Two United Church Homes’ communities in Ohio — Trinity in Beavercreek and Chapel Hill in Canal Fulton — both recently completed expansion projects that added new independent living cottages to each campus. These projects are an essential part of the organization’s long-range strategic plan to increase independent living accommodations where growth is expected to occur.

Kroft Commons at Chapel Hill now features eight newly built cottages, each offering approximately 1,300 square feet of spacious, modern living area. This summer’s expansion brings the total of cottages at Kroft Commons to 48, up from just 28 in early 2014, and included the expansion of the Basler Community Center to accommodate the additional residents.

Trinity also recently expanded its capacity, adding six brand-new independent living cottages to the 20 units that already existed on campus. The new cottages feature two-bedroom floor plans with around 1,200 square feet, and three-bedroom layouts with more 1,400 square feet of living space. The designs reflect a growing demand in senior housing for larger living areas. All the new Trinity cottages feature gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances.

As America ages, statistics indicate seniors are searching for those communities where they can age in place and have access to quality healthcare services. Independent senior living represents an ideal option for many, especially integrated Life Plan style service communities that offer a continuum of care like the ones owned and operated by United Church Homes.

George Schaefer, vice president of marketing and communications explains, “We are on the cusp of additional growth at other campuses. More and more families are turning to the communities of United Church Homes to live.”