The Villas at St. Therese - Independent Living sits on 15 quiet, wooded acres in Columbus, Ohio, and the place does feel peaceful, with deer sometimes wandering by and a pond where you can just watch the fountain for a bit, especially on sunny afternoons when the light's pretty on the water. The community welcomes seniors looking for independence, with different kinds of senior living options right in the same area, letting folks move between independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, or even memory care if they need more help down the road. The place's small size gives it a friendly, homey feel, and they do focus on dignity and keeping things as normal as possible, rather than everything feeling like a big institution-so neighbors get to know each other and it's not strange to end up sharing stories with someone new in the dining room or at the cheerful ice cream parlor, which has checkerboard floors, stools at the counter, and big sunny windows looking outside.
The apartments here come in one- or two-bedroom layouts, all with plenty of space and bright windows, and you can bring your own furniture and decorations, so things feel familiar, not like a hotel. Housekeeping, laundry, and health maintenance come standard for independent living, so folks can spend time on hobbies and activities instead of daily chores. The grounds have paved walking paths, white-fenced lawns, and there's a fitness room, beauty shop, and a library with wooden shelves, computer access, and soft armchairs for people who like to read or relax. There are also laundry facilities, extra storage lockers for residents, a social lounge, and places for worship and reflection-including a serene chapel with stained glass. The chaplain and spiritual team are around to help with spiritual needs, and the chapel has daily Mass.
Meal options are available in the bright dining room, which has high ceilings, chandeliers, and fireplaces-a place where people come together for meals, though you can eat in your apartment if you like. There are regular social gatherings and activities, with monthly visits from the public library and podiatry services to help with health, plus a life safety pendant for added security. The staff keeps to certain caregiver-to-senior ratios as part of their license, though it's good to double-check that license status. Residents have easy access to nearby shopping and restaurants, and the campus does offer affordable options for middle-income seniors. Social connections are important here, with a focus on family values, and the staff works with residents and families to make care plans that match what people want and need, so folks can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the little things-whether it's ice cream in the afternoon, reading by the window, or just a quiet walk by the pond.
