Otterbein Cridersville is a vibrant continuing care retirement community nestled in the village of Cridersville in Auglaize County, Ohio, conveniently situated along Interstate 75 and close to both Lima and Wapakoneta. The campus spreads across 120 picturesque acres, offering a beautiful blend of urban accessibility and rural tranquility. Residents enjoy scenic surroundings featuring tidy homes on friendly streets, expansive views of sky, woods, fields, and water, along with well-stocked fishing ponds and paved paths for walking and biking.
The community is designed to provide residents with a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle, thanks to a comprehensive range of living options, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, and memory care. The independent living residences come in a variety of spacious floor plans, such as the Blue Jay one-bedroom with a three-season sunroom, the Red Wing two-bedroom, the Swallow one-bedroom, the Thrush two-bedroom with 1.5 baths and a three-season sunroom, and the Red Oak studio apartment. Patio homes are also a popular choice, offering both privacy and access to a wealth of amenities.
Life at Otterbein Cridersville centers around holistic wellness, addressing physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and vocational needs. Every resident partners with an activities counselor to craft personalized plans for enrichment and personal development. The campus features an impressive Life Enrichment Center that serves as the hub for social, cultural, and recreational events. Here, residents can participate in activities such as choir practice, card games, cooking groups, adult coloring, book club, aquatic classes, fitness sessions like Strength & Stamina, and organized excursions to museums, concerts, and local shopping destinations. This center also includes community and conference rooms, a campus dining area, and the chaplain’s office. Notably, it is open to non-resident members who are age 55 and up, fostering a strong sense of community inclusion.
Dining at Otterbein Cridersville is a central part of the resident experience, with freshly prepared meals served three times daily. The menu features a variety of entrees such as meatloaf, turkey reuben, sweet and sour chicken, fettuccini alfredo with chicken, chicken marsala, and philly cheesesteak. Side dishes include options like mashed potatoes with gravy, fried rice, garlic bread, and scalloped potatoes, while desserts such as cheesecake, cookies, jello, and lemon pound cake provide a sweet finish to each meal.
Support is available to help residents transition smoothly and feel welcome from the day they arrive. The Otterbein Ambassadors program, for example, comprises resident volunteers dedicated to helping newcomers acclimate to life within the community, introducing them to neighbors, answering questions, and accompanying them to activities. This spirit of camaraderie helps foster a family-like atmosphere where strong friendships are formed among residents and staff alike.
For those who require extra help with daily tasks, Otterbein Cridersville’s assisted living apartments provide secure, comfortable environments, with friendly staff always available. Residents here also benefit from ongoing access to the Life Enrichment Center and its amenities. With a full continuum of care, residents can comfortably age in place, knowing that memory care and skilled nursing services are available should their needs change over time. The campus’s approach ensures a community rooted in wellness, activity, friendship, and personalized support, making Otterbein Cridersville a place where residents truly feel at home.