For many people choosing an independent living apartment in a senior living community, the biggest question isn’t about making the move. It’s about what happens afterward.
If additional support is needed a few years down the road, will it mean leaving the apartment, neighbors, and routines they’ve grown to love?
At many continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), the answer is yes. As residents’ care needs change, they often move from their independent living apartment to an assisted living apartment or neighborhood.
Beacon Hill, a Life Plan senior living community in Lombard, Illinois, takes a different approach.
Through Lifespace Personal Services (LPS), Beacon Hill helps residents experience aging in place in senior living by bringing personalized assistance directly to residents in their independent living apartments. For many residents, this means staying connected to the home, community, friendships, and routines they already love while receiving the support they need.
Supporting Residents Where They Call Home
People generally don’t want to move more than they have to.
They build friendships. They settle into a favorite apartment. They become part of a community. It feels like home.
For couples, this can mean something even more meaningful. If one spouse begins to need additional assistance, LPS can often help them remain together in the apartment they share rather than requiring one spouse to move to another level of care.
It’s one of the ways Beacon Hill supports aging in place in senior living while helping residents maintain independence and preserve the relationships that matter most.
As needs change, LPS adapts with them. Whether someone is recovering from a hospital stay or simply needs occasional assistance with daily activities, services are customized to each resident’s needs.
“One of the greatest gifts we can provide is helping couples remain together in the apartment they call home,” said Executive Director Elijah Heyboer.
What Does Lifespace Personal Services Include?
LPS is a private duty home care program available exclusively to Beacon Hill residents.
Services are completely personalized and may include:
- Medication management
- Bathing assistance
- Mobility support
- Recovery support after a hospital stay or rehabilitation
- Companionship
- Transportation
- Shopping assistance
- Dog walking
- Seasonal chores
One of the greatest benefits of LPS is flexibility. Support can range from a short 15-minute visit to help with daily routines to ongoing or around-the-clock care when needed.
Unlike many outside home care providers that require longer minimum visits, LPS allows residents to receive the level of assistance that fits their lifestyle and needs.
It is personalized support designed to help residents maintain confidence, independence, and quality of life.
Who Provides Lifespace Personal Services at Beacon Hill?
One of the greatest strengths of LPS is the team providing the care.
Unlike outside home care agencies, LPS personal service assistants are Beacon Hill employees. They receive extensive training, work under the guidance of a registered nurse, and become familiar faces in residents’ daily lives.
“They are our team members. We trust and respect them,” said Heyboer.
Because personal service assistants know the residents they serve, they can recognize changes, build meaningful relationships, and provide care with the warmth and familiarity that comes from being part of the Beacon Hill community.
Healthcare Support That Helps Residents Stay Independent
Receiving support at home is only one part of successful aging in place.
Access to healthcare services is another reason many residents can continue living independently with confidence.
Beacon Hill offers an on-campus medical clinic with primary care physicians, including internists and geriatricians, along with podiatry and optometry specialists.
An LPS concierge can help coordinate medical appointments, and residents can also utilize a weekly nurse clinic for services such as blood pressure checks.
“We empower our residents to age in place in independent living and stay as independent as possible,” said Heyboer. “And, importantly, there’s a backup plan here, with rehab and healthcare right on campus.”
Independence With Peace of Mind
Families naturally wonder what the future may hold.
Will Mom need to move again? Who will help Dad after surgery? Will we be able to find trusted caregivers?
At Beacon Hill, many of those questions already have answers.
Most communities say:
“When you need help, you move.”
Beacon Hill says:
“When you need help, we’ll bring the help to you.”
To learn more about Lifespace Personal Services at Beacon Hill, call (630) 620-5850 or visit BeaconHillLombard.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does aging in place in senior living mean?
Aging in place in senior living means residents can remain in their preferred home and community while receiving additional support as their needs change. This approach allows older adults to maintain independence, routines, and relationships while accessing personalized services.
Can couples stay together if one person needs additional care?
Yes. Programs like Lifespace Personal Services can provide customized support that may allow couples to remain together in their independent living apartment rather than moving to separate areas of care.
What services are included with Lifespace Personal Services?
Lifespace Personal Services may include medication assistance, bathing support, mobility help, companionship, transportation, recovery support after hospitalization, and other personalized services.
How is Lifespace Personal Services different from outside home care?
Lifespace Personal Services team members are Beacon Hill employees who understand the community and residents they serve. This allows for more personalized, consistent support.
When should families begin thinking about future senior living needs?
Families should begin exploring options before a crisis occurs. Planning ahead allows older adults to choose a community, understand available services, and make decisions while they have control over the process.
