Small House Neighborhoods
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Small House … Big Difference

Feel the Difference in Senior Care

Otterbein’s “small houses” stand out among rehab, long-term care, and memory support communities in Ohio. They feature an innovative design that fosters a unique, real-home atmosphere for older adults to live and heal. The emphasis is on savoring life in an inviting home, complete with 12 private suites and home-cooked, family-style meals, allowing residents, whom we call elders, to make their own choices regarding personal care and daily routines.

The small house concept is immediately noticeable upon entering any of our SeniorLife Neighborhoods. With an exceptional caregiver-to-elder ratio, our residents benefit from dedicated nursing partners (staff) available every day and night.

In addition to expert speech, physical, and occupational therapy, elders enjoy the comfort of their own suites and bathrooms, conveniently located near the family room and residential kitchen.

Life in the Otterbein SeniorLife Neighborhoods is not just in a house — it’s truly in a home.

What to Expect

Small House Amenities, Activities, & Services

Individually decorated private suites and baths
Residential kitchen and dining area
Family room with a central hearth
Flexible schedules, activities, and menus set by the elders
Customized care by an interdisciplinary team
Long-term, round-the-clock care services to manage chronic conditions
Memory support for elders living with cognitive decline
Post-acute care for elders recovering from illness, injury, or surgery
Therapy room with rehab and exercise equipment
Three daily home-cooked meals served family-style
Housekeeping and laundry services

Interior and exterior maintenance services
Residential location in an established neighborhood
Transportation services and scheduled outings
Wellness opportunities and exercise classes
Arts and crafts
Salon/spa room
Musical, educational, and spiritual programs
Screened porch and shaded outdoor fenced patio with a garden
Gardening opportunities
Call system
WiFi access and flat-screen cable TV in each suite

Improving the Quality of Life and Care for Older Adults

Evidence-Based Small House Benefits

Research indicates that the small house model enhances the quality of life and care for older adults. Here are the benefits of this redesign of senior care:

Improved family satisfaction
Increased independence
Improved well-being, including dignity, relationships, autonomy, and more
Higher direct care time

Improved staff satisfaction
Increased engagement with staff
Timely intervention
Decreased incidents of depression and decline

Working Together to Transform Senior Care

The Green House Project®

The Green House Project®, a not-for-profit organization, partners with organizations, advocates, and communities to lead the transition from institutional long-term and post-acute care to a meaningful, comfortable, and satisfying real-home environment. The first Green House homes opened in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 2003, and today there are nearly 400 homes across the United States.

Otterbein SeniorLife Neighborhoods are designed and constructed using the Green House model. Through this unique partnership, they continue to share best practices and engage in research and ongoing innovation toward this revolutionary shift in senior care. Membership with The Green House Project^® includes support for the small home care model through public policy initiatives at the state and federal levels, as well as access to a peer network website, educational opportunities, webinars, and newsletters.