What is assisted living like at Otterbein Sunset House? This blog will explore the frequently asked questions we get about assisted living services, activities, and amenities in our community.

• What Is Assisted Living Like at Otterbein Sunset House?
• What Is a Typical Day Like in Assisted Living?
• What Activity Programming Do You Offer at Otterbein Sunset House?
• What Does Assisted Living Care Look Like at Otterbein Sunset House?
• What Is the Sunflower Medical Model at Otterbein Sunset House?
• What Do the Assisted Living Residential Spaces Look Like?
• What Is the Food Like at Otterbein Sunset House?
• Can I Bring My Pet?
• What if My Loved One Needs Assistance After a Fall — Do You Offer Rehabilitation Services to Residents?
• How Much Does Assisted Living at Otterbein Sunset House Cost?
• What Is a Respite Stay at Otterbein Sunset House, and How Do I Schedule It?

What Is Assisted Living Like at Otterbein Sunset House?

At Otterbein Sunset House, we promote person-directed care and services. That means our residents live every day how they choose, with our experienced care partners (staff) available with any assistance as needed.

Otterbein Sunset House has provided quality services to individuals in Toledo and the surrounding areas for over 150 years.

“We have a great reputation, and we are known for our excellent care for the seniors we serve,” says Executive Director Brian Soller. “What makes us stand out is that we offer assisted living services in a beautiful, Tudor-style mansion featuring many antiques and a gorgeous interior design.”

What Is a Typical Day Like in Assisted Living?

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Just like you and I are different and have different routines, we encourage our residents’ hobbies and interests to drive the natural rhythm of their daily lives,” says Soller.

So, a typical day varies for each of our residents. For example, they may be:

• Visiting with family and friends.
• Going to appointments.
• Taking walks on campus.
• Reading a book in our library.
• Playing the piano in our living room.
• Enjoying dinner out.
• Attending one of our many life enrichment programs.

How your loved one spends their time is their choice. There are no mandatory schedules here!

What Activity Programming Do You Offer at Otterbein Sunset House?

Activities for assisted living residents at Otterbein Sunset House are resident-driven. Our life enrichment calendar is created each month and offers a variety of events and activities.

We may host outside entertainers, spiritual programs for a variety of faith backgrounds, outings for shopping and meals, and exercise and walking groups.

Otterbein Sunset House features a “ONE CAMPUS” approach to living, so if a program is offered at The Woodlands Independent Living, our assisted living residents can attend that program as well.

“As a team, we are focused on bringing the fun back onto our campus into our residents’ lives,” Soller adds, sharing that in addition to monthly culinary events, Otterbein Sunset House has hosted an Easter egg hunt, Halloween trick-or-treat, old-fashioned Christmas party with horse-drawn carriage rides, a summer concert series, and much more.

Our assisted living residents are not limited to the life enrichment offerings held just at Otterbein Sunset House. They have opportunities to attend scheduled outings to restaurants, local attractions, shops, and more.

What Does Assisted Living Care Look Like at Otterbein Sunset House?

Similar to how the programming is resident-driven, our residents’ care is also personalized. The nurses complete a functional assessment that identifies their care levels and how we can support a resident moving into assisted living.

“The overall goal is to encourage independence but provide services from our partners as needed to support the resident’s needs,” Soller says. “Care guides are available to the partners at Otterbein Sunset House so they can identify what gives our residents purpose and an introduction to their interests.”

The partners are dedicated to providing the best care possible to our residents. In fact, if you ask our caregivers why they chose this occupation, the majority of them will tell you it’s because they had an influential grandparent or parent that they are honoring by working in a field that includes caring for seniors.

“Residents and families are most appreciative of how kind and compassionate the caregivers are,” Soller adds. “They also appreciate the person-directed care approach that encourages residents’ natural awakening and natural retiring — and not being on a set schedule.”

What Is the Sunflower Medical Model at Otterbein Sunset House?

Residents who require specialized medical care but do not need around-the-clock nursing services may find our Sunflower Assisted Living neighborhood to be a suitable option. This community is designed for individuals who seek a balance between assistance and independence.

Our Sunflower neighborhood is staffed by a dedicated team of care partners who are committed to providing personalized medical support tailored to each resident’s unique needs. These care partners are trained to help with medication management, health monitoring, and daily living activities, ensuring that residents can maintain their autonomy while receiving the necessary medical attention. We prioritize creating a warm and nurturing environment, allowing residents to thrive and enjoy each day to the fullest.

What Do the Assisted Living Residential Spaces Look Like?

When researching assisted living spaces, it’s important to look for a community that offers options to best meet your loved one’s needs. In the assisted living at Otterbein Sunset House, we provide apartment-style living on our second, third, and fourth floors.

There are a variety of apartments, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Each apartment features a full bath and kitchenette, as well as ample space to bring in furniture, pictures, and personal belongings, making the space truly your loved one’s own.

In the video below, take a virtual tour of assisted living, and see inside an apartment at Otterbein Sunset House.

What Is the Food Like at Otterbein Sunset House?

One of the most common questions we receive about assisted living at Otterbein Sunset House is regarding our dining experience.

Recently, our culinary services have transitioned to a made-to-order cuisine. With this change, we now offer a daily “available anytime” menu featuring ten different items for residents to choose from, along with the chef’s special. Residents eagerly anticipate each elevated dining experience, as our culinary team prepares several dishes right before them on our hibachi grill.

Each month, the culinary team highlights a special meal for holidays or events, such as a backyard barbecue with a cookout and live musical entertainment.

Can I Bring My Pet?

Yes — your furry friend can come to Otterbein Sunset House, too! In fact, we encourage residents to bring small pets, as long as they can care for them.

Otterbein Sunset House residents traditionally bring birds, cats, and dogs to our community.

However, we ask that all of the animals remain current on their vaccinations to live here.

What if My Loved One Needs Assistance After a Fall — Do You Offer Rehabilitation Services to Residents?

Otterbein Sunset House partners with Symbria Rehab to offer our residents physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

When a resident moves into Otterbein Sunset House, our occupational therapy team can help with setting up their apartment to design it in a way that complements the setup they had at home.

If a resident may need additional help, the physical therapy team can assist with strengthening and endurance regimens, particularly if the resident has recently undergone therapy or participated in routine exercise programs.

Related: Parkinson’s Disease Therapy at Otterbein Sunset House

How Much Does Assisted Living at Otterbein Sunset House Cost?

The cost of assisted living services may vary depending on the options your loved one chooses. Our counselors can meet with you to discuss the costs and run numbers dependent on your particular situation and needs.

This resource can help guide you in asking additional questions when researching assisted living communities for your loved one.

What Is a Respite Stay at Otterbein Sunset House, and How Do I Schedule It?

Respite stays are available for older adults who are transitioning from the hospital and may not feel ready to return home. Our compassionate partners ensure that respite guests feel comfortable and at home in our assisted living community. During their stay, guests have access to our rehabilitation team and can continue physical, occupational, or speech therapy as needed. They can also participate in scheduled activities and enjoy our restaurant-style dining every day.

We also encourage seniors who are considering our community to sign up for a respite stay to experience life as a resident. You can come for a week or two at any time that’s convenient for you, or while your family is out of town. Meet our dedicated team members, try our delicious culinary offerings, and get to know us better. Simply click the link below, and we will be in touch soon!

I’m Interested in Booking a Respite Stay

This blog was originally published in 2023 but was updated in 2025.