Updated in November 2022
When considering a move to one of our Otterbein SeniorLife Communities, it's important to research the financial aspect of your decision. It’s often helpful to do a cost-benefit analysis, which compares the costs and benefits of independent living to the costs and benefits of remaining in your current home.
If you haven’t experienced the active, independent lifestyle available at Otterbein, it can be hard to judge the value you find here. Here are a few areas we suggest exploring when visiting an Otterbein community.
Independent Living Options at Otterbein Communities
There are multiple options for independent living at Otterbein ― from one-bedroom apartments to larger patio homes or villas. There is onsite parking, and you’ll be treated to lovely views of the beautiful grounds from your home or apartment. Each community also features first-class, restaurant-style dining for your convenience.
No matter what kind of floor plan you choose, you will also receive the added benefit of maintenance-free living. That means that all home maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal will be taken care of for you ― easy as pie.
Related: Which Independent Living Floor Plan Fits Your Lifestyle? >>
Financial Considerations
An important consideration in value is typically the actual dollar amount. When you move to an Otterbein community, you’ll pay rent or a monthly fee.
These fees typically include utilities like gas, water, electricity, cable, and trash. Your monthly fee also covers housekeeping, maintenance, taxes, activities and events, a fitness center, and some meals. The best way to determine the cost of independent living at Otterbein is to meet with a senior living counselor and discuss your personal needs and preferences.
When comparing the raw dollars, it’s important to look at all of the bills, amenities, and services that are out-of-pocket costs in your current home. To compare the costs, you’d need to include: mortgage, utilities, property taxes, home insurance, household repairs and cleaning, snow removal, yard care, transportation, gym membership, concerts, and part of your grocery bill!
Related: Free Guide ― Planning and Paying for Independent Living >>
Safety & Security Benefits
Imagine you’ve booked your dream vacation — a month-long tour through Europe. You’re so excited to go, but you know you must take care of a few things first. You’ll need to hold your mail and newspaper subscriptions. You might have to find someone to mow the lawn while you’re gone, and someone else to check on things from time to time.
You also have to remember to set your lights on timers to give the illusion that someone is home. You might even have to line someone up to shovel snow or fix damage after a storm.
However, when you live in an Otterbein community, you can eliminate many of the steps that you'd take if you lived in your own home. While you’re away, you know that your home is secure, thanks to the continuous presence of our staff.
Your mail and newspapers will be waiting for you when you arrive. You don’t have to ask someone to stop by and check on your house because you know that the housekeeping staff will keep it clean, and the maintenance staff will make sure that the outdoor space is properly cared for. If there is a storm, any damage will be handled promptly.
Related: 15 Helpful Tips to Find the Right Senior Living Community >>
Wellness Opportunities
Here at Otterbein SeniorLife, we recognize the nine degrees of wellness: physical, environmental, vocational, creative, intellectual, cultural, spiritual, social, and emotional. Through this holistic approach, an individual needs to care for all nine areas.
Imagine you were snowed in at your current house. Would you be able to see family and friends face-to-face? How would you exercise? Would you have access to a library or concerts? Would you be able to enjoy nutritious meals?
As an Otterbein resident, you can address all dimensions of wellness without leaving campus. An onsite library fosters your intellectual needs. A wellness center is available for some physical exercise — either on your own or in a regularly scheduled class.
You have neighbors within walking distance, so you’ll always be able to get together for a chat or game. There are opportunities for spiritual enrichment and spaces for you to pursue your hobbies and passions.
Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Life at Otterbein >>
Support for Your Future Care Needs
When you move to an Otterbein community, you're securing a plan for the future should your health needs change. That's because all of our locations throughout Ohio and in Indiana are continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). You'll find assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support, rehabilitation services, and long-term care.
If you need nursing support, you won't have to leave the community to find care. Depending upon the level of care required, you can add wellness services to your monthly fee, or you can move to a different part of the community where nursing staff is available 24 hours a day. The continuing care available at Otterbein frequently brings peace of mind to both residents and their loved ones.
Related: Experience Life at a CCRC >>
Time and Freedom
The final aspect to consider when determining the value of living at Otterbein is how much your time is worth. Think about what you’d be able to do if you weren’t doing the housekeeping, the yard maintenance, or fixing the inevitable problems that come with owning a house.
If something goes wrong in your home or apartment, a phone call is all it takes to have an Otterbein staff partner check it out. You don’t have to put your plans on hold and stick around for the four-hour window while you wait for the plumber to arrive.
Download a Free Cost Guide
When you consider moving to any of our independent living options, you should talk to your financial advisor and your loved ones. Consider the intrinsic value that comes with Otterbein communities — wellness, safety, security, peace of mind, and more time and freedom.
Download our free three-step planning guide to help you narrow your search for senior living. You'll learn how to evaluate your financial situation, get tips on finding the right community fit and value, find out what questions to ask when visiting a community, and more. We've also included an Otterbein SeniorLife cost comparison worksheet — with included costs.
