Yvonne Miller, life enrichment director of Otterbein St. Marys, can’t help but smile when describing some of the meaningful resident experiences she’s been a part of in her community.
Watch the video below to learn more from Yvonne and a few other partners (employees), about what it means to live in a continuing care retirement community with life-enriching activities.
In this video, Yvonne shares a story of a resident who was an avid Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast and frequently rode his when he was younger. Yvonne adds that his face lit up as he talked about his motorcycle adventures.
A community visit by a local motorcycle group led to this special time of reminiscing. With some encouragement and help from group members, the resident was safely seated on the motorcycle, and the moment was one Yvonne, and likely the resident, will never forget.
“He went back in time. You could just see it; he almost looked 30 years younger on that motorcycle — the smile on his face, his chest puffed up, his head raised,” added Yvonne.
Building Relationships with Residents
“It’s not what they did; it’s how we make them feel. It’s joy in the moment,” shared Yvonne. Joy is created every day in all levels of care at Otterbein SeniorLife communities. There are opportunities for residents to try new things and continue doing the things they’ve always enjoyed doing. And throughout these moments, unique relationships are formed.
Chaplain Bruce McDaniel of Otterbein St. Marys spoke about his relationship with a resident who felt like a surrogate grandmother. He was able to get to know her well over just a few years before she passed away.
“I felt that that was a privilege to be able to get that deep into someone’s life. That was special,” shared Bruce.
Providing a Sense of Purpose
Stacy Klosterman, director of marketing, also commented on the importance of the life enrichment team at Otterbein St. Marys and how much of an impact they make on daily life in their community of residents.
“By living here and just giving them purpose when they get up in the morning is pretty special,” added Stacy.
Life-Enriching Activities and Lakeside Living
Maintenance-free lakeside living at Otterbein St. Marys is the perfect setting to enjoy life and make the most of each day. Fortunately, you’re steps away from numerous amenities and choices to do just that.
Let’s take a look at a few of these life-enhancing activities:
- Indoor warm-water pool and fitness center
- Pontoon boat rides and fishing on Ohio’s largest inland lake (right on campus!)
- Shuffleboard
- Spiritual, cultural, educational, and recreational activities on campus
- Library, woodshop, craft area
- Life Enrichment Center with YMCA programs
- Trails at nearby Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
Explore Independent Living in St. Marys, Ohio>>
Interested in Life at Otterbein St. Marys?
The best way to get a sense of what life is all about at Otterbein St. Marys is to schedule a visit. You’ll have the opportunity to see the campus, view homes of interest to you, and get to know residents and employees, so reach out today to learn more about living here!
