At Otterbein St. Marys, care isn’t just a service — it’s a calling. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel the difference that comes from a community that leads with heart in everything it does. Hear from Director of Nursing Heather Arnold and resident Cathy S. on what sets the community’s long-term care and short-term rehab spaces apart.
A Team That Leads With Heart
“What sets Otterbein’s care apart from any other community is that we lead with our heart here,” says Heather. “We’re all here for the right reason — and that is to provide amazing care to our residents.”
That dedication is something residents frequently experience. Resident Cathy S. puts it simply: “The staff is wonderful. They’re always there. If someone needs help, they don’t say, ‘Wait a minute, I’ll get to you in an hour.’ They help right away. They’re wonderful people, and they work together as a team.”
Thoughtfully Designed Spaces for Modern Senior Living
Otterbein St. Marys believes the environment in which the residents live should be as exceptional as the care they receive. Explore the beautiful renovations throughout the nursing areas, creating spaces that are as functional as they are welcoming.
Recent renovations include:
- A luxurious spa room featuring a relaxing whirlpool tub and walk-in shower, with warm decor that makes every visit feel like a retreat
- Bright and friendly dining areas featuring chef-curated meals, enhanced ambiance, and calming music for a truly elevated dining experience
- An expansive rehab and therapy gym equipped to support every step of the recovery journey
- Comfortable and cozy private rooms designed for rest, privacy, and personal touches
- Common spaces that feel like home, inviting connection, conversation, and community
“Just the environment — from the decorations to the whirlpool tub — everything about it makes it so inviting,” Heather shares.
Cathy agrees: “I really like the dining area, and the food’s good, too. I’ve gained weight since I’ve been here!”
Explore the newly renovated spaces in this video short >>
Post-Acute Rehabilitation That Gets Results
Otterbein St. Marys offers a dedicated post-acute area designed specifically for residents in need of rehab care after a hospital stay — whether they’re returning home, transitioning to assisted living, or moving to another level of care.
Cathy knows the power of the therapy team firsthand. “When I first came here, I was not doing well. I was hardly able to walk. And they worked with me and worked with me and worked with me to get me back on my feet. They took care of me. They watched out for me. I couldn’t ask for better people.”
Heather adds, “I believe we have the absolute best therapy department around. I’ve personally come back for therapy here, and many of our partners have chosen to do their therapy here, too. You’re not going to match that anywhere else.”
Related blog: How Assisted Living Can Bridge the Gap: Short-Term Stays for Respite and Recovery >>
Everything You Need, Right at Home
Life at Otterbein St. Marys is designed to be full, convenient, and joyful. On our campus, you’ll find numerous onsite amenities:
- Indoor warm-water therapy pool and outdoor pool
- Life Enrichment Center with YMCA programming
- Creative Arts Center
- Woodshop
- Salon and barbershop
- Library
- Fishing access and a pontoon boat
- Banking and postal services
- Onsite chapel
- And so much more
“Otterbein has everything you need,” Cathy says. “You don’t need to go anywhere for anything because you don’t want for anything — it’s all here.”
Related blog: Choosing Otterbein St. Marys for a Loved One >>
Come Here to Live
At Otterbein St. Marys, we believe senior living should be about thriving, not just residing. “You come here to live,” Heather emphasizes. “A lot of our residents have done things for the first time that they never even would have thought to do — from hot air balloon rides to amphicars. There is truly nothing that is impossible here.”
That philosophy is woven into our mission: Inspired by faith, we strive to enrich individual life journeys for all.
“The part of that mission statement that really rings true to the nursing department is ‘strive,'” Heather reflects. “We’re constantly seeking, constantly reaching to be the best — to give the best to our residents.”
For Cathy, that mission has become personal. “I do feel at home. It is my home. Otterbein has been everything to me. They’ve been dedicated. They have helped me so much.”
Learn more about life plan community living >>
Experience the Otterbein Difference
Whether you’re exploring options for short-term rehabilitation or looking for a long-term community where your loved one can truly flourish, Otterbein St. Marys combines compassionate care, beautifully renovated spaces, and a vibrant lifestyle that makes every day meaningful.
Ready to see it for yourself? Schedule a tour today and discover why, at Otterbein St. Marys, care truly comes from the heart.
