Member Spotlight: Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care
When Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care opened at 4221 Maine Street in July 2006, the mission was simple:
to create an environment of home and happiness supported by loving and certified, trained caregivers to serve families and their loved-ones in the Quincy area.
The Bickford story started when Mary Arlene Bickford was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1989. Mary’s daughter Judie moved her closer to home but as the need for Mary’s care increased, Judie and her family were unable to find a solution. Judie and her husband Don Eby ultimately decided to create a home for Mary Bickford, inspired by Mary’s legacy of love, service and happiness. The home opened in 1992 in Olathe, Kansas; less than 20 years later, there are 42 Bickford locations throughout the Midwest.
“Bickford is a family-owned business, based in the Midwest,” said Joe Bordewick, Community Relations Director at Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care in Quincy. “Mary Bickford was an accomplished musician, and Quincy’s rich tradition of the arts was just one of the many reasons Quincy was a good fit for Bickford. Mary’s family is devoted to serving other families experiencing the same need they faced when seeking care for Mary.”
In Quincy, Bickford provides a wide range of services and amenities, from independent living and assisted living to Alzheimer’s and dementia care in their 46 apartments.
“At Bickford, we have the ability to customize the level of care for each resident. When relatively independent people move into a senior living facility, they will often be faced with another move as their need for care increases. We are able to adjust the level of care to meet the needs of the resident, and in most cases, people won’t have to move again. Seven of our 46 apartments are in a special Memory Care unit named Mary B’s Neighborhood, where we have the ability to provide care for those facing the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s,” said Bordewick.
In addition to customized care, Bickford provides a warm, welcoming, home-like atmosphere where residents, caregivers, and volunteers become a family. Activities are planned based on the interests of residents and range from musical performances to manicures, ‘guys days’ to day trips, and barbecues to bingo. Residents also enjoy community activities; last weekend, several of the street rods in town for the Tin Dusters Fall Color Run made a special stop at Bickford.
One of the best kept secrets among the Bickford family, however, is the great food prepared by Chef Steven and the kitchen staff.
“We not only make fantastic food,” said Bordewick, “we also pays attention to details and knows the preferences of each member of our family. We know who will want half a piece of cake and who always eats two servings of their favorite dish. Many times, seniors plan their day around meals – so when the food is good, it brings people together and promotes good conversation. If the food was not good, it would have a negative impact on the entire day. Although restaurant quality meals are available in all Bickford locations, when staff from other locations visit Quincy, they always [jokingly] try to take Chef Steven back with them.”
Great food is only one aspect of the home-like atmosphere residents experience at Bickford. From the staff to the volunteers helping with activities to the residents who contribute their own special traditions – like sharing the tomatoes they grow in Bickford’s courtyard garden – everyone plays an important role in making Bickford feel like home.
“Many people think you have to be independent to live at Bickford,” said Bordewick. “That is not true; we are able to provide care for a wide range of individuals. There is also a perception that Bickford is more expensive than other senior living options. That is not necessarily true. Bickford is private pay only, which allows us to provide a better value for the dollar. Because we are not awaiting reimbursement from the state, we are able to better manage resources and provide more value for members of the Bickford family.”
“Bickford is a great place not only to live, but also to work and to volunteer. We have a great staff, wonderful amenities, and a small, personalized atmosphere that feels like home. We are a family.”
For more information about Bickford or to arrange a visit, learn about becoming part of the Bickford family, or join the priority club waiting list, call (217) 228-0800.
.gif)
