The residents are the heart of our organization here at Otterbein SeniorLife. Each has a different story, unique purpose, and special place in our communities. We hope you enjoy getting to know some of the residents who call Otterbein home in our “Meet the Residents” blog series.
Meet Otterbein SeniorLife couple James and Janet W., who started out receiving post-acute care and rehabilitation, then transitioned to a beautiful independent living patio home with a wooded view.
Meet Otterbein SeniorLife Couple James and Janet W.
Q: Can you briefly describe your life before moving to Otterbein?
We lived in a ranch-style home outside of Allentown and raised five children. Janet was the office manager and part-owner of Stolly Insurance Group, while James laid tile as a foreman at Ohio Steel Industries.
Q: How did you decide on Otterbein Cridersville? What set it apart from other communities?
We both got sick and had to go to the hospital, so our children decided it was time for us to move to a community that could provide the support we needed. They wanted to find a nice retirement community and found that Otterbein had a great reputation in the area. We feel our children couldn’t have chosen a better place for us — we love it!
Q: What area of the community did you move to initially, and what types of services did you receive?
We both moved to post-acute care for rehabilitation, where we were treated so well and experienced excellent nursing care and rehabilitation. The STNAs and nurses were very kind to us, and the therapy was amazing. After rehab, we were able to move to independent living on campus.
Q: Where are you living now within the community?
We live in a spacious one-bedroom patio home with a sunroom. There are woods behind us — we even see deer! It is really beautiful, and we enjoy spending time in our sunroom.
Related: Otterbein Legacy Residents Follow in Their Parents’ Footsteps >>
Q: Do either of you continue to receive any care services?
After our post-acute care stay, we did outpatient therapy and they provided transportation to the therapy room, which was very convenient for us. We have a housekeeper who helps us every other week, and we also order our groceries and pick them up.
Q: What made you decide to stay at Otterbein Cridersville after completing your therapy services?
It was a nice community with friendly staff! Our children had worked with the Otterbein team and arranged for us to stay here in independent living.
Q: Are you able to continue doing things you enjoyed before moving to Otterbein?
James fishes every day at the three ponds and enjoys meeting other men there and fishing together.
Q: What are some reasons you’d recommend Otterbein to others?
There are so many reasons! The homes are beautiful, and they take care of you. The maintenance team is amazing — if you have a lightbulb out, they can change it for you. If you need assistance, you can pull a call cord and a team member will be right there to help you.
You also have a choice of what you want to do each day. You can get involved as much or as little as you’d like. You can treat your place as your own — we have planted flowers to make it feel like home.
Related: Meet the Residents at Otterbein Lebanon >>
Q: How would you describe your quality of life and overall well-being now that you’re residents of Otterbein Cridersville?
We feel comfortable with the environment and feel safe. We have no worries.
Q: Is it easy to make friends here at Otterbein?
Yes, the staff promotes ways to meet new people and create friendships.
Q: How have the Otterbein partners (employees) made a difference in your life?
They are all so kind and help us with whatever we need. The partners that work here are like our friends, and they love and support us.
Q: What advice would you give others trying to decide whether a community like Otterbein is right for them?
The campus is cheery, and there is so much to offer. They do trips, events, socials, and picnics — there is just so much to do! Otterbein is such a pleasant place to be. We are treated with respect and dignity.
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Otterbein SeniorLife offers seniors unlimited lifestyle options and life-enriching opportunities through a full continuum of care with independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab, memory support, and respite care.
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