Bickford of Crystal Lake

09/27/2025

It has been a remarkably productive week for both MB and AL residents, featuring daily gatherings and engaging activities. Highlights included watering plants to promote growth and freshness. Residents enjoyed riding in a Trishaw sponsored by McHenry Cycling Without Age. Playing balloon volleyball while preparing blueberry pancakes served as a delightful snack. Residents also appreciated reading books and magazines, solving word puzzles in our courtyard, and taking in the fresh air from the garden. Playing golf proved to be a hit, with some residents showcasing their competitive spirit and striving to be the best golfer. Residents were also treated to a performance by star dancers Gerda and Joan. Through socialization and meaningful interactions, residents established genuine friendships, fostering a deeper understanding of one another.

09/26/2025

🧭 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.

09/25/2025

💥 Caregiving Deserves Better. You Deserve Better.
At Bickford, we believe caregiving is a calling—not just a job. But too often, caregivers are held back by bad systems, poor leadership, and lack of support.

We’re changing that.
✅ Respectful leadership
✅ Empowered teams
✅ A mission rooted in love

We won’t stop until Bickford is the best place in America to be a caregiver.

👉 Click here to find out how we’re redefining the caregiving experience.
🔗

You deserve a better place to care. We will not stop until we're the best place in America to be a caregiver. Explore careers at Bickford.

09/24/2025

Senior care is broken. We’re fixing it.

Today’s senior care system is reactive, expensive, and siloed. It’s built to treat illness—not to keep people healthy. Most have accepted this status quo because it feels too big and complex to change.

Not us.

We’re taking the road less traveled and championing a higher standard of senior care—one that’s proactive, affordable, and truly centered on wellness.

👉 Click here to learn more and join the HigherPath movement:

Most senior care is reactive, siloed and confusing. With our nationally recognized HigherPath Senior Health Model, we’re championing a higher standard.

09/23/2025

Move in this week and start enjoying this courtyard view from your newly renovated 1 bedroom apartment. Stop by for a guided tour today and learn about the Higher Path to a longer, healthier life.

Bickford Senior Living Crystal Lake / Assisted Living and Memory Care

09/22/2025

✨ Compassionate Care, Tailored for Your Loved One ✨
At Bickford, we believe aging should feel like home — safe, supported, and full of dignity.

💙 Personalized Service Plans
Our nurses review care plans every 90 days to ensure they evolve with your loved one’s needs and wishes.

🏡 5 Levels of Care
No need to move as care needs change. From light assistance to advanced support, we’ve got it covered — all under one roof.

🌟 Certified Caregivers
We hire hearts, not just hands. Our caregivers are trained, certified, and truly made to love.

🛁 Daily Living Support
Bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility — we’re here for it all, with kindness and professionalism.

🧺 Maintenance-Free Living
Housekeeping, laundry, home repairs — even help with the TV remote. We handle the chores so your loved one can enjoy life.

09/19/2025

📌 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.

09/18/2025

💛 When Professional Connections Become Personal Miracles
What started as a college internship turned into a life-changing relationship. Heather Starr-Cress, now a Family Advocate at Bickford Senior Living, helped one family find hope, healing, and two extra years with their beloved grandmother—all because of a connection built on authenticity and care.

This isn’t just a story about senior living. It’s about the power of human relationships, answered prayers, and the ripple effect of investing in others.

👉 Read how Heather helped turn heartbreak into healing.
🔗

Nearly two decades ago, as a college freshman, I received advice that seemed almost too simple to be profound. My advisor said, "Focus on building your professional network and never stop pouring into it.

09/18/2025

Our residents prepared their own pizzas and thoroughly enjoyed the process, eagerly anticipating the outcome of their creations. What a delightful pizza day, culminating in fully satisfied stomachs... I love my job! ❤️

09/17/2025

💪 From Hall of Fame to Healing: Tom’s Remarkable Comeback 💫
At 86, Tom Seeman’s journey has spanned continents, championships, and a love story for the ages. But his most inspiring chapter? It’s happening now—at Bickford of Crystal Lake.

After a sudden health decline, Tom’s story took a powerful turn thanks to personalized care, family support, and sheer determination. From curled up in a hospital bed to walking again toward his wife, this is a comeback you won’t forget.

👉 Read Tom’s full story and see what’s possible when care meets compassion.
🔗

... read more

09/15/2025

Medication Management Matters—And We Take It Seriously 💊✨

Did you know that 72% of adverse health events—like falls, illness, and ER visits—are medication-related? Not on our watch.

At our community, we’ve built a system that puts safety, accuracy, and peace of mind first:
✅ Medications administered by certified professionals
✅ Electronic tracking for every dose
✅ Seamless prescription fulfillment and in-house pharmacy
✅ Routine reviews to prevent interactions and improve outcomes
✅ Physician-ordered treatments coordinated with care

Because when it comes to health, details matter—and our residents deserve nothing less than excellence.

09/12/2025

We had a thoroughly enjoyable experience this week as we commemorated National Assisted Living Week, from start to finish, with events such as Grandparents' Day, where the grand children and great grand children celebrated with us, Dress Your Best Day, with dance and music party, Western Day, Sports Day, where the residents played table tennis, balloon volleyball, and cooked yummy chili soup. Hawaiian Day was a resounding success, and Pajama Day, which allowed the residents to relax and watch a movie with popcorn, was also highly enjoyable.



Care

09/10/2025

Whether it’s sharing stories, dancing to oldies, or exploring new hobbies, our residents remind us every day that adventure has no age limit. 🧡 This National Assisted Living Week, we celebrate their vibrant spirits and love for life.

09/09/2025

We couldn’t do it without them—our dedicated caregivers are the heart of Bickford. 💙 During National Assisted Living Week, we recognize and thank every team member who brings warmth, compassion, and joy to our residents every day.

09/08/2025

🎉 Ageless Adventure – Celebrating Senior Living 🧭

This week, we’re joining the celebration of National Assisted Living Week and its inspiring theme: “Ageless Adventure.” Because no matter your age, the spirit of adventure never fades!

At our senior living communities, we’re more than just a place to live—we’re a family. Caregivers, residents, loved ones, and neighbors come together to create moments of joy, connection, and purpose.

Our BFMs are proud to honor the incredible individuals who live and work in assisted living, and we’re celebrating all week long with meaningful moments and memory-making adventures. 💙

Adventure has no age limit—let’s celebrate that together!

09/05/2025

💭 “Will my loved one be treated like family?”
It’s a question we hear often—and one we never take lightly.

That’s why, every month, we reach out to families with a simple check-in. One question. One honest answer. One more way to make sure we’re living up to the trust they’ve placed in us.

Their feedback shapes us. It helps us grow, improve, and stay grounded in what matters most: delivering care rooted in compassion, dignity, and love.

💖 Here’s what families shared with us this month:

09/04/2025

🌟 Caregiver Ring of Honor: Carma Harris 🌟

With 20+ years of experience, Carma Harris brings wisdom, empathy, and leadership to her role as Divisional Director of Health & Wellness. From coaching teams through tough moments to building trust with families, Carma leads with heart.

Her message: empower residents, communicate proactively, and always ask them what matters.

Carma’s dedication earns her a proud place in our Caregiver Ring of Honor. 💙

👉 Click to read more about Carma’s story: https://bickfordseniorliving.com/advice/caregiver-ring-of-honor-carma-harris/

... read more

09/04/2025

For years, Bickford Senior Living has transformed the senior healthcare sector through innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

Beginning in 2017, Bickford partnered with Stagen to clarify their values, create news strategies to secure their future, and develop leaders at every level of the organization.

Seven years later, Bickford has had a $45 million boost in enterprise value in just 5 of their 60 locations and has grown their operating margins in a time of industry uncertainty.

Bickford continues to lead the way in the senior living industry - all while improving the quality of life for seniors and investing in their employees. Our partnership with Bickford demonstrates what’s possible when leadership development is embedded at every level of an organization.

Click here to read more:

Discover how Bickford Senior Living achieved a $3.5 million increase in EBITDA and a $45 million boost in enterprise value through purpose-driven leadership. With Stagen's guidance, they transformed their strategy and culture, revolutionizing the senior living industry. Learn how your organization c...

09/03/2025

🚫 The status quo isn’t good enough.
✅ Seniors deserve better.

That’s why we created HigherPath—our proprietary senior health model designed to help residents live happier, healthier, longer.

Here’s how we get there:

🔹 On-Site Primary Care
24/7 access to a physician-led care team, right in the branch.

🔹 High-Performing Network
Top local providers (therapy, hospice, home health) working together for better outcomes.

🔹 HigherPath Councils
Interdisciplinary teams proactively guiding each resident’s health journey.

🔹 Integrated Health Records
A holistic view of wellbeing—no more fragmented care.

🔹 Outcome-Focused Technology
Wearables, monitoring, and machine learning to prevent incidents before they happen.

🔹 Medicare Health Plan Guidance
We help you choose the plan that best supports your path to better health.

💡 This is more than care—it’s a movement toward a better future for seniors.

👉 Learn more about the HigherPath difference:
https://bickfordseniorliving.com/why-were-different/

Most senior care is reactive, siloed and confusing. With our nationally recognized HigherPath Senior Health Model, we’re championing a higher standard.

09/02/2025

Happy Anniversary!

Whitney Keeton, Divisional Director of Operations- VA
Heather Cress, Family Advocate at Bickford of Chesapeake/ Bickford of Virginia Beach
Vickie Andrews, Health & Wellness Director at Bickford of Shelby Township
Mary Gehle, Health & Wellness Director at Bickford of Canton

09/02/2025

🌟 From Business Owner to Community Influencer 🌟

Recently, resident Nancy joined our Health and Wellness Director, Jasmine, for an interview with a potential team member—and she brought serious insight to the table! With her background as a successful business owner, Nancy asked thoughtful, sharp questions that added real value to the conversation.

Jasmine shared how refreshing it was to hear Nancy’s perspective, and Nancy left feeling purposeful and appreciated. 💬✨

This is the heart of our Montessori approach: empowering residents to share their skills, make meaningful choices, and contribute in ways that matter. When residents are invited to use their talents and life experiences, they don’t just participate—they feel valued, respected, and truly connected to their community.

Including residents in the hiring process sends a powerful message: their voices help guide our community. 💙

09/01/2025

👏This Labor Day, we honor the hands and hearts that keep our communities thriving.

From caregivers and nurses to cooks, maintenance teams, and activity coordinators—every role at Bickford Senior Living is essential. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure our residents feel safe, loved, and at home. 🏡💛

Labor Day reminds us that meaningful work isn’t just about tasks—it’s about purpose. And in senior living, that purpose is deeply personal.

To all who labor with compassion and care: thank you.
To our residents who spent decades building this country with their own hard work: we celebrate you too.

08/29/2025

Happy Anniversary!

Ron Czajkowski, Bread Basket Specialist
Gina DeRosa, Executive Director Bickford of St. Bickford of St Charles
Dawn Senesac, Executive Director Bickford of Tinley Park
Katelyn Holding, Executive Director Bickford of Greenwood

08/29/2025

💬 “Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength.”
Choosing senior living is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. At Bickford, we honor that courage by being just as vulnerable in return.

That’s why we share real reviews from our residents and families—the good, the tough, and everything in between. No cherry-picking. No filters. Just honest feedback from those who live here and love someone who does.

We believe trust is built on transparency, not perfection. 💛

🔍 Explore our reviews and see how we’re committed to doing “whatever it takes” to help our residents live their best lives.