An Unexpected Beginning
Judy Nyberg and Lowell Pals did not come to Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard, looking for love. They arrived, each life shaped by the chapters before, each having loved deeply and lost a spouse after years of devoted marriage. When her husband died, Judy quickly realized that she did not want to remain alone in her Lombard home. Lowell, a resident of Glen Ellyn, wanted to plan for his future in a way that would not place responsibility on his children. Both were drawn to Beacon Hill for its warmth and sense of community. Most importantly, as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan community, Beacon Hill offered the promise of care if it was ever needed.
What neither expected was that a simple brunch would change everything.
Finding Something Rare
They met at a brunch at Beacon Hill. Judy noticed Lowell right away. “I guess I started flirting,” she said. “I looked him over and thought he was cute.” Lowell said he ‘subconsciously” sensed her attention, though he never imagined where it would lead. Their friendship grew easily and soon both realized they had found something rare. A year later, despite never having imagined they would marry again, that’s exactly what happened. Seven years later, they still speak often and with wonder about how lucky and blessed they are.
What a CCRC Is Designed to Do
A CCRC is designed to provide security for today and peace of mind for tomorrow. Many CCRC’s offer a full continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing on-site. Thus, residents have access to higher levels of care on the same campus if their health needs change.
While this is a type of model that offers comprehensive support if and when higher levels of care are needed consistently, it requires the resident relocating from an independent living apartment to an assisted living apartment. The move, while providing enhanced support, is a significant disruption at what is already a vulnerable time.
Lifecare Done Differently at Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill approaches the continuum of care in a way that removes the disruption. Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) and caregiving can be provided within the resident’s independent living apartment. This concierge service offers personalized assistance and care which is flexible, ranging from brief daily support to around the clock services, without requiring a move to a separate assisted living part of the campus.
For couples, this model is especially meaningful. It allows them to remain together in familiar surroundings, maintaining routines, privacy, and emotional connection.
Care That Comes Home
Over the past several years, Lowell has experienced significant health challenges, including heart issues, valve surgery, and a stroke that left him temporarily paralyzed on his left side. He received skilled nursing care and rehabilitation in Beacon Hill’s health center, supported by a team he describes as exceptional. Rehabilitative therapy was just down the hall, and progress came steadily. Within weeks, he was walking again. Judy visited him easily and frequently.
Within months, Lowell returned to his apartment with Judy. The care followed him, allowing their life together to continue without interruption.
“When I first came back, I had twenty-four-hour care in my apartment,” Lowell shared. “Then it adjusted as I got stronger.”
A Home They Cherish
Judy and Lowell lived in separate apartments until they got married, then she moved into his larger apartment. Many of the upper-level apartments have balconies and large windows overlooking scenic green space with trees, walking paths, and fountains. Judy and Lowell’s 6th floor apartment faces southwest, looking out over a bustling area with lots of energy. “I love watching everything that’s going on. It keeps me connected to the world. It keeps me from living in an ivory tower,” said Judy. “I love being part of the world and imagining what’s going on in the offices and watching people driving to work. And the sunsets. There’s a breathtaking glow every night of the week and it brings me a sense of peace. I know it’s going to be a good day tomorrow. It’s gorgeous up here.”
Mornings are relaxing and sacred. “We sit and watch the sun coming up, enjoying coffee and talking. In our previous lives we never had leisure time for something like that. It’s a wonderful experience,” Lowell said.
Grateful for a Life Well Lived
Both Judy and Lowell often use the same words to describe their life at Beacon Hill. Blessed. Grateful. Fortunate. They’ve made many friends. The residents are “just good people,” said Judy. They speak warmly of the relationships they have built with team members who feel like extended family, from housekeepers and wait staff to maintenance and caregivers These daily connections are part of what makes Beacon Hill feel like home. Beacon Hill offers the security of a CCRC while preserving independence, dignity, and continuity. For Judy and Lowell, it has meant rediscovering joy, healing together, and knowing that whatever comes next, they can face it side by side, exactly where they are.
If you are interested in learning more about Beacon Hill call us at 630-716-9232 or fill out the form below and we’re happy to give you a call to answer any questions you might have.
