Frequently Asked Questions
There are many retirement options available to Chicagoland seniors. Plymouth Place realizes the array of terms that define the lifestyle and health care options may be confusing, so we have assembled the most common questions we receive to help you find the best retirement living choice for you.
What is Plymouth Place?
Plymouth Place is a life care retirement community that offers independent living options to seniors in the Chicago area, along with assisted living, nursing care (a care level akin to a traditional nursing home) and memory loss care (care for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia), if the need arises.
How is Plymouth Place different from other suburban Chicago retirement communities?
Plymouth Place offers life care, which is a lifestyle option available to today’s active seniors in the Chicago area who seek the physical, emotional and financial security of a worry-free and fulfilling retirement.
Life care helps you preserve your retirement assets because the fees you pay will not significantly change if you ever need assisted living, nursing care or memory support. Life care also offers you the freedom and independence to do the things you enjoy most today with the security that comes from knowing you’ve planned well for the future. Life care combines all the meaningful aspects of your current lifestyle with the emotional and financial commitment important to a worry-free future.
Why would I want to move to a life care retirement community like Plymouth Place?
Plymouth Place offers one of the most complete senior living options in the Chicagoland area. Residents enjoy a wide array of services & amenities designed to provide security and convenience. Select a maintenance-free apartment from several different floor plans, and all maintenance and utilities (except telephone) are provided in an all-inclusive, once-a-month fee. Plus, residents are assured on-site senior health care, including assisted living, nursing care and memory support at special rates exclusive to our residents, if ever needed.
If you’d like to learn more about the retirement lifestyle available at Plymouth Place, fill out our information request form today.
What kinds of services and amenities are included in the life care monthly fee?
Some examples of services included are: 24-hour security, housekeeping, interior and exterior maintenance, scheduled transportation, and planned social, educational and cultural activities.
Some examples of amenities that can be found on the Plymouth Place campus include: multiple dining venues, social lounge, fitness center and pool, library and computer center.
How is skilled nursing different from a nursing home?
A nursing home is for people who require assistance with activities of daily living and can no longer be cared for at home. While receiving skilled nursing care at Plymouth Place from the dedicated and caring professionals, residents have access to many of same lifestyle services and amenities offered to the independent living residents. Independent living residents of Plymouth Place have access to on-site nursing care, if ever needed, and the focus on lifestyle is a key difference between skilled nursing at Plymouth Place and a nursing home.
See for yourself how skilled nursing at Plymouth Place is different than other Chicago area nursing homes. Contact us today to set up a personal appointment.
How does life care compare to normal long-term care?
Unlike most long-term health care communities in the Chicago area, life care residents of Plymouth Place are guaranteed access to on-site assisted living, nursing care and memory support at a rate which is the equalized (or average) monthly service fee of all independent living residences. This means, the rate you pay for health care at Plymouth Place will not drastically vary from what you paid while in independent living, and in many cases, may even be less. With the rising costs of long-term care, this predictable plan offers peace of mind for the future by knowing what you pay for care, if ever needed, as well as that once accepted, you will never be asked to leave Plymouth Place for financial reasons.
What if I already have long-term care insurance?
You may be eligible to receive benefits from that policy if you need nursing care. Your policy will likely work together with life care and pay earned benefits directly to you. Consult with your insurance carrier or agent for answers about your individual policy.
Is there a tax benefit for moving to a life care community?
There is tax benefits associated with a life care community. Consult with your tax or financial advisor to guide you through the details of potential deductions, but benefits are available. Several rulings by the United State Internal Revenue Service have established that a portion of your entrance fee and monthly fees are deductible as a pre-paid medical expense. And because these fees are considered a pre-paid medical expense, you can take advantage of the tax benefits even if you live independently at a life care community and require little or no care. These health care tax deductions are available only at communities that offer life care, such as Plymouth Place.
Are there choices in the types of entrance fee plans you offer?
Yes, we have several different entrance fee plans that offer varying levels of refunds from 90% to 0%, the plan you choose will affect the amount of your entrance fee. Our entrance fee plan gives you estate protection and as a resident, you have priority access to on-site assisted living, memory support and nursing care, all at discounted predictable monthly fees. If you’d like to learn about the different entrance fee plans we offer, please schedule an appointment with one of our senior living counselors.
How do I know this is for me at this time in my life?
Aren’t you ready to enhance your current lifestyle, while gaining valuable peace of mind? People often wait until it’s too late and are then unable to take full advantage of the benefits of living in a life care community. By making a smart decision now, you can relax knowing you’ve planned well and taken control of your future. Many people who recently retired are choosing to move to Plymouth Place to take advantage of the variety of healthy, active lifestyle choices and practically limitless opportunities for social, spiritual and personal growth.
What if my family and other advisors think I should continue to live in my current home?
Many of us are uncomfortable with change, preferring to maintain the status quo rather than explore something new. Family members and advisors may not fully understand the benefits and value of moving to a life care community like Plymouth Place, so we’re always happy to speak directly with them and others whose opinions you respect. Once they understand how wonderful life can be in a senior living community, they’re likely to encourage you to make the decision that’s right for you.
Learn more about the exciting retirement options at Plymouth Place. Contact us today to set up a personal tour of our senior living campus.