Otterbein Lebanon is a senior living community where older adults thrive in an engaging environment where you don’t have to worry about household chores or repairs. Residents can participate in educational and social activities, make new friends, and enjoy meaningful connections. What makes our community special is the varied hobbies and interests of the people living here.
In our “Meet the Resident” series, we’re thrilled to showcase some of the seniors who call Otterbein home.
Get to Know Otterbein Lebanon Residents Don & Gwen J.
Can you share a brief background about your life before moving to Otterbein?
We are both 85 years old and have been married for 63 years. I’m a retired physician, and we have five children, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. We have lived in Lebanon, Ohio, and had decided about five to six years ago that we wanted to age in place in our home instead of moving to a retirement community. However, after a few years, we realized that staying in our home was too challenging.
See why residents love life at Otterbein Lebanon >>
When searching for a community, how did you decide on Otterbein? What set it apart from other communities?
We found that our home here is more manageable, a little over 1,500 sq. ft. We appreciate knowing we live in a continuing care retirement community where long-term care is available if we need it.
The campus feels safe, like we are living back in the 50s when people didn’t lock their doors. We live on Willow Court, which feels like a small family. Someone is always working on a project, and others often stop by to help make the job easier. People here are friendly and courteous.
We love the location to shopping, the tranquil ambiance of the campus, and the access to woodworking materials and art supplies. I enjoy woodworking, and Gwen likes knitting, sewing, and making cards.
Get the scoop: Q&A with Otterbein Lebanon >>
Can you continue doing things you enjoyed before moving to Otterbein?
Yes, we are able to do so many more things now because we live at Otterbein. We have a smaller to-do list and more free time. We like the swimming pool. Gwen takes exercise classes and uses the indoor walking track, and I appreciate the beautiful woodworking shop.
We also like playing cards, going to church, and spending time with loved ones. We are looking forward to visiting my sister in Michigan soon to celebrate her 90th birthday. We also have time now to play a little more golf, and we are considering buying a golf cart for easier access to the golf course next door.
How would you describe your quality of life and overall well-being now that you’re residents of Otterbein? Has it changed since you moved here?
We have more free time to do what we want to do now, including enjoying life, cooking, and all the great food at Otterbein.
Was it easy to make friends at Otterbein?
Yes, it was automatic! A neighbor pulled up in our driveway the first day and introduced herself to us right away. Before she got in her car, another car stopped and introduced themselves. He joked that they didn’t have to cook for the first week or so because so many neighbors brought food to meet them.
Meet these Otterbein Lebanon couples >>
What advice would you give others trying to decide whether a community like Otterbein is right for them?
If you want a tranquil, friendly, and safe way of life, this is the place to come. We have surveillance for safety. We have attendant buttons to assist us if we should fall or become sick. I have been here for seven months, and this is an attractive, peaceful way of life. We just can’t think of a better place to be.
Discover Life at Otterbein Lebanon
Are you ready to explore life at Otterbein Lebanon? View our website for information about services, amenities, floor plans, and more. You can also watch video testimonials from other residents like Don and Gwen.
