film about who we are and what we stand for: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/our-culture/

Created to care for our family; devoted to serving yours. We're a family of caregivers willing to do whatever it takes to make our residents happy.

08/06/2025

🌟 From Hospice to Hope: Dena’s Remarkable Comeback at 98 🌟

Dena Petersen has never backed down from a challenge—from trekking 600 miles with three kids in tow to walking to church in high heels (well, almost 😉). But her most inspiring journey yet? Recovering from a stroke at 98.

With the support of the HigherPath team at Bickford of Clinton, Dena went from hospice care to walking to the dining room three times a day. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets compassionate, coordinated care.

💪 “She’s going to outlive me,” says her daughter.
💬 “You’ve brought her back to life,” says a longtime friend.

✨ Want to see how HigherPath helped Dena defy the odds?
👉 Read her full story here:

... read more

08/05/2025

🎆 Small steps, big smiles!
At Bickford, we follow the Montessori principle of breaking tasks into manageable steps—especially in our memory care neighborhoods. That means giving residents meaningful things to do each day, starting simple and building up to more complex activities.

Check out these photos from our 4th of July party! Our residents helped prep, from decorations to treats—and every moment was filled with purpose and joy.

Because happiness isn’t just the end goal—it’s found in the steps we take to get there. ❤️

08/04/2025

🕊️ Faith. Connection. Comfort.
At Bickford, spiritual care isn’t an afterthought—it’s a cornerstone of how we support our residents.

✨ Whether it’s one-on-one visits, multi-faith resources, or regular services right in the branch, our professional chaplains are here to walk alongside each resident on their personal faith journey.

From hospital visits to heartfelt conversations, we’re committed to providing consistent, compassionate spiritual support—because care goes beyond the physical.

💬 Learn more about how we nurture the soul as well as the body.

08/01/2025

🧭 How do we stay focused on what truly matters?
We turn to the experts—the families we care for.

Every month, instead of sending out a long list of questions, we ask just one. One thoughtful, intentional question. And the answers we receive? They move us. They challenge us. They ground us in our purpose.

At Bickford, care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. It’s a bond built on trust, empathy, and open dialogue.

💬 Here’s what families shared with us this month. Their words speak volumes.

08/01/2025

🧭 How do we stay focused on what truly matters?
We turn to the experts—the families we care for.

Every month, instead of sending out a long list of questions, we ask just one. One thoughtful, intentional question. And the answers we receive? They move us. They challenge us. They ground us in our purpose.

At Bickford, care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. It’s a bond built on trust, empathy, and open dialogue.

💬 Here’s what families shared with us this month. Their words speak volumes.

07/31/2025

We had a great day today with officer Kiel Knowers and The Bloomington Police Department. They visited us and did an amazing presentation on De-escalation in the workplace. We learned so much and our take away was a better understanding of patience and humanity towards our fellow staff members and our residents. It's always a great partnership when both agencies link up. Look forward to more events in the future.

07/31/2025

❤️ You Can Feel It. ❤️
At Bickford, the heart of a caregiver beats with something deeper—something you can’t always see, but you always feel.

It’s in the Optimistic Warmth that greets you at the door.
It’s in the Curiosity that drives us to do better every day.
It’s in the Grit that keeps us going, even when the road gets tough.
It’s in the Empathy that turns care into connection.
And it’s in the Self-Awareness that helps us grow and serve with intention.

These aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of our culture. They’re what make our team different. They’re what make Bickford home.

✨ Want to see how these values come to life?
Schedule a tour today.

07/31/2025

Happy Anniversary Stephanie!

Stephanie Yohn, Divisional Director of Health & Wellness- Michigan

07/30/2025

🎨 From Ballet Slippers to Walkers Wrapped in Ribbon—Sherry’s Story is a Masterpiece of Resilience 💪

When Sherry Choppa stopped creating art, her daughter knew something was wrong. A lifelong artist, dancer, and teacher, Sherry was losing her spark—until she found a new rhythm at Bickford of Spotsylvania.

Through the HigherPath approach, Sherry didn’t just recover from two broken hips—she rediscovered her joy. With a care team that wove creativity into every step of her therapy, Sherry is now dancing, painting, and inspiring everyone around her.

👉 Read Sherry’s full story and discover how the HigherPath helps residents thrive: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/keep-on-dancing/

... read more