At Otterbein Granville, we believe community is much more than geographic proximity. A true community is about relationships, and one of the remarks we hear most frequently from visitors is that ours is a very welcoming community.
Otterbein Granville: Resident-Driven Values
As an Otterbein community, one of our community values is this: “We strive to create an environment that fosters resident initiative and leadership while respecting individual choices about level of participation.”
Otterbein Granville takes great pride in being a resident-driven community and ensuring we’re prioritizing the residents’ interests, abilities, and aspirations. There are four major principles that help us maintain this aspect of our community.
Voice
Resident input has been a part of our DNA since our founding in 2005. According to our bylaws, two Otterbein Granville residents are selected annually to serve on our Board of Directors with full voice and vote, and thus, quite literally, have a say in the governance of our community.
Members of our Board are charged with assuring that the organization is living into its mission to serve all residents with dignity, respect, and compassion. This board of local civic leaders takes their duty seriously, and it is one of many responsibilities that differentiate nonprofits like Otterbein from private, for-profit organizations. The primary duty of for-profit organizations is to the owners and shareholders, who are normally invested in the business of senior living to earn a profit.
Related: Meet Otterbein Granville Artist-In-Residence Velvet Sellers >>
Choice
A cornerstone of our resident-led community, Otterbein Granville Residents Association (OGRA) is the forum whereby independence and self-sufficiency are
nurtured. Membership is automatic for all residents, and it is the vehicle used to build common bonds among and between members.
OGRA’s role is to encourage, facilitate, and fund resident activities, programs, and events. Members determine virtually all communal aspects of life here at Otterbein Granville, including social, cultural, intellectual, and spiritual activities, by forming committees that represent various interests and affinity groups.
Freedom of choice for residents is highly valued. We have a list right now of over 30 committees, and residents can sign up to participate in anything from Art to Zen, or nothing at all.
In addition, we believe our independent residents deserve to be treated with the presumption of competence, intelligence, awareness, and the right to be involved in decisions regarding their care. Residents have both voice and choice regarding their own health care matters.
Related: Is It the Right Time to Move to a Life Plan Community? >>
Caring
Quality of life considers not just the physical environment but also the social atmosphere. Residents here truly like one another and enjoy spending time together, whether sharing a meal, attending cultural events, or absorbing companionable silence in the library. We foster an open, affirming atmosphere featuring mutual respect, dignity, caring, and trust for all.
As a non-profit organization, we find employees who are following their vocational interests (whether as nurses, aides, housekeepers, dining staff, and more) due to a desire to nurture others. Our residents are protected from neglect, exclusion, discrimination, and physical or psychological abuse. We value our diversity and find that learning others’ points of view strengthens and enriches our community.
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Sharing
Our inclusive, welcoming life plan community appeals to individuals who will both benefit from and contribute to the overall life of the community. Our human need to be connected to other people of all ages is valued, and it’s encouraged through committees, mutual assistance, and teamwork. Community engagement is a way of life for residents and employees alike. Everyone has a role to play here!
Esprit de corps develops through working and playing together, both on- and off-campus. We seek to enhance the quality of life of those most active individuals as well as to carefully preserve the quality of life for those who are most frail. We believe that the later stages of life still hold opportunities for growth and development. Through a shared community life, residents are encouraged to invest their time, talents, and resources for the benefit of all.
Research shows that older adults often suffer from isolation and loneliness, but residents of life plan communities tend to have better overall health and wellness than others. Does living in a resident-driven community offer advantages to our residents? Yes! Our experience supports the conclusion that aging well is an achievable goal for those whose day-to-day activities are grounded in core values and principles, including Voice, Choice, Caring, and Sharing.
Related: Suzuki Seniors Program: Musical Beginnings at Otterbein Granville >>
How Can Independent Living Benefit You?
If you think you’re too young for independent living, think again! Start living a vibrant retirement life at Otterbein Granville and take advantage of all the benefits of a resident-driven community. Learn more about our community and see what we have to offer.
Learn More About Otterbein Granville
This blog was originally published in 2021. It was updated in May 2025.
