Angels all around us

Annette Coker knew when she heard about Otterbein's skilled nursing and rehabilitation neighborhoods, it was going to make a difference in her life – and she was going to make sure that happened.

The resourceful woman – originally from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada – had previously lived in three nursing homes after a car wreck seven years ago made her a quadriplegic.

"Six months after my accident, I found and read about the small house project. I kept my eye on its growth, praying for it to get here soon," Coker said.

The day that Otterbein made the announcement in The Toledo Blade, Coker made phone call after phone call until she found the person who was taking names of people who wanted to be on the waiting list. Her name became the third.

Coker was so excited she went to the groundbreaking ceremony and the grand opening. Everyone knew who she was before she even moved in. One easily recognizable thing about her was a dog, her constant companion, Dallas. That he could live with her at the Otterbein Skilled Nursing & Rehab Neighborhood in Monclova was a big draw for Coker.

Coker is thrilled to be living in an Otterbein small house.

"The most obvious is that it looks like a home and feels more like home," she explained. "No matter how lovely a traditional nursing home looks - on the inside it's still so institutional-looking and smelling. I always felt like just another number there. Otterbein's Skilled Nursing & Rehab Neighborhoods only have 10 people per house instead of 100 people. The houses offers the open concept throughout the middle of the house, encouraging togetherness, a place to sit and chat with others or to entertain your guests. Or you have the option of the privacy of your own suite.

"I love the fact that we can cook our favorite meal or have someone cook it for us," she added. "I think what really sold me on the small house idea was the fact that we have the freedom to make our own decisions. For me, I saw the opportunity for more independence, but the initial attraction to the small house concept was, I saw a home - not just a house, my individual space, possibility for forming new family ties and independence."

Schedule your personal tour today by calling (419) 308-0585.