Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio is currently celebrating full occupancy of all independent living units throughout the organization. 

In total, there are 87 independent living units spread among the Mennonite Memorial Home and Maple Crest campuses in Bluffton, and the Hilty Home campus in Pandora. 

Of those units, 34 are independent living apartments in the main building at Maple Crest, and the other 53 are villas.

According to Daren Lee, Director of Maple Crest & Independent Living, “We’re seeing the average age of those in our independent living communities trending downward.  People are eager to enjoy the retirement lifestyle of fewer worries and more time to dedicate to things they enjoy – like travel, hobbies, and friends and family. 

Currently, residents in the villas are between ages 65-93, and those in the independent living apartments range from 69-98.” There is a minimum age of 55 to live in the Independent Living villas and apartments. 

Some of the benefits to living in an independent living setting include eliminating the maintenance and expense of home ownership (lawn care, snow removal, roof leak, furnace replacement, etc.), elimination of real estate taxes and property insurance, utilities, access to common areas of main campus buildings, safety/security and access to healthcare services when or if needed.  Additional services such as meals and home care services are optional amenities.

As all independent living units are currently occupied, there is a waiting list for units that come available. 

As openings occur, people on the waiting list are contacted according to their application date.  Though no units are vacant, tours are still available, as many residents enjoy showing their homes! 

Persons interested in learning more about independent living offerings on the campuses, or to schedule a tour, call Lee at 419-358-1015, ext. 101, or e-mail [email protected].