Otterbein SeniorLife Expands Small House Neighborhoods Throughout Ohio

Posted on: December 2, 2021
Otterbein Houses

Otterbein SeniorLife, a national leader in the operation of “Small House” skilled nursing neighborhoods, is expanding operations in all nine neighborhood locations throughout the state of Ohio.

What is a Small House Skilled Nursing Neighborhood?

Otterbein’s skilled nursing neighborhoods provide a new and innovative style of nursing care in a small house environment modeled after the Green House Project

Neighborhoods made up of small houses are specifically designed to free staff and elders from the traditional nursing home mindset of institutional care. Each neighborhood has five small houses, originally designed to provide care for 10 elders in each house.

Learn more about Otterbein SeniorLife Neighborhoods >>

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An Increasing Demand for Small House Neighborhoods

Due to a significant increase in demand for this new concept of skilled nursing care, Otterbein has initiated the construction of two additional suites to each house, allowing care for 60 elders in each of its nine neighborhoods across Ohio. All of the skilled nursing and rehab neighborhoods are licensed by the Ohio Department of Health, Medicare, and Medicaid, ensuring the same standard of care you’d find in traditional skilled nursing communities.

The home-like setting in each small house includes private suites and family meals alongside common living areas and an outdoor fenced patio with a garden. Instead of a structured routine for all elders residing in the same house, you’ll discover staff encouraging personal choices for mealtimes, wake-up times, bedtimes, and activities. The small house neighborhoods inspire connection with others but also support autonomy and life enjoyment using an individualized approach.

Could a small house neighborhood make a big difference for you? Take this quiz to find out. >>

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The Focus of the Small House Model 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the important elements of the small house model:

  • A home-like environment with personal choices for all daily activities 
  • Private suites, outdoor fenced patio, shared kitchen & living/dining areas
  • 12 elders per small house allow for personalized care, socialization, and better infection control (including COVID-19)
  • Dedicated caregivers for each house who establish meaningful relationships with each elder
  • Licensed nurses and nurse assistants on duty 24 hours per day
  • Therapeutic programming, memory support, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care with an interdisciplinary team
  •  Follows tenets of the Green House Project

Learn More About Our Neighborhood Locations

If you’d like to learn more about our neighborhood locations throughout Ohio, simply click on the button below.

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