A nursing home conjures up many different images, feelings and can instill fear, anxiety and dismay, but not if it is our home, Bickford. At Bickford elderly residents come to live, to learn and to experience family in a new and exciting way. There are few words that can capture the feeling of living that happens at our small intimate facility. Throughout this year we had many adventures that affected the life of the staff, residents, families and community that supports the wonderful work that is done in the setting of a 48 bed skilled nursing facility. After receiving a grant a local artist and writer, Lauri Varga chose one of our residents to draw and write about in her book, Faces of Aging. This was a beautiful experience for everyone involved and proved to bring a true sense of art and culture to our home. The New England Chapter of the American Horticultural Therapy Association asked to host their annual business meeting at our facility in January. What an exciting day this was for their members and for our facility to receive such positive feedback on the environmental beauty we try to maintain through our plants and gardens. The third phase of the Courtyard was completed with a beautiful brick walkway and cement patio adding to the serene atmosphere of the outdoors. As with all the personal efforts, the staff continues to pour hours of volunteer time into our fundraising efforts. The annual Breakfast with Santa, Spaghetti Dinner, Easter Egg Hunt, Haunted Courtyard, Senior Prom, Weekly Picnics with neighborhood businesses and children, Car Washes and Raffles give both the residents, staff, community and families many reasons to look forward to thedaily life at Bickford Health Care Center. The facility is always full, with a waiting list of those anxious to join our family. We are grateful and appreciative of the success we have achieved and look ahead to the many opportunities that lie ahead. Visit Bickford Health Care Center Website