Wondering Where To Start?

We’re here to help.

Are you just getting started on your senior living journey and aren’t sure which direction to take or where to turn? No problem. We’ll help you get where you want to go. 

In this section, you’ll find answers to your questions, helpful tips and industry insight that will lead you to the perfect destination.

Need more help? We’re here when you need us. Contact us any time. 

Getting Started at Park Place.

As a Life Plan Community, Park Place offers you the opportunity to live the retirement lifestyle you want today with a secure plan for tomorrow.

As an independent living resident, you’ll live a life of ease in a spacious, maintenance-free apartment. With the services offered, we can take care of everything – even the cooking. Your time is yours. And with the variety of amenities, programs and social events available, you can be as busy and involved as you like. 

But the best part of a Life Plan Community is knowing that you have a plan in place that covers your health and finances. If your health needs ever change, you have seamless access to on-site assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing – all at predictable costs that protect your nest egg.

Group of senior gathered around a table playing a board game

FAQs

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Life Plan Communities, formerly known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities  (CCRCs), like Park Place offer a wide range of residences for independent living, as well as a continuum of care, including assisted living and skilled nursing. Additional care services may be available, such as memory support, rehabilitation or respite care. The complete continuum of care is available on the Park Place campus through Park Place Health & Wellness Center.

At most CCRCs, it’s possible to join the community at any level. Residents who come in at the independent level typically pay an up-front entrance fee and monthly fee that covers services and amenities, such as meals, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation and more. CCRCs may offer various contract (residency agreement) options, and entrance fees may be nonrefundable or up to 100% refundable. Rental options may also be available. Some contracts include health care benefits that help offset health care costs if residents need assisted living, skilled nursing or other care in the future.

What are the levels of care offered at Park Place of Elmhurst?

Independent Living
Independent living at a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community OR Life Plan Community) typically includes a choice of apartments or cottages/villas if available, along with comprehensive services and amenities, and a wide range of educational and social activities. Priority access to on-site health care services is included, making the CCRC option a flexible, long-term choice for both active independent living and aging in place.

Assisted Living
Assisted living is for people who need assistance with the tasks of daily living, aides help with activities such as dressing, showering, taking medication and moving about. The level of assistance is customized to individual needs and priced accordingly. Whether at a stand-alone assisted living community or a neighborhood within a CCRC, such as you’ll find at Park Place, residents typically live in a private or shared apartment and receive three daily meals, inclusive services and amenities, as well as customized care; some also offer memory support. Comprehensive assisted living services are available at Park Place Health & Wellness Center.

Memory Support
Memory support, sometimes called memory care or dementia care, is specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of memory loss.

It’s available at dedicated residential care centers, some assisted living communities, and at many CCRCs, including the Park Place Health & Wellness Center. Residents live in private or shared suites and receive three daily meals, supportive services and amenities. Care is customized to individual needs and priced accordingly. Often, separate secure neighborhoods are available for residents in the early stages of dementia and those in moderate to advanced stages.

Skilled Nursing
Professional nursing services are provided at stand-alone nursing care communities (commonly called “nursing homes”) or, as is the case at Park Place Health & Wellness Center, at skilled nursing facilities within CCRCs.

Rooms may be semi-private or private, and most offer rehabilitation therapies and specialized care to aid recovery from surgery or illness. Many offer long-term care for individuals who need 24-hour nursing, and hospice care may also be available. Skilled nursing care is typically charged at a daily
rate.

Call Park Place Health & Wellness Center at 630-936-4100 to find out more about how we can help you find the right level of care for your loved ones.

Rehabilitation
Some communities offer support services for rehabilitation after illness or injury. These services can include short- and long-term nursing care, as well as occupational, physical, speech and other rehabilitation therapies.

Services are provided on site by a staff of licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants and can include post-surgical care, orthopedic and post-stroke rehabilitation, IV therapies, cardiac recovery, wound care management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and more. At Park Place Health & Wellness Center, we offer high-quality, results-driven physical, occupational and speech therapies.

When is the right time for senior living?

There’s no right answer for this question – it’s a personal decision. Some people may be looking forward to leaving behind the hassles and costs of maintaining a home and can’t wait to move in. Others may be hesitant.

Some things to consider when thinking of moving to senior living:

Timing: If you’re planning on moving into independent living in a Life Plan Community, sooner is better than later. Life Plan Communities have health criteria you must meet. Put off your move for too long and an unexpected health issue may derail your plans. Plus, moving sooner gives you more time to take advantage of all the services, amenities, programs, activities and social events held on campus.

Support: If you find you could use a bit of help with day-to-day tasks, like bathing, dressing or managing your medications, a move to assisted living can be life-changing. Not only will you be free from worrying about those tasks (there will always be someone there to help), you’ll have opportunities to make new friends, enjoy new activities and programs, or just focus on the things you love to do.

How to choose the right senior living community?

It all starts with deciding what kind of lifestyle you want. Think about the location you want to be in, the services you expect, the amenities you love, and the access to care you may need in the future.

Once you lay the groundwork, research communities. Go on tours. Talk with the residency counselors. Determine your budget. Choose the one that meets your needs and expectations and fits your budget.

Do I qualify for independent living?

Every independent living provider will have their own set of criteria to qualify. Simply put, independent living is primarily for people who can live independently and have no exceptional medical needs requiring care.

What is the difference between assisted living and independent living?

Independent Living
Independent living is an option that offers seniors the opportunity to live largely independently in a residential setting, engaging in community life while also enjoying the luxuries of private accommodations. Independent living typically offers a variety of services and amenities that make life easier than living alone, from housekeeping and maintenance to dining services and socialization.

These communities promote healthy aging with a variety of physical fitness programs, educational and cultural opportunities and the company of peers.

Assisted Living
Assisted living provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed for individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities (such as bathing, dressing, taking medications, walking) in a way that promotes maximum independence. Assisted living can be provided in a stand-alone residence or as part of a continuum of care in a senior living community.

What is the difference between a CCRC and a senior rental community?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) like Park Place offer residences for independent living and a continuum of care, including assisted living and skilled nursing . Additional care services may be available, such as memory support, rehabilitation or respite care.

The complete continuum of care is available on the Park Place campus through the Park Place Health & Wellness Center.

Senior Rental Community
Senior rental communities provide maintenance-free accommodations with a variety of services and amenities. In many rental communities, health care services may not be provided at all. If they are offered, you may have to go off site and pay for these services as needed.

What is Life Care?

Life Care is a contract type that provides a lifetime of health care services in a familiar setting at virtually no increase to your monthly fees.

A Life Plan Community, like Park Place, offers all the services, advantages and comforts of independent living plus all levels of quality, on-site health care. This includes assisted living, rehabilitation services, memory support and skilled nursing.

How do I apply for a CCRC?

Chances are, once you have chosen the CCRC you’d like to move to, you’ve established a relationship with its residency counselors. They will guide you through the application process.

The typical CCRC application is a personal profile of your health and finances. Based on this information, your eligibility will be determined.

Planning for a Tour or Appointment

Congratulations! You’ve made a significant step forward in your journey, scheduling an appointment at a community.

Make sure you get the most out of your time there.

What can I expect at this appointment?

When visiting a community for a tour and appointment, you can expect to come away with valuable  information and a feel for community life.

Be prepared. This appointment will take between one and a half to two hours. Your time will be spent touring the community, then talking with a residency counselor. Be prepared to talk about finances.

What questions should I ask during my tour of Park Place of Elmhurst?

The tour alone is sure to spark questions, but make sure you ask the following:

    • What are the eligibility requirements?
    • What are your contract options?
    • What does each of those contract options include/cover?
    • What does it cost to live here?
    • What is the estimated entrance fee?
    • What does this fee cover?
    • What are the estimated monthly fees?
    • What do these fees cover?
    • What services are available on site?
    • What amenities are available on site?
What should I bring to the tour?

Bring a notepad and pen! You’re going to want to take notes from your meeting with the residency counselor.

Who should attend the tour?

Bring along someone you trust – an adult child, sibling or close friend.

Financial Planning

You deserve to live in a community that meets your needs today and provides a safety net for the future.

Most importantly, you deserve a community that delivers value.

Can I afford a CCRC?

For an accurate estimate of costs, meet with a residency counselor.

What is the average cost of a Life Plan Community?

Many variables determine the cost of a CCRC, including your choice of residence, contract options, service package, etc. To get the most accurate answer, meet with a residency counselor.

Does Medicare pay for senior living at PPOE?

Medicare does not cover Independent Living and typically doesn’t pay for Assisted Living costs. Medicare can cover certain expenses, such as short-term Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, and some home health care services, depending on eligibility.

What is long-term care insurance?

Long-term care insurance is a policy that helps cover the costs of care not covered by regular health insurance, including chronic medical conditions, a disability or a disorder such as dementia.

  • How much does long-term care insurance cost?
    The cost of a long-term care insurance policy varies; it is based on variables, including your age and health, gender, marital status, insurance company and amount of coverage.
  • What does long-term care insurance cover?
    Long-term care insurance helps cover the cost of care when you have a chronic medical condition, disability or disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
  • Does long-term care insurance cover independent living?
    No, long-term care insurance does not cover the costs of independent living.
Can Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits cover senior living costs?

Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits can cover some costs associated with assisted living or skilled nursing.

Is senior independent living tax deductible?

Some independent living costs are tax deductible if you live in a Life Plan Community. You may be eligible to receive a one-time deduction for the nonrefundable portion of the entrance fee.

Is a CCRC a good investment?

At first glance, you may think you can’t afford a Life Plan Community (or CCRC), but take a closer look. A comparison of what you can expect to pay if you stay at home or move to a rental community versus what you pay at a Life Plan Community may show that the latter actually saves you money.

The fixed monthly fee at a Life Plan Community provides budget stability – you know exactly what you’re going to pay and what you’re going to get for your money – (think maintenance services, utilities, housekeeping and more). There won’t be any surprises – like needing a new roof, replacing the furnace or needing a new dishwasher.

The monthly fee may also include meals, access to a fitness center, entertainment, and more – costs you pay out-of-pocket right now.

There are also tax deductions to consider: Certain contract types provide tax advantages by permitting you to deduct the cost of prepaid long-term health care.

But the access to continuing care (assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, skilled nursing care) at predictable – and typically below-market rates – provides the most significant cost savings.

Moving to Park Place

You’ve made your decision, and now it’s time to make your move.

We’ll help the entire process, from packing to getting settled in, seamless and, yes, enjoyable.

Does Park Place of Elmhurst offer any moving assistance?

Park Place partners with a moving company to help with packing, unpacking and move coordination.

What should I bring with me?

Your apartment at Park Place is your new home, and you should treat this move just like a move to a new house. Bring furniture, décor, kitchenware, décor and personal belongings.

What can I expect on moving day?

With the help of our moving company, you can expect moving day to be a breeze. They’ll move your belongings, unpack your boxes and set up your apartment. All you have to do is walk through the door.

Are there people at Park Place to help me settle into the community?

You’ll feel like part of the Park Place community from the minute you move in. Our resident-led welcome committee is here to make you feel at home.

They’ll meet with you, show you around, invite you to dinner, accompany you to programs and activities, and introduce you to your new neighbors.

Are there any special events to attend as a new member of the community?

There are!

Park Place’s department directors will meet with you, sharing information about their departments and helping you take advantage of all their offerings. Each month we host a welcome reception for all newcomers – a great opportunity to meet new friends.

How do I prepare for a Rehabilitation stay?

If you or a loved one are coming for Short-Term Rehabilitation, pack like you’re taking a mini vacation. Bring the following:

 

  • Clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for exercising and moving around in, such as joggers, sweatpants, t-shirts, athletic socks and sneakers
  • Any prescription medications you are currently taking
  • Glasses, hearing aids, and dentures if you have them
  • Toiletries
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Books, magazines, a tablet or other leisure or entertainment items

Additional Resources

AARP
The nation’s leading organization for people age 50 and older
www.aarp.org

Administration on Aging
Site provides an overview on a variety of topics, programs and
services related to aging
www.aoa.gov

Alzheimer’s Association®
The world leader in Alzheimer’s research and support. The first and
largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention
methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s
www.alz.org

American Geriatrics Society
The premier professional organization of health care providers
dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults
www.americangeriatrics.org

American Health Assistance Foundation
A charitable organization dedicated to funding research on age-
related and degenerative diseases, educating the public about these
diseases, and providing emergency financial assistance to people
with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers
www.ahaf.org

American Heart Association
Offers information on heart attacks, strokes and family health
www.americanheart.org

Arthritis Foundation
Provides information on arthritis: types, treatments, coping tips and
research information
www.arthritis.org

Care Managers
Referral sites to locate geriatric care managers who assess needs,
identify and coordinate care resources
www.caremanager.org

Care Pathways
Site created and maintained by RNs to provide older adults and their
families access to quality health care information, products and
services
www.carepathways.com

Healthfinder
A government website with links to health-related information resources on the internet
www.healthfinder.gov

LeadingAge
An association of 5,600 not-for-profit organizations working together
to enable and empower people to live fully as they age
www.leadingage.org

Medicare
Official United States government Medicare site
www.medicare.gov

Medicare Rights Center
The largest independent source of health care information and
assistance in the United States for people with Medicare
www.medicarerights.org

National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care
Site developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
to provide information and resources to help you and your family
plan for future long-term care needs
alc.gov/ltc

RetirementHomes.com
The internet’s most visited and most comprehensive senior living
resource for retirement communities, as well as assisted living, senior
housing, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
www.RetirementHomes.com

WebMD
WebMD is the leading provider of online information, research,
educational services and communities for physicians and consumers
www.webmd.com

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