Best of the Southside Awards - Otterbein Franklin

Otterbein Franklin is proud to be recognized for several of the Franklin Daily Journal’s Best of the Southside awards in 2025, including Best Nursing Home, Rehab, Assisted Living, Senior Living, and runner-up for Best Retirement Facility in Johnson County.

Watch this video to learn more about the award recognition and what it means to residents, families, and partners (staff) at Otterbein Franklin.

Proud to Be Voted the Best of Johnson County

When Otterbein Franklin, a life plan community offering continuing care for older adults in Franklin, Indiana, found out they had won in several categories for the Best of Southside awards, the excitement was palpable. The entire campus was talking about the recognitions and was grateful to be part of a special community.

“When Otterbein Franklin was named the best assisted living in Johnson County, it was everything,” said Monteil Walker, Otterbein Franklin Assisted Living partner. “It proved that our hard work and dedication mean a lot, and it kind of speaks for itself.”

Each area of the community, from the assisted living to the rehab center and campus-wide, enjoyed reminiscing about their journey to Otterbein and what the community means to them.

“When I heard that Otterbein won best rehabilitation center in Johnson County, I thought it was very rewarding,” said Kerrigan Browning, Otterbein Franklin CNA. “Winning that award was affirming in the sense that families and residents trust us in some of their most vulnerable times.”

Longtime partner Samantha Scruggs, Otterbein Franklin Social Service Director, shared what the awards meant to her.

“To be the best nursing home in Johnson County is just an honor. Working for Otterbein for 17 years, I’ve just seen so much growth and change — positive change over the years — and it’s just such an honor.”

Residents enjoyed hearing the news as well, and confirmed what they already knew.

“When I heard that Otterbein was the best in the county, it affirmed exactly what I knew already,” said Floyd S., an Otterbein Franklin resident. “But I was really pleased that it was recognized that way.”

What Makes Otterbein Franklin Unique

Otterbein Franklin sits on 120 acres of park-like grounds and offers numerous on-site amenities and a full schedule of programming and special events. The team of caring, dedicated professionals who work here focuses on each individual as unique, with their own interests, needs, and dreams.

“We strive for person-centered care in a home-like setting, so we work really hard to get to know all of our residents — their likes, their dislikes, their preferences — so that we can meet those needs with the highest quality of care possible,” added Samantha.

Residents experience peace of mind knowing they’re surrounded by partners who know them personally and are available to meet their needs at any stage.

“The staff, the aides, the nurses. There’s such a sense of caring that you see,” said Floyd.

Samantha added how longevity and teamwork impact the daily lives of residents.

“We have an interdisciplinary team that is so embedded with longevity, and we have people who have been here for 40 years,” said Samantha. “We all work so hard, every department, to come together and provide that person-centered care, quality of care, and we just really try to meet and come together as a group to bring that person-centered care to everybody.”

Monteil explains how families feel during the transition to Otterbein.

“When you move your loved one to Otterbein, you get the peace of mind to know that they are living life to the fullest.”

Carrying Out Otterbein’s Mission

Otterbein SeniorLife is committed to serving older adults with compassion and dignity, enriching individual life journeys with respect, innovation, and high-quality care and services.

“You know my family is envious of me living here because they’re at home struggling with cutting the grass and moving the snow while I enjoy the comforts and the activities that I have access to here,” said Floyd. “I’m here living free.”

Experience Award-Winning Care at Otterbein Franklin

When it comes to senior living care, the choice should feel clear, comfortable, and confident. Experience award-winning care and an active lifestyle at Otterbein Franklin.