Ever wonder what life is really like at Otterbein SeniorLife Lebanon? Explore our Q&A to get some of your top questions answered.
Q: Do I have to put down a large lump sum of money to move in?
No, Otterbein prides itself on having a multitude of entrance options and price points. We try to meet everybody where they’re at financially with a variety of home styles and floor plans on campus. Additionally, you can pay a monthly rental fee with no long-term commitment required.
Q: I don’t feel ready to move in because I don’t think I’m old enough!
We have individuals and couples aged 55 who are eager to join us! Consider how the variety of amenities and a maintenance-free lifestyle can free up your time to do other things.
You’re not working on the gutter, the roof, or the ice maker. Let us take care of that. You’re doing the things you love – you’re going to the YMCA, the woodshop, you’re making something, you’re traveling, you’re going to senior Olympics.
Whatever it is you enjoy, we’re giving you the time to pursue those things you want while we take care of the rest.
Q: What makes Otterbein different from other senior living communities?
At Otterbein, we learn each resident’s story and develop a customized plan for them. We listen to what you need and desire and really work to create a customized plan for your home and lifestyle.
We also follow the nine degrees of wellness here, going beyond just physical health. Our life enrichment team intentionally plans programming and special events each month that help fulfill each of these dimensions so you can experience complete wellness here.
Learn more about the nine degrees of wellness with our free guide >>
Q: What is there to do at Otterbein Lebanon?
We are a vibrant, active campus, and we have a wide variety of programming, from residents who travel and go cross-country, to residents who go adventuring and canoeing, to ziplining or go-karting, to others who enjoy an outing to the Reds or Bengals game.
There’s also the YMCA on campus. You can do Zumba or Tai Chi. Or, you can go to the creative arts studio and take a painting class; there’s just such a huge variety of programming. Every interest is represented here on campus, because people have voiced what they want to see for over 100 years, and we’ve listened.
On any given day, there could be 20 different things going on on campus. Often residents say, ‘There’s too much to do – I have to pick and choose because I want to do it all but can’t.’
Q: What if I want to leave campus? Are there things to do nearby?
Otterbein Lebanon is connected to Armco Park, which is a 900-acre park north of us. There’s a lake if you enjoy fishing, and we have a boat on the lake called Spirit of Otterbein. You can go golfing on the 18-hole golf course, and there are plenty of walking paths.
We’re also close to both Dayton and Cincinnati, so there are sporting events, shopping, dining, museums, and more nearby.
Learn more about Otterbein’s faith and values >>
Q: What kind of home options are there?
We have so many different independent living options, from studios all the way up to ranch homes and cottages with a second story. There’s a wide variety of housing and apartment options to fit where you are in your life.
In addition to the home-like feel, the private entrance, the primary bedroom with an en-suite bath, and the personalized air temperature controls, you make the decisions for your own place.
You make it your own. You hang the pictures where you like, choose your paint colors, and decorate however you like – it’s all your choice. We want you to be comfortable here.
Q: What if my spouse and I need different levels of care?
As you age in place, we want you to be successful, so we provide any services you might need. Let’s say there’s a couple, and one spouse has a care need, but they want to remain in that home. We’re going to do everything in our power to provide them with the services they need to remain in that home.
Q: What’s the food like?
The Great Wave Cafe is a popular choice on campus. It’s all-day dining. A lot of communities have a limited time during the day when you can eat, but the Great Wave Cafe is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. You can go at any time and get meals that are prepared fresh.
Food’s important – everybody has a way they want to eat. And being able to be specific and not just come into dining where somebody says, you get these three options, that’s important. Our signature dining room alone, 1912, has 19 different options all the time.
And if you go to the Great Wave Cafe, you can order whatever you want – if you want beef, salmon, chicken, or turkey, you can pick and choose and have them prepare it for you right there.
How Can I Learn More About Otterbein SeniorLife Lebanon?
There’s a lot to see and explore on our campus. Download your free guide to living here to get started today. You’ll get a complete list of amenities, see a map, view sample floor plans, and more.
This blog was updated in March 2026.
