Chicago Seniors Discover Retirement Staycations in Area
- As More People Retire Closer to Home, Senior Living Communities Like Pleasant View Offer 'Stay-and-See' Packages -
OTTAWA, Ill., May 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As more seniors opt to retire and travel closer to home, senior living communities are responding with innovative Stay-and-See packages to interested retirees. At the center of this trend is Pleasant View, a Life Plan Community in Ottawa, Illinois, a historic river town just 90 minutes from Chicago, which announced an innovative Stay-and-See program to meet the trend of people wanting to retire close to home and experience a community before making a move.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 58% of older adults relocate within their own county. Meanwhile, AARP reports that 61% now prefer to vacation domestically. This shift toward local exploration is making communities like Pleasant View increasingly appealing.
'Making a move later in life is a big decision,' said Kayli Battles, Sales Director. 'That's why we created the Stay-and-See Vacation Package at Pleasant View in Ottawa. It's a no-pressure way to experience the lifestyle, meet the community and enjoy everything the area has to offer.'
Stay-and-See Highlights at Pleasant View Include:
Guests can also enjoy nearby attractions like Starved Rock State Park, local dining and summer events at the community, including BBQs and Lunch & Learn sessions—all with no long-term commitment.
'Whether you're curious about Life Plan living or just looking for a relaxing summer retreat, we invite you to stay with us, meet the community and see what makes this place so special,' said Darnell.
Part of Lutheran Life Communities, Pleasant View offers a full continuum of care, with independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, long-term care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation all on the same campus.
Stay Local. See What's Possible.
Visit Pleasant View June Events or call (815) 940-2667 to RSVP or reserve your Stay-and-See experience today. https://lutheranlifecommunities.org/communities/pleasant-view/juneevents/
About Pleasant View:
Pleasant View is a 62+, pet-friendly Life Plan Community with a full continuum of care. As part of the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Lutheran Life Communities, which was founded 130 years ago, the campus shares the commitment to providing exceptional care and services to enhance residents' lives. For generations, friends and family have lived and worked together here, sharing a life of integrity and independence surrounded by glorious natural beauty. Best of all, residents will have the peace of mind that comes with having independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation all on the same campus with care rooted in honest Midwestern values, which are core to our community culture. It's Grace-Filled living. Learn more at: https://lutheranlifecommunities.org/communities/pleasant-view/
Image link for media:
https://lutheranlifecommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pleasant_View.jpg
Image Caption: Pleasant View in Ottawa, Ill., offers seniors a chance to Stay-and-See in a private villa or apartment, with chef-prepared meals or cook-at-home flexibility, full housekeeping and daily programs like social events, wellness classes and spiritual care.
NEWS SOURCE: Pleasant View
Keywords: Long Term Care, Illinois Senior Living Communities, Pleasant View, a Life Plan Community, Ottawa Illinois, Lutheran Life Communities, Long-Term Care, Skilled Nursing, OTTAWA, Ill.
This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Pleasant View) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126562 APNF0325A
To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/chicago-seniors-discover-retirement-staycations-in-area/
© 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA.
RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT.
Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Chicago Tribune
10 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Schererville woman at 108: ‘Well, I guess I took good care of myself and didn't know it'
Still sharp, still witty, still stylish, 108-year-old Edith Coleman straightens her blouse while pausing to reflect on a question she gets a lot these days. 'What's my secret?' she echoes. 'Well, I guess I took good care of myself and didn't know it.' Laughter erupts inside her Schererville townhouse where family members and friends help her get by. 'Everybody asks me my secret,' the former teacher and longtime public servant says. 'Oh, I could tell you but I'd have to charge you.' In all seriousness, she adds, 'I don't think I'm that extraordinary.' According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are some 101,000 Americans age 100 or over today. That number is expected to reach 422,000 by 2054. But family members say, in addition to her longevity, it has been Coleman's dedication to her community and to her fellow human beings that makes her special. Much of the Northwest Indiana community would agree. 'She's amazing,' said second-cousin Mark Patterson. 'She's done a lot in her lifetime.' Coleman was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on Feb. 13, 1917. She was 14 years old when her mother died, leaving she and her siblings orphaned. Coleman and a younger brother were sent to live with relatives in Kansas. Meanwhile, an older brother moved to Chicago. It was during a visit to Chicago that Coleman met a man from Gary who would become her husband and introduce her to a whole new world. 'We seemed to have the same characteristics. Both of us were serious. We weren't worldly. And we both loved the Lord,' she said. She and William 'Henry' Coleman were wed in 1940. Back then, Gary was a thriving steel town, offering high wages at the mills and proximity to culturally rich and bustling Chicago, she said. 'There was money in Gary,' Coleman said. 'People came from all over to live there.' Henry Coleman and his brother-in-law ran El Frio, one of the largest Black-owned beverage companies in the country. After more than two decades as a private businessman, Coleman went to work for Gary's first Black mayor, Richard Hatcher, as campaign manager and then city controller. In their early years, Coleman stayed home while the couple's two daughters, Norma and Merle, were young. Once her children were older, Coleman put her Indiana University degree to work and began teaching in the Gary school system. She taught second and third grade at Douglas Elementary School for 27 years. 'It was a wonderful school system,' she said. 'It was known all over the country.' The Gary Plan, designed by William Wirt, embraced academics and art, physical education and industrial arts in a system often referred to as 'work-study-play' or 'platoon-style' learning. 'A lot of those kids went on to be very successful,' Coleman said. A devoted member of the First Church of God in Gary, Coleman volunteered for missionary work, served as a deaconess and taught Sunday school. 'My husband and I were just ordinary people who believed in public service,' she said. They also were big travelers, visiting many countries in Europe as well as Jamaica. Though she never played a musical instrument, Coleman channeled her family's longtime love for music into more volunteer work, serving for 18 years on the board of the Northwest Indiana Symphony. To this day, she cherishes the memory of the performance at which the orchestra opened by thanking her for her service. She also supported the Gary YWCA and was active in the American Association of University Women. When the AAUW formed a gourmet cooking club, she traveled to other members' homes to sample ethnic cuisine. 'We had Polish food and Russian food. And there was a member from Sweden,' she recalled. Which was her culinary favorite? 'My own, of course,' she said, chuckling. The Colemans had been married for 47 years when he passed in 1987. Their daughters, too, are both gone. Merle, a U.S. Navy recruiter, died in 2012, and Norma, a teacher, passed in 2015. 'That's the hardest thing about living so long,' Coleman said. 'Everyone from my mother's family is dead. All my first cousins, aunts, uncles, children are dead.' Today, her second cousins help care for her. 'They are so good to me,' she said. One of those relatives, Paul Patterson, said, 'She's absolutely amazing. She has so much history. She's witnessed so much during her lifetime. And she was so involved in her community. I'm so proud of her. She's still up on current events, too. She watches the news all the time. It's very impressive.' All her life, Coleman said, she strived to be inclusive, even as the country struggled through segregation, civil rights legislation and, now, political divisiveness. 'We didn't grow up with hatred in our hearts,' she said. 'Even in Oklahoma, our community was made up of all kinds of people of different ethnicities. We tried not to judge.' Her grandmother was 8 years old when slavery ended in America. 'She talked about it. We knew the boundaries and we knew what to expect,' Coleman said. 'I went to an all-Black school. We had our own churches and restaurants,' she said. 'Of course, it hurt to know that people would look at you and see Black and think you were different or inferior to them. But we still tried to bring people together.' If she has a message for the world today, it is to abide by the golden rule. 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' she said. Embracing that mantra has served her well. Over the years, she said, she has had friends from all walks of life. 'I guess I just tried to live a healthy, Christian life,' she said. 'And I liked being busy.' Other than a bit of hearing loss and a slight limp in her walk, Coleman said, she is doing well for a centenarian-plus. She had a serious fall in January, after which she spent some time in rehab. While there, people kept asking about her age. She chuckles, saying she doesn't mind. But tell her she looks wonderful, and she smiles broadly and quips, 'You know what they say, 'Tell the truth'.'
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Assisted Living Locators Offers Purpose-Driven Franchise Opportunity Amid Growing Demand for Senior Care Guidance
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the need for personalized senior care navigation services continues to rise, Assisted Living Locators, a nationwide leader in eldercare placement and referral, is seeing strong interest from franchise candidates seeking meaningful and flexible business ownership. Aligned with National Professional Wellness Month in June, the brand is highlighting how its model supports entrepreneurs in building profitable careers while making a real difference in the lives of families. The demand for senior care solutions is growing rapidly, with the U.S. Census Bureau projecting that by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in history. Assisted Living Locators' no cost, personalized service model helps families navigate complex eldercare decisions with expert guidance, a service more essential than ever. Franchisees say the business provides more than financial rewards—it offers purpose. "This business allows us to support families during vulnerable times, and that's incredibly fulfilling," said Ed Wagner who owns the Denver, CO, franchise with his wife Jennifer. "It's a mission-driven career that aligns with our values and gives us the flexibility to live life on our terms." Tonja Jackson, a former registered nurse and the Senior Living Advisor for Baton Rouge, LA, echoed that sentiment: "Coming from a clinical background, I was looking for a way to continue serving others with compassion. Assisted Living Locators gave me the tools and training to turn that into a thriving business. Every day I feel like I'm making a difference." With more than 150 franchise locations across the U.S., Assisted Living Locators offers comprehensive training, certification programs, and ongoing support to help owners succeed. The franchise, part of the Evive Brands family, is ideally suited for professionals from healthcare, business, or service backgrounds who want to transition into a people-focused role with lasting impact. "Professional wellness isn't just about work-life balance—it's about doing work that matters," said Felicia Sanders, Brand President of Assisted Living Locators. "We empower franchisees to create successful businesses while supporting families and communities in a deeply personal way." For more information about franchising with Assisted Living Locators, visit Media Contact: Rhonda Grundemann at 602-739-8810 or rgrundemann@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Assisted Living Locators Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Associated Press
18 hours ago
- Associated Press
At Commencement, The Woodlands at Furman Graduates to ‘Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC)' Status
GREENVILLE, S.C., June 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Woodlands at Furman, a 350+ resident senior living community in partnership with Furman University, has met criteria to be recognized as a 'Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC)', the highest category among more than 85 University Retirement Communities (URCs) nationwide. As launched last Fall by the nation's largest directory and information resource for the rapidly growing model of senior living communities with connection to a host university or college, The Woodlands is the first 'Certified UBRC' in the Eastern United States, and second overall, along with Mirabella at ASU in Tempe, Arizona. 'As universities and colleges celebrate Commencement nationwide, we are incredibly proud to 'graduate' as a 'Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC),' the equivalent of magna cum laude status,' stated Rick Brackett, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Woodlands at Furman. 'We are truly honored by our partnership with Furman University and the work of the entire team at The Woodlands in creating an active, intellectually stimulating, and intergenerational environment that is reinventing senior living while bringing residents and students together to meet the needs of an aging population.' 'With the continuing growth in the number of University Retirement Communities (URCs) in the U.S. it was imperative to bring structure to this sector, in particular recognizing communities representing the highest level of integration with a host university or college,' stated Andrew Carle, Founder of As Director of the Program in Senior Living Administration at George Mason University, Carle created a 5-criteria model in 2006 for a 'University Based Retirement Community (UBRC)' that has been recognized as the standard for defining such communities. The criteria served as the basis for the certification program, with communities meeting all five, along with related standards, eligible for 'Certified' status. Carle previously served as Senior Consultant – Health Intelligence for J.D. Power and Associates, for whom he helped lead development of its Certified Senior Living Community program in 2017. Certification criteria include the proximity of the community to the campus, documented resident-to-university and student-to-community programs, a continuum of senior living services, the percent of residents who are alums or retired university faculty or staff, and a financial relationship between the community and university that supports long term operational success. The Woodlands is located on 99-year leased land from Furman University, and residents can participate in the university's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, receive courtesy greens fees at the Furman Golf Course, and discounts to both athletic and visual and performing arts events. Nearly four dozen residents hold a personal connection to the university, including alums, retired faculty and staff, and past members of the Board of Trustees. The community offers a full continuum of senior living services, while providing easy access for student internships, employment, and volunteer work within the community. The three-year certification allows the community to display the 'Certified UBRC' logo, as well as receive the highest search ranking on the website. ABOUT THE WOODLANDS AT FURMAN The Woodlands at Furman is a Premier Life Plan Community in Greenville, SC, offering a full continuum of care. Voted 'Best of the Upstate' eight years running, The Woodlands is the path of choice for active, lifelong learners with upscale amenities in a serene, natural setting. As the only locally owned and operated non-profit Life Plan Community in the area, they offer tiered lifestyle and healthcare options all on one campus, including independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing, so residents can count on peace of mind for the future. ABOUT Launched in 2023, is the first directory and information resource website dedicated exclusively to the rapidly growing model of senior living communities hosted by or with formal connection to a university or college. Currently listing more than 85 communities, the site also serves as a resource for academic institutions or other providers seeking to develop a new or enhance an existing University Retirement Community (URC), along with the first national certification program for URCs. MULTIMEDIA: PHOTO link for media: PHOTO caption: Andrew Carle, Founder of presents the official 'Certified University Based Retirement Community' designation to Rick Brackett, President & CEO, and Ezra Hall, Director of Philanthropy & Engagement at The Woodlands at Furman, during the awards ceremony. NEWS SOURCE: The Woodlands at Furman Keywords: Education and Schools, Certified University Based Retirement Community, The Woodlands at Furman, University Retirement Communities, Senior Living, Healthcare, University, GREENVILLE, S.C. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Woodlands at Furman) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126659 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.