After receiving rehabilitation at Otterbein St. Marys, Mary R. moved into an independent living apartment
“As soon as I walked into Otterbein, I thought, ‘This is the place for my mom,’” says Judy B., Mary’s daughter.
In this video, hear from Mary and Judy as they discuss Mary’s experience moving from rehabilitation to independent living and why she enjoys life at Otterbein St. Marys.
Mary’s Rehabilitation Journey at Otterbein St. Marys
“Rehab was a very nice place. They were so kind, and they were very caring. I had very, very good care there,” Mary said.
While she was in rehab, Mary’s family moved her things into her independent living apartment at Otterbein St. Marys. Mary was then able to utilize the space as part of her rehabilitation.
“As part of her rehab, she got to come down to her apartment and help put things away, cook something on her stove,” Judy said. “So she was kind of able to get familiar with her apartment before she was living there full time.”
“I had therapy every day, maybe even twice a day,” Mary added. “It was very, very good care and very loving people.”
Mary’s Transition From Rehabilitation to Independent Living
Judy reflected on Mary’s transition to independent living and described the process as “comfortable.”
“My mom is safe; my mom is well taken care of. There’s somebody looking after her, even if she’s in independent living, and it’s not a nurse every day.
“She’s made friends, and she goes to lunch, she goes to outings, and she goes to dinner theaters and all kinds of trips. Her human companionship has just tripled.”
The Added Bonus of Continued Levels of Care
Otterbein St. Marys is a CCRC, meaning it offers continuing levels of care if ever needed. This benefit was a deciding factor when Judy and her sister discussed their mother’s care.
“That was one of the main things that my sister and I had talked about, that they had the continued levels of care as needed,” Judy said, adding they are comforted that if Mary should ever need additional care, she wouldn’t need to be moved somewhere else. “ She can stay where she’s at; she can move into the different levels. It’s a comfortable, knowing people place.”
Independent Living at Otterbein St. Marys
As part of her move, Mary was able to bring her belongings with her and decorate her new home as she wished, something Judy said is also comforting.
“What I like about when I walk into my mom’s apartment is that it looks like my mom’s home because there’s her couch, and there’s her coffee table and there are her things,” Mary said. “It’s beautiful, and it’s her home. I’ve been excited from day one.”
As Judy mentioned earlier, Mary has been quick to make friends at Otterbein St. Marys, and she enjoys all of the campus amenities and activities.
“I’ve met so many new people, fun people,” Mary said. “I just look forward to the days. There’s something to do; there are people to see. My food is done for me — that’s really nice.”
“I’m very, very comforted to know that my mom is safe,” Judy added.
Otterbein St. Marys: See Why Life is Better at the Lake
From the moment you step onto the Otterbein St. Marys campus, you’ll hear the water of Grand Lake St. Marys lapping on our shores, offering beautiful views and a vacation-like atmosphere.
Take a pontoon ride with your friends or sharpen your skills in the woodshop. Plus, there’s access to additional levels of care, should you ever need it. Every day at Otterbein St. Marys is yours to live how you want.
