Otterbein Pemberville investing in meeting area seniors’ needs

        Otterbein Pemberville is continuing its investment in delivering an outstanding environment for seniors, both from the perspective of quality care and physical design.
        “If you’ve visited our community lately or just driven by, you’re sure to have noticed construction underway and big changes as the result,” said Executive Director, Jessica Kirkendall. “With the ever-changing senior living industry, we’re working hard to listen and act on the demand for continuing improvements to an already high-quality community.
        “Recent changes include a state-of-the-art assisted living complex, new nursing private recovery suites, a larger and more comprehensive therapy gym, ground-level access to Mercy Health’s on-campus clinic, and so much more,” she said. “When complete, Otterbein will have invested over $20 million to better meet the health care needs of area seniors.’
        Highlights of the first three phases of a multi-year and multi-phase development plan include:
        • The first phase, completed in late 2021, is the Oakwood at Otterbein Pemberville, a new assisted living complex. Otterbein is the nation’s leader in “Greenhouse” skilled nursing neighborhoods, the open design concept is emulated in the development of the Oakwood.
        The 64-suite complex includes an array of apartment models – studio, alcove and one-bedroom suites – all private and each with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. In addition the two-story building includes centralized common spaces on each floor – lounges, family visitation areas, an oversized kitchen to provide meals or snacks whenever a resident wishes and a family-style dining area – all in an open design.
        According to Kaelyn Flower, director of assisted living and assistant administrator at Otterbein Pemberville, the Oakwood provides a cutting-edge design environment that will enable residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle – very close to home, while providing the quality of care they need.
        “The need for assisted living care is increasing rapidly and we’re thrilled to answer area demands with The Oakwood,” she said.
        • The second phase, completed in early February of this year, is the new Cove and Crest Nursing Neighborhoods, 26 private nursing care suites, each equipped with spacious, private, bathrooms with barrier-free showers.
        Cumulatively, Otterbein Pemberville can provide long-stay nursing and/or rehabilitative care services for up to 48 residents in its nursing areas.
        • Otterbein Pemberville just recently engaged the third phase of development – a new therapy gym and an easily accessible nursing neighborhood entrance near Pemberville Road. This phase is designed to improve access to nursing by friends and family members and to dramatically improve the ability to provide therapy services. This phase of the renovation project is scheduled to be completed near the end of 2023.
        “As the needs of those we serve and the senior care industry as a whole continue to change, Otterbein Pemberville is working hard to react quickly to meet the demand,” Kirkendall said.  “We’ve been blessed to have our doors open for over 42 years and now to offer the same quality of care and compassion we’ve been known for in a new environment is the best gift we feel we can give to our residents, their families and the local community.
        “And keep a watchful eye – I have little doubt the next phases of our long-term developmental plan might be just around the corner,” she added.
        Active since 1912, and in Pemberville since 1981, Otterbein SeniorLife is a founded-in-faith, non-profit health and human services organization. Otterbein has nine full-service senior care communities, nine skilled nursing and rehabilitation neighborhoods, a home health agency, two hospice care organizations, and a staffing agency – all located throughout Ohio and central Indiana. For more information visit www.otterbein.org.