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Send Free InfoFrequently Asked Questions
The following questions relate to our general practices. Please contact representatives at our individual communities for specific information.
- Does a person need to be Presbyterian to live at Presbyterian Homes?
- Presbyterian Homes is a not-for-profit organization. Why should this be important to me?
- Presbyterian Homes offers a "guarantee of continued residence." What does this mean?
- Will I need to give all my assets to Presbyterian Homes?
- Do you have to be a resident of independent living first before you can take advantage of assisted living, nursing care, or other services?
- What is a CCRC or Continuing Care Retirement Community?
- What other services are available on your CCRC campuses?
- I’ve heard that there is a long waiting list.
- Are meals included?
- How much does it cost to live at Presbyterian Homes?
- Is there a rental option?
- When am I entitled to a refund of my refundable entrance fee?
- Will we own our residence?
- What is the difference between independent living, assisted living and nursing care?
- What if I am independent but my spouse needs to be in assisted living or nursing care? Can we still move in? Where would we live
Does a person need to be Presbyterian to live at Presbyterian Homes?
No, all of our communities are non-sectarian, and no religious affiliation is necessary. Persons of many faith traditions live on our campuses.
Presbyterian Homes is a not-for-profit organization. Why should this be important to me?
Not-for-profit providers offer a commitment to quality that stems from a mission of service and a history of compassion - - a century of commitment, in the case of Presbyterian Homes. We believe in people before profits.
We employ a values-driven team who manages our organization to achieve the Presbyterian Homes mission. Quality is the barometer for their work, not earnings. Our organization grew out of Chicago religious groups, and our managers continue to be part of the local fabric of our communities. They are not driven by a desire to increase stock prices for shareholders. All proceeds are reinvested in improving facilities and fulfilling our mission.
In addition, our organization is accountable to a board of directors, whose members volunteer their time and talent to assure quality services and management. They work to assure that Presbyterian Homes’ employees are receiving competitive wages and benefits for the hard work they do.
Presbyterian Homes’ communities have been part of the North Shore and the northwest suburbs for decades and offer the stability that will give you peace of mind.
Presbyterian Homes offers a "guarantee of continued residence." What does this mean?
At all Presbyterian Homes communities, a part of the Residence Agreement for contractual residents of independent living is a guarantee of continued residency. It says that if you outlive your assets (through no fault of your own), Presbyterian Homes will not ask you to leave the community. Please talk to an admissions director for specific information about the campus you are considering.
Will I need to give all my assets to Presbyterian Homes?
Absolutely not. Each resident maintains control of his or her assets. We now offer many independent-living entrance fee options, including refundable entrance fees, starting as low as $72,000. Plans vary by location, so ask the admissions director for specific information about the campus you are considering.
Do you have to be a resident of independent living first before you can take advantage of assisted living, nursing care, or other services?
No. In fact, last year over 700 people from surrounding towns recuperated from surgery or illness in one of our Health Care Centers located in Evanston, Lake Forest or Arlington Heights. Our rehabilitative services on each campus, including physical and occupational therapy and speech/language pathology, are highly regarded by physicians and patients alike.
What is a CCRC or Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Continuing care refers to the fact that in addition to independent living, all levels of care are available to residents on the same campus. This would include assisted living, nursing care and specialized memory care. In addition, all levels of care can be accessed directly by those living outside the retirement community.
What other services are available on your CCRC campuses?
In addition to assisted living and nursing care, Presbyterian Homes offers Rehabilitation Services, Home Health and Lifeline emergency response service.
I’ve heard that there is a long waiting list.
Not always. Many of our communities do maintain a Future Resident List. But, since the lists are residence-specific, some residences may become available within a few months while others may not be available quite as soon. The key to our Future Resident Lists is to join early, and use the time to plan a successful move.
Are meals included?
Our communities offer flexible meal plans. Three meals each day are available, and typically residents can choose which meals they want to include in their monthly fees. Plans vary from no included meals to 20 or more meals included each month.
However, each community has decided on the best program for the residents on their campus. People who travel are provided with credit if their monthly fee includes meals.
How much does it cost to live at Presbyterian Homes?
It’s surprisingly affordable. Each community has its own selection of residences with corresponding prices. Residences range in size from 500 square feet to over 4,000 square feet.
Each community offers a refundable or non-refundable entrance fee, combined with an ongoing monthly service fee. The entrance fees for independent residents range in price from $72,000 to over $950,000, while the monthly service fee includes a flexible meal plan, weekly housekeeping, all maintenance, transportation and utilities. Monthly service fees for independent residents begin at $1,645 per month.
Is there a rental option?
Those who move directly into assisted living or nursing care can rent from year to year, and do not pay an entrance fee.
When am I entitled to a refund of my refundable entrance fee?
Upon leaving the community, and once your residence has been resold, you may be entitled to a refund. In addition, should you exhaust your benefit of non-chargeable nursing days, you may use your refund to pay for any additional nursing care needed. Talk to the admissions director for specific information about the campus you are considering.
Will we own our residence?
The “equity” in your residence is limited by your potential refund. Presbyterian Homes retains official title, so if you move to assisted living or healthcare, it is a convenient and seamless process.
What is the difference between independent living, assisted living and nursing care?
Independent living is designed for those who can live safely without any assistance or supervision. The services provided are primarily for convenience and lifestyle benefits.
Assisted living is designed for individuals who need regular support but do not need a nurse on a daily basis. Assistance can be provided with activities such as meals, laundry, bathing, dressing and medication reminders.
Nursing care provides the necessary care for those who need a nurse or certified nursing assistant on a daily basis. Individuals might have chronic conditions that require a skilled caregiver in our nursing care center.
What if I am independent but my spouse needs to be in assisted living or nursing care? Can we still move in? Where would we live?
A number of couples living at Presbyterian Homes do not share the same good health. On an individual basis, we can create a program which may include one spouse in assisted living or nursing care, and the other in a nearby independent apartment or cottage.