[Updated: July 23, 2025 | Published: July 23, 2025]
Choosing a Senior Living Lifestyle That Fits — Voices of Experience from Central Ohio Residents
What does it feel like to move into a senior living community? Or choose to stay in your home with professional support? Or live like you’re on vacation at a 55+ active adult community? At our first Voices of Experience event on July 10, Residents and Members from all three of our senior living options — Friendship Village of Dublin, The Bailey at Bridge Park and Friendship at Home — shared how they chose their ideal retirement lifestyle in central Ohio.
These inspiring testimonials provided exactly what many older adults seek today: honest, practical insight into innovative senior lifestyle options. If you’re exploring where to live next, their voices offer a rare, unfiltered look into what life is like in three distinctive approaches to vibrant senior living in the Columbus area.
Panelists included:
- Sandy W., Sue A. and Wayne W. from Friendship Village of Dublin
- Jim and Susan G. and Lynn and Gary W. from Friendship at Home
- Donna J. and Barbara M. from The Bailey at Bridge Park.
We’re grateful to our panelists for sharing their stories with such honesty and heart! They highlighted our lifestyle options and showed what retirement living can look like when it’s done right.
One Community. Three Unique Senior Living Lifestyles
At Friendship Village of Dublin, we understand that no two life journeys look the same. That’s why we offer three lifestyle paths that evolve with your needs and vision:
Friendship Village of Dublin: a LifeCare community offering independent living and continuing care on a scenic, 29-acre campus along the Scioto River in Dublin.- The Bailey at Bridge Park: An upscale 55+ apartment community in Dublin’s exciting Bridge Park district.
- Friendship at Home: A Life Plan at Home membership program that allows you to age in place with care coordination that comes to you, wherever you live in central Ohio.
Each path offers a unique blend of freedom, security and support. Depending on your goals and preferences, we can help you find the one that best suits you.
How Panelists Chose Their Path to Retirement Living
Sandy W. toured several communities before choosing Friendship Village of Dublin. “What struck me here was the variety of floor plans,” she said. “I saw some that were larger than what I needed and some that were smaller, but I had options. That wasn’t the case everywhere I looked.”
For Sue A., the community’s solid financial foundation led her to choose Friendship Village of Dublin. “My best friend’s sister is an accountant,” she recalled. “She researched every option in town and said this was the most financially stable. That sealed the deal.”
For Donna J., The Bailey at Bridge Park offered a lifeline. “My husband has Alzheimer’s and lives in memory care. I needed to be nearby and didn’t know what would happen next,” she said. “The Bailey offered a one-year lease, and that flexibility was a godsend.”
The real surprise? The people. “Complete strangers wrapped their arms around me and got me through so much. I never dreamed that kind of support could exist.”
“We downsized from a four-bedroom house with a basement full of memories. I haven’t grieved it for a day. The Bailey feels just right.”
Barbara M. said she and her husband chose The Bailey because they no longer wanted to own a home. “We were healthy and active, and wanted to stay in Dublin close to our community and church. The Bailey was the right decision for us.”
Jim and Susan G., members of Friendship at Home, had tried other retirement planning options, but they never felt quite right.
“We had some concerns at the start,” Jim said. “We also had some other insurance policies that were costing a lot of money to maintain. When we analyzed our options, we felt that Friendship at Home was the best choice.
“We haven’t had any buyer’s remorse,” he added. Friendship at Home gave us the structure and support to stay at home while planning ahead.”
Lynn and Gary W. learned about Friendship at Home through friends who were Members. “We got talking to them, and they were extolling some of the benefits. That got us thinking about it,” Gary said. “Thankfully, we have not had to use much of the service, but we have found the staff to be very helpful.”
Each of these stories reflects a different concern — flexibility, support, staying home — but the same desire: a confident next chapter in life.
Everyday Living That’s Anything but Ordinary
Panelists also shared what they love most about their day-to-day experiences:
- Dining that exceeds expectations
- Comfort and personalized attention
- Social connections and a sense of community
- Peace of mind and planning for the future
Whether enjoying chef-prepared meals, finding companionship in a new setting, or simply staying home with a safety net, each Member or Resident spoke to the joy they’ve found in their choice.
Sue A. from Friendship Village of Dublin praised dining on chef-prepared meals. “You don’t think about it until you do, but the food here is great,” she said. “When you eat at a nice restaurant, you expect it to be good. But here, we get that same quality every day. The chef and the team do an incredible job.”
“I went out recently and thought, ‘Our BLTs are better! Our grilled cheese is better!’ Our dining team cooks for hundreds of people, and still, it’s better than some restaurants.”
For Wayne W., comfort and security were top draws for choosing Friendship Village of Dublin. “One of my initial concerns was security, mostly for my cat! But once I moved in, I became much more comfortable, largely because of the staff. They really tune in to individual needs, even the cleaning and maintenance staff. They know the cat’s name, and I feel completely at ease.”
Sandy W. came to Friendship Village of Dublin for the activities. “I signed up for everything I could. There are fitness classes, trips, movies, and even mystery days. I wanted more than a typical 55+ place, and I found it.”
She has also been amazed by the friendly atmosphere. “Our CEO came to my closing. That said, everything. It showed me that they really care about me here. Staff and residents alike knew my name within a week.”
At The Bailey, Barbara M. was surprised by the strong social connection. “We came from a younger neighborhood, and it’s been so nice to be with people who have similar life experiences,” she said. “The people at The Bailey have become my best friends — more so than some of my lifetime friends.”
“I have tons of friends outside of here, but the people at The Bailey have become my family,” she added. “I think the people here will become better friends than some of my lifetime friends. That’s how close we’ve grown.”
She was intrigued by the range of activities and experiences in and around The Baily. “If you’re healthy and active, there are plenty of people at The Bailey to do things with. After being in an assisted living setting, it’s refreshing to be around people who are active and independent.”
For Friendship at Home Members like Jim and Susan G., the joy comes from having freedom and peace of mind. “We love our backyard and our garden,” said Susan. “And the kids from the neighborhood still come over to dig up potatoes and pull carrots. It’s the life we love — with security for the future.”
Lynn and Gary W. gained community and peace of mind through their Friendship at Home membership. “You think you’re just staying at home, but with Friendship at Home, we also get access to movies, meals, and events. It’s more than just care, it’s community,” Gary said.
“The peace of mind we’ve had these last six years is worth everything. It’s comforting to know we’re covered, especially as the healthcare system gets more complex.”
The couple spoke with other members and staff before joining. “It just felt like a great fit,” Lynn said. “We still enjoy our yard and being home, but having the resources and people in place for the future, it’s a real gift.”
Moments That Made It All Click
Several panelists described a specific moment — a fall, a sense of relief, or a spark of connection — when they knew they had made the right choice.
After a fall on an icy day, Sandy W. knew she was in the right place. “I broke my arm and needed help. But everything I needed was here—meals, therapy, even a Health & Wellness Navigator who made sure I had support. That day changed my whole mindset.”
Wayne W. said his realization came gradually. “I remember being at home thinking, ‘I’ve got to get out of here.’ All the maintenance and responsibilities were weighing on me. Now I feel lighter and more comfortable. That pressure just lifted.”
Jim and Susan G. said they didn’t want to burden their family members, even though they live nearby. “Having access to a responsive care team gives me real confidence for the future,” Susan said.
Their stories illustrate how senior living, done well, provides far more than housing. It offers a true sense of belonging, support and renewal.
Care When You Need It. Where You Need It.
At Friendship Village of Dublin, we believe that care should meet you where you are — and grow with you over time. Whether you want to stay in the home you love or live in a community that offers every level of support on one campus, we provide flexible options that deliver confidence, comfort and financial security.
Friendship at Home Members receive care at home — whether that means help for an hour or around-the-clock. And the program follows you, even if you move within the U.S.
This flexibility and coordination proved especially valuable for Jim and Susan G. after heart surgery, and financially savvy for the couple’s long-term plans.
“When I had heart surgery, the program coordinated everything: home therapy, transportation, check-ins,” Jim recalled. “And we live in Marysville! They made everything seamless.”
“The deductibility of the upfront payment and a portion of the monthly fees was a significant factor in our decision,” Jim added. “It’s a real financial benefit that gives us peace of mind.”
Several Bailey Residents are also Members of Friendship at Home. That combination allows them to enjoy the active lifestyle of Bridge Park while having a plan in place for future care.
For those who choose Friendship Village of Dublin, our on-campus continuing care includes access to state-of-the-art communities: Alderwood Health & Rehab, Waterford Place Assisted Living, and Rowan House Memory Care. These advanced care neighborhoods offer peace of mind, knowing that expert support is always close by, whenever you need it. And our LifeCare plan guarantees access to assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care support for a steady rate, even if your needs change. Residents enjoy peace of mind knowing they never have to worry about exhausting their financial resources.
Ready to Explore Your Senior Lifestyle Options?
At Friendship Village of Dublin, you’ll find more than just a place to live — you’ll discover three flexible paths to senior living, each designed to help you thrive. Whether you’re interested in a vibrant campus lifestyle, the freedom of an active adult apartment in one of the region’s most sought-after neighborhoods, or the ability to stay in your own home with support that comes to you, our options provide the perfect fit for your future. You even have the flexibility to transition from one lifestyle to another, thanks to our Bridge program between Friendship at Home and Friendship Village of Dublin and flexible leasing options at The Bailey.
“The Bailey feels just right,” said Donna J., who found comfort and flexibility at The Bailey at Bridge Park.
“It was the best decision we ever made,” said Susan G., about becoming a Friendship at Home Member.
“Now I feel lighter and more comfortable. That pressure just lifted,” said Wayne W., after moving to Friendship Village of Dublin.
Dublin’s continued growth makes it a smart choice for seniors looking for a dynamic, well-supported community. With top-tier healthcare, an abundance of cultural and recreational activities and a thriving economy, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your next chapter.
Ready to see it for yourself? Schedule a tour at Friendship Village of Dublin and experience what makes this community such a special part of Dublin. Our lifestyle coordinators can also help you explore the benefits of Friendship at Home and The Bailey at Bridge Park.
Call us today at 614-734-2105 or use the button below to schedule a visit. We can’t wait to help you discover the senior living lifestyle that’s right for you!
A Winning Recipe: Friendship Village of Dublin Culinary Team Claims Top Honor at Taste of New Albany
[Updated: August 24, 2026 | Published: August 7, 2026] Delicious.…
