Questions about Park Place of Elmhurst
What ongoing training does the staff receive in dementia care?
Caregiving staff who work in memory support all receive 16 hours of training each year, learning about the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, the types and causes of memory loss, and the latest forms of treatment. This training equips our staff to design customized service plans that improve the quality of life for our residents with dementia!
Describe the overall population of assisted living residents at Park Place of Elmhurst. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
About half of our assisted living and memory support population consists of Life Care residents who have traveled through our continuum of care; however we do accept new residents from outside our community as well. The average age of our residents is 88, but we have a wide range of ages from 56 to 100! Our assisted living residents love to participate in the following life-enrichment activities: activities involving the chaplain, bingo, card games, social events like our signature wine and cheese event, and our birthday lunch. They also love the various performers who come to our building, and to go on outings and for walks both through the building and around our beautiful campus.
What programs or activities does Park Place of Elmhurst offer to enrich residents' well-being?
The life-enrichment staff at Park Place puts together a full calendar of outings and activities every month, and they print copies of that monthly calendar for all residents. Activities include root beer float events, variety shows, Bible studies, trips to the outside community, and more. We also have a fitness instructor who provides workout sessions for all residents. The spiritual well-being of our residents is equally important, and we have a chaplain on staff who provides weekly Bible studies and worship services.
What places are near Park Place of Elmhurst or within walking distance for assisted living residents to enjoy?
They love walking through our courtyard and seeing our resident gardens. They also enjoy attending plays, musicals and sporting events at Timothy Christian Schools right next door.
What transportation services does Park Place of Elmhurst offer to assisted living residents?
We do not offer transportation to our assisted living residents. We give residents/families a list of transportation options when they first move in.
What makes the chef or dining program at Park Place of Elmhurst exceptional? What kind of menu can assisted living residents expect?
Park Place residents enjoy a variety of delicious, healthy foods every day. All meals are prepared by our on-site chef in consultation with our registered dietitian, making it easy for residents with special health considerations to enjoy staying within their dietary restrictions.
What safety features or security measures does Park Place of Elmhurst offer to assisted living residents?
We have dedicated licensed care staff on site seven days a week. Our caring and dedicated health care professionals help provide and administer medication. We also have a 24-hour emergency call system. In addition to that, we also have a security team that does regular rounds on our campus. Another great perk of living at Park Place is that we are right across the street from the highly esteemed Elmhurst Hospital – so care is easy for our residents to access.
How does Park Place of Elmhurst keep residents' families informed about their loved ones?
Here at Park Place, we provide families opportunities to have open conversations and a scheduled yearly care conference with our staff. In addition, our entire team works hard to connect with families and get to know them – that way, we can stay on top of communicating any changes in a resident’s health or care needs. Our community manager and life-enrichment team also send weekly emails to families to keep everyone informed about the happenings here at Park Place.
What is the care staff-to-resident ratio at Park Place of Elmhurst during daytime and nighttime hours?
Park Place staffs above and beyond the minimum state requirements. We always have a licensed nurse in the building as well as resident assistants and CNAs 24 hours a day to ensure all resident needs are met.
If Park Place of Elmhurst accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
We do not allow pets in assisted living or memory support at this time.
What ongoing senior care training does the staff receive?
Staff receives training on an annual basis. This training includes – but is not limited to – infection control, promoting social well-being for our residents, client care training, and specific training on assisting residents who have dementia.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
We’re located a few minutes away from the American Movie Palace Museum, the College of DuPage, Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst City Centre, Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, and the York Woods Forest Preserve.
What transportation services does Park Place of Elmhurst offer to independent living residents?
Elmhurst is pleased to offer our residents transportation services to local appointments. Some restrictions apply.
What makes the chef or dining program at Park Place of Elmhurst exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
Our community offers multiple dining choices from formal and casual to the marketplace bistro to the private dining room.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
Park Place has a variety of comfortable areas where residents enjoy gathering. Some of these include our bistro, living room, card room, creative arts studio, and library.
What safety features or security measures does Park Place of Elmhurst offer to independent living residents?
We have 24-hour security for residents.
If Park Place of Elmhurst accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
Dogs and cats are welcome at Park Place. Park Place is surrounded by scenic walking trails that allow for plenty of space to go on a stroll with your four-legged friend. Dogs and cats are welcome to walk leashed, with their owner, throughout the community.
Does Park Place of Elmhurst work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
Park Place of Elmhurst offers “Campus Care.” Campus Care is a convenient option for residents who may need just a little help with activities of daily living or are recuperating after a hospitalization or surgery. And our Campus Care program is provided by our very own Providence Life Services staff.
How many staffers are on duty in the daytime and overnight?
Park Place staffs above and beyond the required state standards when it comes to our memory support unit. We ensure that we have a minimum of three nursing staff members on duty for every shift, in addition to our housekeeping, dining, and life-enrichment staff members who are dedicated to our memory support residents.
What safety features or security measures does Park Place of Elmhurst provide to protect residents who wander?
Park Place of Elmhurst is equipped with a memory care unit that is designed to keep our residents safe. The unit is equipped with WanderGuard technology to ensure no one is exiting the unit with staff or family assistance.
What programs or activities does Park Place of Elmhurst offer to keep residents engaged? How does the staff engage residents' long-term memories?
We believe that keeping memory support residents engaged is one of the most important things we can do for their overall well-being. We have a dedicated life-enrichment team member who prepares both a dynamic and diverse range of activities to meet our residents where they are in their current stage of dementia. Everything from music to baking to art projects is done in our memory support unit. In addition, we engage residents using memory boxes to learn more about them and about their past.
Who assesses residents' health and cognitive functioning? How often is that assessment repeated?
Residents are currently assessed by both their primary physician and our clinical director. This assessment is completed at least once a year for all residents, or as needed if there is a change in resident condition. We also have several physicians who regularly consult and see residents here at Park Place who can assist with this process.
What techniques does Park Place of Elmhurst use to support memory care residents during mealtimes?
Two main options are offered at every meal. If a resident is unsure or cannot decide, we will order both. We’ll serve the resident one option; if they eat it, we will make a note of that preference. (We have a diet card for every resident.) If the resident rejects the first option, we will serve the other option and note the response. If the resident does not eat either one, we will try something from the Everyday Menu. Learning food preferences is something families can help us with, so please feel free to give us any pointers you have!
How does Park Place of Elmhurst keep residents' families informed about their loved ones' health?
Here at Park Place, we provide families opportunities to have open conversations and a scheduled yearly care conference with our staff here at Park Place. Our entire team works hard to connect with families and to get to know them – that way, we can stay on top of communicating any changes in a resident’s health or care needs as they arise.
Describe the neighborhood around Park Place of Elmhurst. Is it located in a residential neighborhood, a business district, a rural setting, or other type of locale?
Park Place is located in a residential area – our neighbors include Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, Faith Christian Reformed Church, Timothy Christian Schools, and Elmhurst Hospital. Our residents and our community are very actively involved with one another, and we love interacting with our neighbors!
Is Park Place of Elmhurst affiliated with a hospital if more care is needed?
Park Place of Elmhurst is not directly affiliated with a hospital; however, we have a great relationship and strong ties to Elmhurst Hospital, which is conveniently located across the street from us. In addition to that, since Park Place is a continuing care retirement community, we also have a highly sought-after 5-star long-term care and sub-acute rehab floor within the building. The residents who live within our community get priority in consideration for these services.
