Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) like Park Place of Elmhurst means you’ll enjoy the comfort of independent living now and have seamless access to additional health support if your needs change later. Residents benefit from a full range of services and amenities, social opportunities that come from having a secure plan for the future — all without needing to relocate as care needs evolve.

A Life Plan Community is a type of senior living that offers a lifestyle of independence with the security of on-site support should health needs arise. At Park Place of Elmhurst, residents enjoy a Life Plan model that includes independent living and priority access to assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation — all under one roof.

Life Plan Communities like Park Place of Elmhurst offer more than just a place to live — they offer financial security. Residents benefit from predictable monthly fees through Life Care, a continuum of care available on campus, and the convenience of aging in one place. It’s a smart choice for older adults who value independence, security and long-term planning.

The key difference is long-term security and value. At Park Place of Elmhurst, a Life Care CCRC, residents benefit from guaranteed residency, access to a full continuum of support including assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and predictable monthly fees that remain consistent even as care needs increase.

This financial stability is a key feature of our Life Care model, protecting you from the rising costs of long-term care. In many cases, entrance fees may also offer tax advantages as a deductible medical expense. And because Park Place is a not-for-profit community, every dollar is reinvested into programs, amenities and services that directly benefit residents — ensuring the community grows stronger over time.

In contrast, senior rental communities may offer independent living but often lack access to all levels of care. If support is needed, residents may have to relocate or pay out of pocket for services at unpredictable, market-based rates. In contrast, rental communities are often for-profit entities while CCRCs are largely not-for-profit. Park Place of Elmhurst offers a smarter, more secure approach to aging in place.

Park Place of Elmhurst provides a full continuum of care, allowing residents to age in place with confidence.

Independent living: residents enjoy spacious apartments, dining options, wellness programs and events — all with zero maintenance. Life Care means you’ll have priority access to additional support if your needs change.

Assisted living: designed for individuals who benefit from help with daily routines like dressing, bathing or managing medications. Personalized support is delivered in a welcoming, private residential setting.

Memory support: specialized care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Residents live in secure, thoughtfully designed apartments with customized support and daily engagement.

Skilled nursing: for those needing 24/7 nursing care, short-term recovery or long-term support. Residents receive medical oversight, rehabilitation, and personal care in a comfortable environment.

Rehabilitation: physical, occupational and speech therapies are available onsite, supporting recovery from surgery, injury or illness. Services are provided by licensed professionals using a personalized, results-driven approach.

Contact our team to learn more or call 630-339-5149 to discuss which level of support is right for you or a family member.

Not-for-profit senior living communities like Park Place of Elmhurst are guided by mission, not margins. That means every dollar is reinvested back into the community to enhance resident experiences, support long-term stability and continuously improve services and amenities. Residents often benefit from greater transparency, a more personalized culture and a deeper commitment to wellness, hospitality and connection.

The key difference lies in where the money goes. In a not-for-profit senior living community like Park Place of Elmhurst, our revenue is reinvested back into the community. That means funds go toward enhancing resident services, improving amenities, supporting team members and maintaining the quality of care — not to shareholders or outside investors.

For-profit communities, on the other hand, are owned by private companies or investors and are structured to generate profits. A portion of the revenue may be used for resident care, but a significant share is distributed as profit to stakeholders.

Choosing a not-for-profit community often means choosing a mission-driven environment that puts people first — with a strong focus on long-term stability, service and reinvestment in resident well-being.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

A CCRC like Park Place of Elmhurst offers more than a place to live — it offers long-term value. With Life Care, residents gain predictable monthly costs and access to a full continuum of support, from independent living to skilled nursing, without needing to move off campus. This model protects both your lifestyle and your finances for you and your family. It’s a smart investment in future stability and day-to-day well-being.

Yes, Park Place of Elmhurst is proud to be a not-for-profit Life Plan Community backed by Providence Life Services. Our mission-driven model means we focus solely on what benefits residents, not outside investors. Every dollar goes toward improving care, enhancing lifestyle offerings and building a stronger community — for today and the future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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