ELARA CARING I
Provider Information
- Address
- 1011 E. TOUHY AVE STE 170A
DES PLAINES, IL 60018 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 17, 1998
CMS Quality Ratings
Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.
Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.
CAHPS Hospice Survey — family caregivers rate communication, symptom management, respect, and overall experience.
CMS scores as of May 2026. Quality of Care derived from CMS Hospice Care Index. Patient Satisfaction from the CMS CAHPS Hospice Survey. Overall is the equally-weighted average of both. All source data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Staffing & Capacity
| Role | Staff Count |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 4 |
| Physicians | 1 |
15
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Supportive Care in Des Plaines
Elara Caring I serves families in Des Plaines, Illinois, by providing compassionate end-of-life care. Located on East Touhy Avenue in Cook County, this provider focuses on comfort and dignity for those with life-limiting illnesses. They bring a team of experts directly to your home or current living space. The goal is simple: to help your loved one stay peaceful and pain-free. Choosing the right hospice team is a big decision for any family. That is why having local options that prioritize comfort makes a world of difference during a hard time. Elara Caring I has been part of the Medicare program since 1998, which shows they have been doing this work for a long time. They aim to support both the patient and the family members through every step of this journey.
About ELARA CARING I
Elara Caring I operates as a for-profit hospice provider. Being Medicare certified since August 1998 means they follow strict federal rules for patient care. That is a long history of service in the community. When you look at a for-profit hospice, it just means they are a private business that accepts Medicare payments to cover care costs. You should know that all Medicare-certified hospices must offer the same core services. These include nursing care, doctor visits, and emotional support for the family. The main difference usually comes down to their specific team culture and how they talk with your family. Because they have been in business for over 25 years, they likely have deep ties to the Des Plaines area. It is always a good idea to meet the team yourself. See if their style matches what your family needs right now.
Understanding Hospice Care in Des Plaines
Hospice is not about giving up. It is about choosing to focus on quality of life when a cure is no longer an option. In Cook County, you have several choices for hospice care, but the care team is what matters most. A good team visits your home often. They help manage medications so your loved one stays comfortable. They also provide equipment like hospital beds or oxygen if you need them. The thing is, hospice is a team effort. You will work with nurses, aides, and social workers. Some teams even include volunteers for extra support. Most people do not realize that hospice care can happen wherever you call home. This could be a house, an apartment, or a nursing facility. The main point is to keep your loved one in a place they feel safe and familiar. That comfort is the heart of hospice.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team feels overwhelming, but asking clear questions helps. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. You should also ask how they help the family cope with grief. It is okay to ask about their specific experience with your loved one's illness. Another good question is how they handle pain management when things get difficult. Do they have a doctor who is easy to reach? You need to feel like you are in good hands. Ask them to explain their plan for your specific situation. If they cannot give you a straight answer, keep looking. Trust your gut feeling after you meet them. You deserve a team that listens to your concerns and answers your questions without making you feel rushed. That kind of care is what you should expect.
Other Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored today.
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one with confidence.
How to Spot a Trustworthy Hospice in 2026
A federal fraud crackdown froze new hospice enrollments in 2026. Here's how to verify a hospice is legitimate, Medicare-certified, and safe to trust.
Preserve their story while there's time
Many families in this stage find comfort in capturing their loved one's life story. A guided memoir project can become a meaningful part of the care journey, giving your family something lasting to hold onto.