2011 Elder care

Trying to help your aging parents decide whether to stay in their home or move into an assisted living facility takes preparation. Here are a few tips, plus a directory of Central Ohio senior communities.

Crestock

It’s an unpleasant reality that daily living becomes more difficult as we age. At some point, most adult children will engage in the delicate balancing act of being both the child and becoming the caregiver for their parents.

Helping a parent decide whether to stay in the home or move to a place better suited for senior living almost certainly will bring emotions to the surface. But experts say guilt shouldn’t be involved and it doesn’t have to result in a power struggle.

Staying home

Most people want to remain at home as long as possible. In their familiar surroundings, they’re in charge, independent and surrounded by happy memories.

Carrie Bowers of Creative Life Solutions says there are a number of ways to help older adults stay safely in their own spaces.

The first step is “adult-proofing” the home, Bowers says.

“Making sure the home is free of clutter and can accommodate ambulation aids such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs is an important place to start,” she says. It also is vital to discuss home maintenance and housekeeping with Mom and Dad to ensure that they have the means to hire or recruit the help they need.

“When elders don’t feel like they can afford to hire help, they will often try to tackle the tasks themselves,” Bowers says. This can result in falls and other injuries, which could have lingering consequences for the elderly. Bowers recommends a home alarm system with medical alert capabilities, so help can be summoned in case of an emergency.

“In addition, there should be a family member or trusted friend who can monitor the patient’s medications and financial dealings,” Bowers says. Often, older adults are trusting—perhaps as a result of having grown up in a different time or maybe due to diminishing mental capacity. This might make them easy prey for scams involving home repairs, investments or mail order offers, she says.

If the decision has been made to stay in the home, a number of agencies can help. Bowers recommends starting with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to find resources and suggestions. Health advocates and geriatric care managers are available to assist families in locating programs and funding, she says. Other resources to consider are Meals on Wheels, the LifeCare Alliance lunch programs and various churches and religious organizations.

The American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Central Ohio Parkinson’s Society and other specialized organizations provide information and a wide variety of services that range from free to thousands of dollars per month. Cost often is determined by income and the amount of assistance needed, Bowers says.

Russ Huber, principal of Granny Nannies, says his company helps people stay in their own homes while alleviating some of the pressure on the loved ones. The organization helps older adults with bathing, meal prep, range-of-motion exercises, medication reminders, transportation and light housekeeping.

“Every case is customized to the specific needs of the individual,” Huber says. He recommends using an agency that does thorough background checks on its employees in multiple states and uses properly trained and certified staff.

Granny Nannies serves clients anywhere from a minimum of three hours a week all the way up to 24-hour daily care, and costs range from $15 to $18.50 per hour. Hourly rates may be reduced as the number of hours per week increases, he says. In-home services often are covered by long-term care insurance and sometimes by Medicare, Huber says.

When it’s time

If home care ceases to be effective, then it’s time to move to a more suitable living space.

Susie Fleak, RN and manager of assisted living at Willow Brook Christian Communities, says to look for such signs as not taking medications properly, losing weight, a lack of housekeeping, neglected personal hygiene and poor mobility.

“Maybe they’re supposed to be using a walker, but they aren’t, or they’re sleeping in their easy chair because it’s easier than climbing into bed,” Fleak says.

Poor dietary habits are common among older folks, says Ron Pyle, Feridean Commons vice president.

“Widows and widowers may lose the desire to eat properly,” he says. “We find that many live on snack foods, or warm up dated food, which leads to illness. Improper nutrition leads to other issues, particularly if they are diabetic.”

Dawn Ruppel, marketing director at Friendship Village of Columbus, lists forgetfulness as a sign that things may be slipping. Forgetting to pay bills, lock doors or shut off appliances can lead to serious problems.

How to have the talk

Fleak says most of the people inquiring about facilities are adult children, and they visit without their parents at first. This keeps the discussion informational and perhaps not so emotional. When it’s finally time to bring up the subject with Mom or Dad, do it gingerly, Fleak says.

“It’s very individual, but I would choose my timing carefully,” she says. “Don’t do it while you’re frustrated.”

Even if you pick the perfect moment, expect some resistance. Parents may reply in a variety of ways, Fleak says.

“They may say they can’t afford it,” she says. “Some folks have saved and saved with the idea of leaving something for their children, and they hate the idea that the money is being used for their care.” Reminding them that their security and comfort are more important than any inheritance may help.

Those who have developed dementia may dig in their heels. “At home, they know where the bathroom is and where to find the glasses,” Fleak says. “Talk about transplanting them, and because of their short-term memory loss, they’ll feel scared witless.”

Some parents may accuse their children of wanting to get rid of them. When this is the case, Ruppel suggests making the conversation less personal and more general. “Talk about similar situations that you have seen with others,” she says. “Talk about how the move to assisted living helped improve their lifestyle, and how it made the children feel secure that their loved one was safe.”

It may be easiest to have a particular sibling introduce the topic, which often translates to the eldest child or the son, Fleak says. For some families, the advice may be best received when it is coming from the doctor. After the initial conversation, ease into the idea by visiting some facilities.

“Our advice is to visit a few communities,” Pyle says. “Settle on a couple that you feel comfortable with and take your parent on a tour of those facilities. Focus on the concerns you have and let your loved one see that their quality of life will be better with a little help when they need it.”

Advantages

Assisted living communities are less like rest homes of previous generations and more like college dorms for the senior set. Community dining, ample social opportunities, athletic facilities, group outings and even potential romance are all part of Central Ohio’s assisted living scene.

The social aspect has an immeasurable impact on health, both mental and physical, experts say. “They develop friendships and relationships here,” Fleak says. “Someone may say she’s not hungry, but she sits down and starts talking with her tablemates and, before you know it, she’s eaten a healthy meal.”

Residents connect socially through team games such as Wii bowling tournaments, Name That Tune and trivia contests. The activity gets them talking, and the resulting smiles, laughter and positive feelings contribute to a sense of well-being.

Extra help being available ensures that medication is taken at the right times—something essential to good health. Fleak says one family told her that their mother, when she was living independently, took a nap and, thinking it was morning when she woke, took the day’s meds all over again. Such a lapse in judgment could happen to anyone—and could be disastrous.

Housekeeping services keep living spaces tidy. “Relief from taking care of a home, housekeeping, personal laundry and bed-making are all provided,” Pyle says. An orderly apartment is helpful for preventing falls. Ruppel says that at Friendship Village, emergency call buttons are located in all bathrooms, and residents have pendants to call for assistance.

Many communities are almost self-sufficient villages, with hair salons, general stores, cafes, post office facilities, fitness centers, on-site healthcare professionals, computer labs and libraries available to residents.

Choosing a facility

Selecting exactly the right place comes with a steep learning curve. Fleak says she tells people, “If you’ve seen one assisted living facility, you’ve seen one assisted living facility.” The range is so wide, it’s often difficult to compare one community to another.

Prices in the Central Ohio area range from $3,500 to more than $7,000 per month, depending upon the level of care required and the size of the apartment.

Some facilities may charge extra for medication administration, laundry, housekeeping or assistance getting to the restroom. Others are all-inclusive. At Willow Brook, for instance, virtually everything is included in the monthly fee, from daily living help to utilities. Only medications and incontinence supplies are the responsibility of the resident.

There are numerous considerations aside from cost, including proximity to family, services offered and philosophy of the community. They range from the medical model—where there is ample oversight—to the more independent, laid-back social model, in which residents may just place a card outside their door each day letting others know they’re feeling well today.

Whatever the choice, make it carefully. This could be the place your parents spend the rest—and perhaps some of the best parts—of their lives.

Kristin Campbell is a freelance writer.

The following is a list of Central Ohio retirement communities and assisted living facilities.

Compiled by: Ryan Book and Ben Zenitsky

Abbington of Pickerington

9480 Blacklick-Eastern Rd., Pickerington, 577-0822, abbingtonline.com

Date opened: 2000

Total units and rates: 48 units, all-inclusive pricing $2,990 to $3,010 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, snacks, beauty parlor, single-story building, screened porches, enclosed courtyard, cable and telephone included.

Abbington of Powell

3971 Bradford Ct., Powell, 789-9868, abbingtononline.com

Date opened: 2002

Total units and rates: 48 assisted, $2,950 to $3,150 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, snacks, beauty parlor, single-story building, screened porches, enclosed courtyard, cable and telephone included.

Amber Park in Pickerington

401 Hill Rd. N., Pickerington, 834-3113, hawthornretirement.com

Date opened: 2009

Total units and rates: 86 assisted living, $3,030 to $4,360 a month.

Amenities: executive chef on staff, focus on culinary excellence, full size appliances in apartments, 24-hour nurses on staff, pets welcome, transportation at no additional charge, weekly off-site activities, salon, chapel, wellness programs and exercise classes, speakers and other on-site learning activities.

Carriage Court of Grove City

2320 Sonora Dr., Grove City, 871-8000, meridiansenior.com

Date opened: 1989

Total units and rates: 45 assisted, $2,600 to $3,300 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, respite stays, visiting audiologist and psychiatrist as needed, visiting podiatrist every 60 days, all therapies available.

Carriage Court of Lancaster

800 Beck’s Knob Rd., Lancaster, (740) 654-4422, meridiansenior.com

Date opened: 1996

Total units and rates: 36 assisted, start at $2,150 a month; 17 memory care, start at $3,630 a month.

Amenities: two dining areas serving three meals a day, home health, hospice, visiting podiatrist monthly, respite stays, weekly housekeeping and laundry included, transportation to doctors’ appointments, beauty shop on site.

The Convalarium at Indian Run

6430 Post Rd., Dublin, 761-1188, theconvalarium.com

Date opened: 1988

Total units and rates: six assisted, $222 to $248 a day; 94 nursing, $115 to $164 a day.

Amenities: three meals daily, snacks, rehabilitation services, hospice, respite, visiting entertainers, activities and outings.

Creekside at the Village

2200 Welcome Pl., 559-5500, whv.org (also see the listing for its affiliate, Wexner Heritage Village)

Date opened: 2005

Total units and rates: 82 assisted or independent, $2,900 to $5,000 a month.

Amenities: on-site medical center, personal care assistance and nursing, full-service kosher dining, transportation, beauty and fitness salons.

Dublin Retirement Village

6470 Post Rd., Dublin, 764-2800, seniorstar.com

Date opened: 1989

Total units and rates: 134 independent, $3,250 to $4,570 a month.

Amenities: meals, walking trails, private pond, exercise room with ShapeMaster strength training system designed specifically for seniors, library, computer lab with brain fitness software.

Edgewater Place

11351 Lafayette Plain City Rd., Plain City, 873-9700, edgewaterplace.com

Date opened: 2009

Total units and rates: 56 assisted, rates not available.

Amenities: spacious apartments, fine dining options, 24-hour nursing supervision, media and recreation room, activities and outings, transportation, gazebo, courtyards, screened porches, family gathering areas, cafe, private dining room, barber shop/salon and spa, respite care, creative studio and wellness care.

Emerald Crossings

7220 Muirfield Dr., Dublin, 336-3677, brookdaleliving.com

Date opened: 1999

Total units and rates: 54 assisted, $2,915 (average cost) plus personal care; 30 memory care, $3,125 plus personal care.

Amenities: public and private dining areas serving three meals a day, sunrooms, enclosed outdoor courtyards, beauty/salon shop, life enrichment activities, bus for community outings, Age in Place philosophy.

Emeritus at Chestnut Hill

5055 Thompson Rd., 855-3700, emeritus.com

Date opened: 1993

Total units and rates: 113 independent, assisted or memory care, $2,300 to $4,400 a month.

Amenities: two dining areas serving three meals a day; utilities, cable, laundry and housekeeping included, nurses available 24 hours; private apartments, computer lounge, outdoor patio, chapel, library, activities room, recreational area with billiards and slot machines, barbershop/ beauty salon, therapy available as needed.

Feridean Commons/Villas at Feridean Commons

6885 Freeman Rd., Westerville, 898-7488, feridean.com

Date opened: 2001

Total units and rates: 38 independent villas, $2,350 to $3,550 a month; 58 assisted, $3,550 to $5,995 a month.

Amenities: two dining areas serving three meals a day, activity program, fishing pond, commercial greenhouse, chef prepared meals, pastry chef.

First Community Village

1800 Riverside Dr., 324-4455, firstcommunityvillage.org

Date opened: 1963

Total units and rates: 86 independent living apartments, entrance fee $239,900 to $399,900 and $3,200 to $4,000 a month; 51 garden apartments, $1,895 to $4,195 a month; 38 assisted, $120 to $179 a day; 36 memory care cottages, $199 a day; 155 nursing, $229 a day, plus $48.75 for a private room; six manor homes, entrance fee $415,900 to $479,900 and $4,200 to $5,000 a month. An additional 32 manor homes will be built this fall, bringing the total from six to 38.

Amenities: indoor swimming pool, private movie theater, underground parking garage, tavern, washer and dryer in every manor home.

The Forum at Knightsbridge

4590 Knightsbridge Blvd., 451-6793, theforumatknightsbridge.com

Date opened: 1989

Total units and rates: 143 independent, $2,500 to $5,517 a month; 88 assisted, $105 to $266 a day; 57 nursing, $224 to $295 a day; 25 memory care, $199 a day.

Amenities: six dining areas serving three meals a day, fine dining with certified executive chef, maintenance and housekeeping, activities, personal care, three beauty/barber shops.

Friendship Village of Columbus

5800 Forest Hills Blvd., 890-8282, friendshipvillageoh.com

Date opened: 1978

Total units and rates: 229 independent, $1,814 to $3,780 a month; 64 assisted, $3,756 to $5,723 a month; 90 nursing, $215 a day.

Amenities: three meals a day, wellness center,

on-site bank and store, woods and walking path, billiard room, computer lab, woodworking shop, arts and crafts center, therapy on site (including physical, occupational, speech and VitalStim).

Friendship Village of Dublin

6000 Riverside Dr., Dublin, 764-1600, fvdublin.org

Date opened: 1981

Total units and rates: 255 independent, $1,725 to $3,712 a month; 46 assisted, $3,864 to $4,463 a month; 60 nursing, $227 to $277 a day.

Amenities: restaurant-style dining, arts and crafts center, bank, fitness center, billiards room, private garden plots, general store, library, Olympic size pool, full fitness center.

Kendal at Granville

2158 Columbus Rd., Granville, (740) 321-0410, kag.kendal.org

Date opened: 2005

Total units and rates: 110 independent, $2,598 to $5,039 a month; 12 assisted, $5,100 a month; 12 nursing, $289 a day.

Amenities: five dining areas serving three meals a day, catering for special events, indoor pool, fitness and wellness center, library, woodworking shop, art studio.

Lincoln Lodge Retirement Residence

4950 W. Broad St., 870-1123, lincolnlodge.com

Date opened: 1997

Total units and rates: 53 independent, $1,250 to $2,250 a month; assisted, starting at $2,700 a month (2010 rates; 2011 rates not disclosed).

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, free laundry, housekeeping, exercise classes, activities.

Lutheran Village Kensington Place

1001 Parkview Blvd., 252-5276, kensingtoncolumbus.org

Date opened: 1983

Total units and rates: 126 independent, $1,750 to $4,000 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving two meals a day, wellness clinic, fitness center, art studio, library, beauty salon/barber shop, media center, general store, lunch deli, healthcare services available.

Oakleaf Village of Columbus

5500 Karl Rd., 431-1739, oakleafvillage.com

Date opened: 1985

Total units and rates: 121 independent or assisted, $1,959 to $2,719 a month; respite stay, $150 a day.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, beauty salon, pond, garden area, full social activity calendar, restaurant-style dining.

The Ravine at Central College

630 S. Sunbury Rd., Westerville, 794-1333, ncr.org

Date opened: 2004

Total units and rates: 105 independent, one-bedroom unit rate based on resident’s gross income, two-bedroom unit, $699 to $950 a month.

Amenities: library, exercise room, computer room, community room.

The Sanctuary at Tuttle Crossing

4880 Tuttle Rd., Dublin, 760-8870, sanctuaryseniorliving.com

Date opened: 1998

Total units and rates: 45 assisted, $100 to $143 a day; 55 nursing, $212 to $335 a day.

Amenities: private rehab apartments include kitchenettes, private baths and flat-screen TVs, two dining areas serving three meals a day; physical, speech and occupational therapy, respite program, beauty/barber shop, activities, two courtyards, walking path; new rehab apartments include kitchenettes, private baths and flat-screen televisions.

Scioto Community

433 Obetz Rd., 491-2000, www.sciotocommunity.com

Date opened: 2003

Total units and rates: 15 independent living condos, $155,000, plus $450 a month; 32 assisted, $2,800 to $4,500 a month; 93 long-term care/skilled nursing beds, $217 to $242 a day; 32 inpatient rehab suites, $385 a day.

Amenities: two gyms offering physical, occupational and speech therapies, ice cream shop, two beauty shops, library, indoor theater room, fitness center, executive chef, several outdoor courtyards and indoor sunroom with fountain and skylights, pond with walking path and gazebo, pet-friendly, aquariums, bird aviaries, active social calendar.

Seton Square East

1235 Briarcliff Rd., Reynoldsburg, 861-4860

Date opened: 1978

Total units and rates: 100 independent, HUD-subsidized rates.

Amenities: convenient location, coin-operated laundry.

Sterling House of Lancaster

241 Whittier Dr. S., Lancaster, (740) 681-9903, brookdaleliving.com

Date opened: 1998

Total units and rates: 42 assisted, $2,300 to $3,400 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, snacks, pets allowed, memory care, physical and occupational therapy on call, national and regional support with local management, housekeeping and laundry included.

Sugar Grove Square Apartments

530 S. State St., Westerville, 882-7757

Date opened: 1973

Total units and rates: 120 independent, $585 a month.

Amenities: air conditioning, activities, library, visits by public library, local transportation for small fee; banks, supermarket and pharmacy all located within walking distance.

Summit’s Trace Health Care Center

935 Cassady Ave., 252-4987, summitstracecolumbus.com

Date opened: 1964

Total units and rates: 93 assisted living, $93 to $202 a day; 186 long-term care, $185 to $222; 11 assisted-living memory care, $159 a day; 34 long-term memory care, $215 a day

Amenities: three meals a day, chaplain services, beauty salon/barber shop; facility completely renovated throughout in 2010; new therapy gym.

Sunrise of Bexley

2600 E. Main St., Bexley, 235-3900, sunriseseniorliving.com

Date opened: 1991

Total units and rates: 57 assisted or memory care, $2,550 to $3,600 a month.

Amenities: private dining room serving three meals a day, backyard with gazebo, ice cream parlor, bistro, wraparound porch, activities, wellness program, beauty salon/barber shop, transportation to appointments and activities.

Sunrise of Gahanna

775 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, 418-9775, sunriseseniorliving.com

Date opened: 1998

Total units and rates: 50 assisted or memory care, $3,400 to $6,000 a month.

Amenities: four dining areas serving three meals a day, private dining room, courtyard, bistro, memory care unit, activities.

Sunrise on the Scioto

3500 Riverside Dr., 457-3500, sunriseseniorliving.com

Date opened: 1992

Total units and rates: 53 assisted or memory care, starting at $3,720 a month.

Amenities: two dining areas serving three meals a day, private dining room, beauty salon/barber shop, wraparound porch, housekeeping, daily activities and socials.

Traditions at Mill Run

3550 Fishinger Blvd., Hilliard, 771-0100, ncr.org

Date opened: 1995

Total units and rates: 75 assisted, starting at $2,550 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, snacks, ice cream parlor, therapy room, beauty/barber salon, arts and crafts room, memory care unit, computer lounge featuring brain fitness software, gazebo, walking paths.

Trillium Place

3500 Trillium Crossing, 734-1000, brookdaleliving.com

Date opened: 2002

Total units and rates: 155 independent, $2,200 to $4,400 a month; 60 assisted, $2,675 to $3,460 a month.

Amenities: two dining rooms serving three meals a day, indoor swimming pool with whirlpool, concierge services, covered parking, fitness facility, wellness center, library, beauty salon/barber shop, arts and crafts studio, billiards and poker room.

Village at Westerville Retirement Center

215 Huber Village Blvd., Westerville, 882-3782, villageatwesterville.com

Date opened: 1980

Total units and rates: 78 independent, $2,164 to $3,300 a month; 48 assisted, $4,100 to $5,700 a month.

Amenities: two dining areas serving three meals a day, beauty shop, activities room, television room, two computers and two magnifiers, exercise room, guest suites, cable included, video and book library, private dining room, complimentary transportation, weekly housekeeping, walking paths and courtyards.

The Villas at St. Therese Independent living

5253 E. Broad St., 856-9951, villasatstthereseindependentliving.com. Assisted living: 25 Noe Bixby Rd., 864-3576, villasatstthereseassistedliving.com

Date opened: 2000

Total units and rates: 75 independent, $1,028 to $1,610 a month; 50 assisted living units, $3,380 to $4,120 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, utilities included, personalized pendant system, library, monthly books on wheels visits, monthly podiatry visits, wellness and exercise classes, on-site banking, beauty shop, ice cream parlor, coffee shop.

Wesley Glen Retirement Community

5155 N. High St., 888-7492, wesleyglen.com

Date opened: 1969

Total units and rates: 116 independent apartments and patio homes, $1,513 to $4,112 a month; 71 assisted, $3,376 to $5,840 a month; 40 nursing, $6,327 to $8,090 a month; 21 special or memory care, $6,235 to $6,783 a month.

Amenities: dining area, beauty salon, library, bank, classroom, fitness center.

Wesley Ridge Retirement Community

2225 St. Rt. 256, Reynoldsburg, 759-0023, wesleyridge.com

Date opened: 1998

Total units and rates: 90 independent units, $1,575 to $3,343 a month; 16 independent homes, $1,690 to $1,853 a month; 60 assisted living, $121 to $197 a day; 40 special care units (Alzheimer’s care), $204 a day.

Amenities: four dining areas, beauty salon, theater room, coffee bistro, library, bank, billiards room, fitness center, classroom.

Westminster-Thurber Community

717 Neil Ave., 228-8888, oprs.org

Date opened: 1965

Total units and rates: 149 independent, starting at $1,370 a month plus entrance fee; 52 assisted, starting at $3,148 a month plus entrance fee; 92 skilled nursing, starting at $224 a day; 20 Alzheimer’s memory care, starting at $5,740 monthly.

Amenities: eight dining areas serving three meals a day, computer lab, fitness center with personal trainer, rooftop pool, pet-friendly community, home healthcare services.

Wexner Heritage Village

1151 College Ave., 231-4900, whv.org (for assisted and independent living, also see the listing for its affiliate, Creekside at the Village.)

Date opened: 1951

Total units and rates: 140 HUD-subsidized independent units at Heritage Tower and Bexley Heritage Apartments for low-income seniors; rates based on income.

Amenities: service coordinator, health and wellness center, abundant programs and activities, library, computer, emergency call system, beauty/barber services, security.

Whetstone Gardens and Care Center

3710 Olentangy River Rd., 457-1100, whetstonegardensandcarecenter.com

Date opened: 1970

Total units and rates: 60 assisted, $3,500 to $4,500 a month; 175 skilled nursing beds, $6,300 to $10,000 a month.

Amenities: four dining areas serving three meals a day, personalized activities, chapel, library, therapy services, beauty shop, gift shop, courtyard.

Willow Brook Christian Home

55 Lazelle Rd., 885-3300, willow-brook.org

Date opened: 1972

Total units and rates: 26 assisted, $140 a day for private room, $181 a day for a two-room suite for one person, two-room for two people is $251 a day; 50 nursing beds, $248 a day; $9,000 refundable deposit.

Amenities: Private, carpeted rooms and suites with private baths, restaurant-style dining with choices at each meal, all-inclusive pricing in assisted living, conversation areas indoors and out, wi-fi, professional landscaping.

Willow Brook Christian Village

100 Willow Brook Way S., Delaware, (740) 369-0048, willow-brook.org

Date opened: 1990

Total units and rates: 60 twin single homes, $979 to $1,029 a month, $150 for additional resident; 67 apartments, $765 to $1,449 a month, $100 to $290 for additional resident; 43 assisted, $137 to $148 a day; 34 nursing, $220 to $245 a day; 18 memory care, $168 to $175 a day.

Amenities: 29-acre campus, social opportunities led by staff and resident team, carpeted rooms, private baths, all-inclusive pricing for assisted living and memory care center, restaurant-style dining with choices at every meal, space between houses and many trees and flowers, library, computer center, restaurant open to the public, complimentary services including fax, notary and copying.

Willow Brook at Delaware Run

100 Delaware Crossing W., Delaware, (740) 201-5640, willow-brook.org

Date opened: 2006

Total units and rates: 52 twin-single homes, $1,292 to $1,387 a month, $150 for additional resident; 54 apartments, $1,632 to $1,687 a month, $290 for additional resident; 18 assisted, $140 to $181 a day; assisted suites, $140 to $181 a day for one resident, $256 a day for two residents; 20 memory care, $168 to $175 a day.

Amenities: 50-acre campus with lake, woods and streams, space between houses, social opportunities led by staff and resident team, carpeted rooms throughout facility, all-inclusive pricing for assisted living and memory care center, restaurant-style dining with choices at every meal, library, computer center, restaurant open to the public, complimentary services including fax, notary and copying.

Woodlands at East Broad

5380 E. Broad St., 755-7591, woodlandsassistedliving.com

Date opened: 2001

Total units and rates: 117 assisted, independent or memory care, $2,584 to $4,316 a month. Ten new studio apartments under construction will be available in December.

Amenities: two dining areas serving three meals a day, on-site rehabilitation, complete assistance with care, secured memory care area, privately owned facility.

Woodlands at Eastland

2469 Kimberly Pkwy E., 866-2080 woodlandsateastland.com

Date opened: 1983

Total units and rates: 40 assisted, 80 independent, starting at $850 a month.

Amenities: dining area offering three meals a day, beauty salon/barber shop, village store, library. A newly built recreation center features a craft area, computer classes, a community sewing machine and a community kitchen.

The Woods at Central College

700 East St., Westerville, 895-0959, ncr.org

Date opened: 1997

Total units and rates: 39 independent, rate based on resident’s gross income.

Amenities: beauty shop, library, exercise room, community room.

The Worthington

1201 Riva Ridge Ct., Gahanna, 933-8640, theworthington.net

Date opened: 2005

Total units and rates: 115 independent, $2,315 to $3,580 a month.

Amenities: dining area serving three meals a day, snack bar and coffee 24 hours a day, live-in managers available, shuttle service, light housekeeping, all meals and utilities included (except phone), activities program, month-to-month rent.

Worthington Christian Village

165 Highbluffs Blvd., 846-6076, wcv.org

Date opened: 1985

Total units and rates: 110 independent, $1,694 to $2,942 a month; 38 assisted, $103 to $189 a day; 50 nursing, $204 to $232 a day; 24 cottages, $149,687 to $167,315 with accommodations fee.

Amenities: three dining areas serving three meals a day, on-site worship services, exercise room and programs, banking and postal services, beauty/barber shop, computer lounge.