New CEO Linda Beushausen Brings New Energy to Peace Village

Palos Park, IL - Change often has a domino effect, resulting in bigger and bigger transformations along the way. When just one woman begins a personal revolution, hundreds of lives can be touched, in positive and affirming ways.

That’s what happened when Linda Beushausen started getting the sense that the universe had different plans in store for her. “I had no intention of leaving the hospice field, no intention of leaving Michigan,” she says. “I rejected these stirrings for months. But God was calling me to do something different and there were more and more signs I needed to pay attention to.”

Changes were also happening at Peace Village Palos Park. The senior residential community and governing board were looking for a new CEO to help them take their vision to the next level. After several visits and long conversations, the Peace Village board and leadership team were excited about inviting Beushausen. As Beushausen considered the move to Peace Village, it became clear to her that this was a good fit.

“Peace Village is amazing. The staff is amazing, the facilities themselves are amazing and the residents are amazing. I feel so blessed to be a part of this.”

Since she accepted the leadership position in February, she’s felt a renewed sense of excitement within the community. Part of that, she believes, is because she doesn’t see herself as standing apart or above; she sees herself and all the staff as part of the neighborhood.

“The board was searching for someone who could think outside the box,” Beushausen laughed. “But I don’t even have a box.” She is completely confident in considering new ideas. “Some crazy ideas will stick and be successful, so you have to be creative and willing to find those ideas - the crazy stuff that will stick.”

Her philosophy is straightforward - value each and every person you meet and find a way to make a difference in their life. She does not hesitate to express gratitude and joy about her life and her new circumstances, but most especially for the people around her. She views the Village residents not as a group, but as individuals, with respect and admiration for their unique histories, intelligence and accomplishments.

Beushausen understands that the mold of senior residential communities is changing. “As baby boomers retire and begin moving into these communities, we’ll see a big shift in the priorities of residents - what will set us apart is our dedication to excellence. In the near future, we’re going to see two different generations living side by side in senior communities. As we welcome those in their 70’s, we’ll also still be accommodating those in their 90’s and beyond. “It’s quite a balancing act and one we are looking forward to.”

With the upcoming addition of a new dining venue, an upscale, yet casual, pub-like setting and the new fitness center, Peace Village is already creating new trends in senior communities.

Flexibility is key to continued success, she says. It will be needed to attract new residents in varied financial situations and diverse spiritual practices. Senior communities need to become more and more person-centered, asking “what is most important to our residents and how do we support that?” Through innovation, Peace Village will create the future of senior living.

“We need to make sure that lifestyle and independence is meaningful, but that we also get residents involved as part of this community,” Beushausen says. “Peace Village will create the future of senior living, not just be a follower of trends.”

Beushausen is also passionate about transparency and access. “I included my cell phone number in the Village directory and have an open door policy. If someone needs to talk to me, they can. I dine with different residents a few nights a week in an effort to get to know our residents and the experiences they’ve had. We are in this together!”

Her leadership is already being felt positively. “We are so blessed to have her with us,” remarked Nancy Smeraldo, Director of Sales and Marketing. “She is a very special lady.”

There is a new spirit and vitality at Peace Village. Visitors to Beushausen’s office notice it immediately. There is no executive chair; there is a big blue yoga ball that helps keep Beushausen in shape mentally and physically. The walls are lined with inspirational artwork that support the notions of “out of the box” thinking.

The change that Beushausen affected in her life has indeed dominoed to the Peace Village residents. “I know the value of laughter, having fun, finding joy, and being grateful. Revitalizing these values is inspiring residents, families and friends, and employees to make Peace Village a community where more people want to live. We are experiencing exciting times at Peace Village and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”