Like many people who live in an Otterbein SeniorLife community, Herman E. has been wowed by the experience.
Herman, 88, and his wife Mary moved into an independent living neighborhood at Otterbein Lebanon SeniorLife in 2006. About three years ago, Mary suffered a stroke and now lives in a nearby SeniorLife Community.
“When I was still serving as a clergyman, I was on the Otterbein SeniorLife corporate board for several years, and through that experience learned that the people who work at Otterbein genuinely care about residents,” says Herman, who was a United Methodist minister in Indianapolis and in the West Ohio Conference for 45 years.
He added, “Moving to our home in Lebanon, Mary and I knew we could be independent and yet cared for if the need arose, since skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapy is available on campus.”
Pursuing a Purposeful Life at Otterbein
With no home maintenance responsibilities, Herman says he and Mary were free to pursue activities they enjoyed. Herman frequented the on-campus YMCA wellness center and participated in Bible studies and sports, including golf at a nearby course.
Since Mary’s stroke, he has cut back but remains active in the men’s chorus. “Activities abound here — all you have to do is pick and choose,” Herman says.
These days, Herman remains in the home he and Mary shared and visits Mary every day. “The care Mary gets is absolutely superb — she has a private room, and she is so comfortable,” he says. “I’ve visited a lot of hospitals and nursing homes in my lifetime, and I’ve never seen anything like this. Her health has improved since she’s been there, no question about it. It’s the place she calls home.”
Related: Spirituality at Otterbein – an interview with Pastor George Phillips >>
Living a Full Life at Otterbein
Otterbein SeniorLife communities help seniors experience life the way it’s meant to be: full of opportunities and freedom, connected to family, faith, and community.
Otterbein SeniorLife’s commitment to serving older adults is at the heart of its mission, which — in keeping with our United Methodist tradition — is to “enhance the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons.”
With locations throughout Ohio (and one in Indiana), Otterbein SeniorLife offers a choice of different living options and levels of care at each community. These choices include:
- Six SeniorLife continuing care retirement communities for people age 55 and older who are looking for an active lifestyle, social opportunities, and independent living accommodations. Each is located on a spacious campus and offers a wide choice of patio and ranch homes, apartments, amenities, and services. You’ll also find the full range of care, from assisted living to long-term skilled nursing care.
- Nine SeniorLife Neighborhoods, which bring a new concept in short- and long-term skilled nursing care. Each Otterbein “small house” includes 10 private suites, a large communal living room, and a dining and kitchen area. Residents enjoy home-cooked meals and receive care from the same nursing staff day after day.
- Compassionate “SeniorLife in the Home” services, including specialized home health services and a hospice ministry.
Enhance Your Spiritual Wellness and More at Otterbein
Herman and Mary found a home at Otterbein that addressed their physical health as well as nurtured their spiritual health. And at Otterbein, we believe it’s important to maintain nine different degrees of wellness, including:
- Physical
- Environmental
- Cultural
- Vocational
- Creative
- Emotional
- Intellectual
- Social
- Spiritual
Learn more about how we promote complete wellness and get tips for improving your own wellness by downloading our free guide.