Our strategic goal is to liberate elders from the mindset of institutional care.

Dear Friend,

I’d like to tell you something amazing about Otterbein. We’re faced with the same economic challenges as other senior care services in the nation. Demand is going up, and government reimbursement systems are pressing to drive down costs. Yet we’re thriving.

The last six years have seen remarkable growth and innovation at Otterbein. We can proudly say we’re helping lead a revolution that’s changing the way America cares for its elders.  In this, we see the hand of God. We’ve been devoted to His mission for a century, never wavering from our call to enhance the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons in keeping with our United Methodist tradition.

Here, growth and innovation is grounded in the understanding that as children of God, every individual has the right to a lifestyle of their own choosing, no matter what type of care and support is needed. It’s further fueled by our passionate desire to find new and better ways to serve our elders. And find them we have.

Otterbein now has five radical new small house Skilled Nursing & Rehab Neighborhoods, with plans for more in the future.  With these cozy family homes, filled with companionship, independence and meaningful activities, we’ve proven that elders do not need to be institutionalized to receive affordably-priced services.

Our new Home Health service now serves a nine-county area in Ohio, and is keeping people home whenever possible, bringing nurses, therapists and health aides to those recovering from illness or surgery. The first of several Adult Day Service centers is open at our Lebanon campus, filling the needs of today’s stressed caregivers.

Wellness Services and Hospice are set to become new ministries at Otterbein. Wellness Services will help those in independent living avoid stays in assisted living. Hospice for our Otterbein family is a must. Should one of our elders choose not to pursue aggressive medical care at the end of life, we want to keep them in our family of loving care—not transfer them to another facility.

Development of Life Enrichment Centers in each of our five Communities continues. Three are complete as of this writing, thanks to Otterbein partners and residents, who embody “the Spirit of Otterbein” when it comes to getting something done.

Stewardship means using and managing all the resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation. Despite continued economic challenges, thanks to the exceptional stewardship of Otterbein’s partners, volunteers, local and corporate board and committee members, and our donors—with God’s grace we remain blessed. 

Here’s to “liberation!”

Jill Hreben, President/CEO, Otterbein