Bickford Shows Residents the Royal Treatment

It's good to be the king...or the queen on Valentine's Day. At Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care in Crown Point on February 14, 2014, the first ever King and Queen of Hearts were crowned.

In the early afternoon many residents gathered in the main hall to celebrate at the Valentine's Day Social. Live music was provided by Adam Gawlak and he played classic songs on his acoustic guitar that had everyone singing and humming along. Refreshments and appetizers were served while the music played and then finally the moment arrived.

Before the Social, residents and staff at Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care nominated who they thought would be the best fit for the crown, and on Valentine's Day the twain were to be revealed. The King was Louis Videl and the Queen was Cilvia Ishmael. Both were escorted to the front of the room and placed in their "thrones" and each showered with gifts.

"It's all coinciding with our culture here," Tanya Planer, Community Relations Director for Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care, said. "Which is enriching happiness. We want the residents to be as happy as possible."

Lots of fun events take place at Bickford so that there is no shortage of things to do for the residents.

"We schedule lots of activities for our residents," Planer said. "Life doesn't stop here and we do our best to schedule outings, activities, and fun entertainment for our residents to enjoy."

Marnie Wegg is the Life Enrichment Coordinator for Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care and she is in charge of planning the exciting functions.

"We want to enhance the quality of the residents' lives," Wegg said. "As in the case for Valentine's Day, we want them to be able to celebrate just like if they were in a home environment."

A final word from the king and queen to add to the happiness that filled the day:

"I think that this is a great celebration," Cilvia said. "You all did such a good job. I'm so happy to be here."

"I want to thank everyone here," Louis said with a smile. "I am happy to have you with us. I don't have enough words in my heart to say how much I love all of you."

The Family at Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care knows that nothing can replace home. So they all do their very best to enrich the lives of each of their residents. Looking at each resident like they are an extension of the Bickford Family, the staff always goes above and beyond to make them feel like they are right at home by providing personalized care and amenities like: registered nurses and certified caregivers on staff, transportation services, spa and salon on site, a private dining room and bistro, private and companion apartment, a pet-friendly branch, and a LOT more.