CRIDERSVILLE — Otterbein Cridersville will soon be home to a new therapy unit and assisted living wing as part of a $6 million rehabilitative and long-term care expansion project.
On Thursday, Otterbein executives, chamber of commerce members and builders broke ground on a new therapy gym, 17-suite post acute rehab area and 24 assisted living apartments.
Otterbein Vice President of Operations Jason Miller said the expansion will create more room for permanent residents and people who only need to stay for a short time.
“We have so many people that want to come live with us here, so that’s one aspect in building the 24-unit assisted living wing,” Miller said. “The 17-bed post acute area is for temporary residents who may be coming after a surgery or some incident, and we will provide them with short-term rehabilitation to allow them to get back home.”
Post-acute care, which is often required for patients with a wide range of medical and post-surgical conditions, will be available to anyone in the community.
“Our aging population is growing, so what we’re able to do with this expansion is help the community at large,” Miller said.
The therapy unit will conjoin a therapy gym with private suites, courtyards and a bistro. According to a news release, the space will “provide residents with all the comforts of home in private suites designed to cater to individuals with a variety of needs.”
The post-acute area will help individuals recover from orthopedic injuries, total joint replacements, strokes and more. Ottberbein’s rehabilitative program will also include aquatic and respiratory therapies.
In addition, the expansion will create a need for additional staff, which Miller said will help the community as jobs become available.
Workers are beginning construction immediately, and the project is expected to be completed next year.
