A Place to Call Home: Paul and Ruby's Story

Ruby and Paul K. chose to move into Otterbein SeniorLife Cridersville more than two years ago and haven’t looked back from their new home.

“You always think, oh, it’s going to be so hard to leave your place. And it is, for the first couple months, but once you get used to everything here and what they can provide … your old home, you just can’t keep it forever,” Ruby said.

Ruby and Paul decided it was time for a move after Paul’s heart valve surgery left him unable to take care of home maintenance tasks like mowing grass and shoveling snow. The two-year decision process, which they made together with their children, led them to Otterbein.

“We love it,” said Ruby. “We are so glad that we picked here to come.”

Life at Otterbein SeniorLife Cridersville

The couple lives in a patio home and says they enjoy the wide-open spaces and slower lifestyle Cridersville offers, like countryside views, ponds, space for Paul’s flower garden, and the wildlife on campus.

They also enjoy having a home with an attached garage, which makes returning from trips off campus more convenient.

“(At) so many places we looked at, they’re like apartment houses. You have to park in a lot, drag everything in, take an elevator up to your room, and that’s not like home. This is like home,” Ruby said.

She added, “We don’t have to worry about taking care of everything. They do all the maintenance, and yet we have our own place. We wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

You may also like: Tips for downsizing your home >>

Activities and Amenities at Otterbein SeniorLife Cridersville

Paul said the activities and events at Otterbein are more than enough to keep him busy - things like fitness equipment and classes, a swimming pool, crafting workshops, and seasonal opportunities.

“There are so many activities, you just can’t hardly take them all in. So you pick and choose, and there’s never a dull moment,” he said.

Another activity Paul said he’s looking forward to is the annual Otterbein Olympics, scheduled for September each year at the Lebanon campus.

The couple also mentioned they enjoy the various bus trips that depart from campus. The Creamery in Delphos, Johnston Farm in Piqua, and La Comedia Dinner Theatre are all popular destinations for residents.

Related: Embracing Life at Otterbein - Chuck and Connie Duersch >>

Continuing Care at Otterbein

Ruby and Paul both praised Otterbein Cridersville’s continuing care model, which means residents can move into independent living and then receive assisted living, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing care right on campus if they ever need it.

Ruby said she appreciated the convenience of having that care nearby and knowing she wouldn’t have to move if she ever needed more assistance.

“Not all homes have that. But here, we have everything,” she said.

Learn More About Otterbein Cridersville

Does living somewhere with the peace of mind of continuing care alongside the beauty of rural Ohio appeal to you? If so, Otterbein SeniorLife Cridersville could be the right answer.

Learn more about our community, see this month’s featured home, and explore the small-town comfort of Otterbein Cridersville.

Learn more >>