Otterbein Marblehead Marketing Director Mollie Rauscher welcomes prospective residents to experience life on the campus through the Try It Stays program. (Photo by Sherri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Now that Otterbein Marblehead is down to only three independent living Patio Homes, it wants to give prospective residents the chance to experience life at the senior living campus.

This spring, the campus will offer two opportunities to take a temporary step into the world of Otterbein Marblehead to learn firsthand what everyday life is like for its residents.

On Thursday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Otterbein Marblehead will host a Daycation event which features tours of the campus and Patio Homes, a visit to nearby Lakeside, meals prepared by Chef Frank Maltese, a wine tasting and other fun activities. Daycation is free, but registration is required by calling Marketing Director Mollie Rauscher at 419-798-8254.

Otterbein Marblehead will take the personalized experience concept a step further when it launches the “Try It Stays” program this spring. Try It Stays offer complimentary overnight stays in an independent living Patio Home.

Patio Homes are part of the 46-acre, wooded Otterbein Marblehead campus. (Photo by Sherri Trusty)

“If people are on the fence about their decision, we want them to have the opportunity to tour and experience Otterbein Marblehead,” Rauscher said. “I’m really proud of our campus. I think, if people experience it, they’ll see the value of moving into a community like this.”

Try It Stays include a meet-and-greet with the Otterbein Marblehead leadership team, visits with current residents, meals prepared by Maltese, a tour of the campus and all its amenities, and a personalized itinerary.

“They’ll do activities based on their interests,” Rauscher said. “It’s a personalized experience to show them what life at Otterbein Marblehead could look like. Try It Stays will launch sometime in April, but we are building a waiting list now.”

Otterbein Marblehead has 33 independent living Patio Homes and 24 independent living apartments. Independent residences include wellness services which encompass medical support and daily living assistance.

“We help with laundry, cleaning and dressing in an independent living environment,” said Rauscher. “Our goal is to keep our residents as independent as possible.”

The independent living Patio Homes at Otterbein Marblehead range from small, one-bedroom homes to 18,000-square-foot, two-bedroom homes with two-car garages. (Photo by Sherri Trusty)

In addition to independent living accommodations, Otterbein Marblehead’s 46-acre wooded campus also includes 37 assisted living suites, a skilled nursing small home and a long-term care small home.

The foundational concept behind Otterbein Marblehead is connection and community. Programs and activities are designed to keep residents connected to each other, the staff and the community at large.

The campus’ Otterbuddy program connects new residents with a current resident on their first day at Otterbein. The Otterbuddy becomes a day-one friend who helps guide them through Otterbein life and introduce them to fellow residents and campus staff.

“Once you’re here, we want to help immerse you into the community,” Rauscher said. “People feel connected from the moment they walk in the door.”