Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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