Story of 3 Generations - Otterbein Tipp City

When one generation discovers a great place to live, the next ones tend to follow. For the families of Wayne and Connie G. and Steve and Laura W., Otterbein Tipp City isn’t just a senior living community — it’s a family tradition.

Finding a Home Closer to Family

In 1994, Connie G. was facing numerous trips to Illinois from her home in Ohio to ensure her parents were successfully managing their home and their health issues. Something had to change.

“I told my parents to pack a bag,” Connie recalls, “because we were going to find them a place to live closer to me.”

At the time, Connie worked for Premier Health and had visited the newly built SpringMeade community (now Otterbein Tipp City). She knew it could be the right fit. Her father initially wanted to build a house, so they toured several lots, but her mother wasn’t interested in going through a new build.

Then, they found an ideal option: a south-facing independent living home (her dad’s one wish) that had just been completed at Otterbein Tipp City. They moved to the home on Aster, and a new chapter began.

Connie’s mother thrived. After experiencing loneliness before the move, she blossomed into an active, social resident. Her father enjoyed playing pool, though he was part of the community for only about a year before he passed away.

Wayne’s Parents Follow the Same Path

Wayne’s parents came to Otterbein later, in 2011, under different but equally familiar circumstances. His father had been experiencing cognitive decline over the previous decade and had recovered from a stroke. Wayne encouraged them to move to an independent living home in the community so they could maintain their independence. At the same time, he provided daily assistance with banking, doctor’s appointments, and everyday needs.

Wayne’s father passed away in 2017 at the age of 91. His mother remained in her home until a fall, a broken hip, and cognitive decline led to her transition to the health center, where she passed away in March 2023 at nearly 95 years old.

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From Watching Their Parents Thrive to Moving In Themselves

For both Wayne and Connie, watching their parents’ positive experiences at Otterbein planted a seed. When it came time to think about their own future, the decision felt natural.

“We’re younger than our parents were when they moved here,” Connie says, “so we’re able to enjoy even more of the activities.”

Wayne lights up when talking about daily life at Otterbein. He appreciates the variety of activities and the freedom to participate on his own terms — no pressure, no obligation.

“A lot of little things keep it from being boring. And the maintenance-free lifestyle is a huge plus — I don’t get on the roof anymore! It’s nice not to be taking those risks.”

But what surprises them most? The quality time they’ve gained as a couple. Without the constant stress of home upkeep — no worrying about something breaking down— they’ve found space to do things together they’d never done before. They’ve made close friends as couples, sharing activities both on and off the community’s scheduled calendar.

Wayne even credits Otterbein with changing who he is: participating in the Otterbein Olympics, taking trips to other campuses, and — in one bold adventure — going on a tethered hot air balloon ride. “I’m more social and active than I used to be,” he admits. “I’m turning into a people person.”

Now a Third Generation Is Getting Ready

Laura W. was around 19 when her grandparents first moved to Otterbein. She remembers being impressed by the campus offerings, the thoughtfully designed single-story homes with accessibility features, and — most of all — the peace of mind.

“I felt peace of mind knowing the health center was available as they needed it,” Laura says. She felt the same relief when her other grandparents arrived, and then again when her own parents — Wayne and Connie — made the move.

Now, Laura and her husband Steve have added their names to the waiting list.

Laura is 50. Steve is 59. They live on five acres in a five-bedroom house about 25 minutes away. Steve is retired military, and Laura comes from a healthcare technology background. They have four children, with their youngest close to high school graduation. The plan is to downsize once that milestone arrives.

“Our two older kids think we’re serious,” Laura laughs. “The two younger ones are still surprised.”

The reasons are practical and personal. They no longer have the energy to maintain their land — the garden and vineyard they once loved have become more burden than joy. They want to be closer to Laura’s parents, closer to their grandchild (Laura babysits when her daughter works), and closer to the community life they’ve watched their loved ones enjoy.

Additionally, they’re looking forward to cooking more and taking cooking classes. They see themselves taking more walks, spending quality time with Laura’s parents, and relaxing as they need to. Laura is ready to read more, and both are excited about doing less manual labor around the house.

Their Advice for Future Generations and Residents

When asked what they’d tell future residents, their advice circles back to the same message: “Don’t wait too long.”

“You can wait too long, and you may not be in the best shape to enjoy the opportunities here,” Wayne and Connie caution. “There’s more peace of mind knowing we’re here and settled. If anything happens to one of us, the other can stay. Everything’s right here — no additional move, and we’re not alone in a great big house.”

Steve speaks from a different but equally urgent perspective. His own mother lives near Columbus and is declining. He’s managing her estate and household from a distance — the very situation he and Laura want to spare their own children from experiencing.

“Join before it’s too late,” Steve says, “so your kids aren’t the ones experiencing caregiving for their aging parents.”

Laura sees an encouraging trend: “Each generation is getting younger when they decide to move here.” For her and Steve, the motivation is clear — they want to have fun, live maintenance-free, and give their children peace of mind.

Steve, ever the planner, puts it simply: “It’s wonderful to have a plan in place for aging.”

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Explore Life at Otterbein Tipp City

From Connie’s determined road trip with her parents in 1994 to Laura and Steve’s name on the waiting list today, this family’s story spans multiple decades and three generations at Otterbein Tipp City. The campus has grown, the entrance options have expanded, and the programming has multiplied — but the reasons people choose to call it home remain the same: connection, security, and the freedom to enjoy what matters most.

Interested in learning more about life at Otterbein Tipp City? Contact us today to schedule a visit and see the community for yourself.