Gregory Johnson
Sep 2023
Remarkably Comfortable location specifically Staff and Facilities.
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 5
- Medicare rating
- 5 of 5
- Ownership
- Non profit, Corporation
- Certified beds
- 5
- Inspections
- View history (18 citations)
- Financial rating
- A+ Fitch rating, one of three nationally
- Payment model
- Entrance-fee buy-in, not month-to-month rental
- Campus location
- One mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory
- Campus size
- 110-acre campus with walking trails, arboretum
- Educational access
- Free access to Oberlin College classes and concerts
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Kendal at Oberlin is a nonprofit continuing care community next to Oberlin College, praised by most reviewers for its active resident-run culture, cultural access, and financial stability. A minority of reviewers found it costly, with a buy-in fee that limits flexibility, and reported declining food quality and uneven health care for frailer residents.
The Good
- Nonprofit life plan community with strong financial rating
- Adjacent to Oberlin College, free classes and concerts
- Very active, resident-run community with 100+ groups
- Reviewers describe wonderful care for ill or frail residents
- Wellness center, walking trails, and arboretum on 110 acres
The Bad
- One report of high buy-in cost plus frequent extra charges
- One reviewer noted food quality has declined, called bland
- One reviewer said healthcare needs improvement for frail residents
- Entrance-fee model reported as difficult to resell later
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Kendal at Oberlin is a senior living community in Oberlin, Ohio offering Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Outdoor Patio and Gathering / Activity Spaces. Families rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 48 reviews.
About Kendal at Oberlin
Kendal at Oberlin is a nonprofit life plan community (continuing care retirement community) offering independent living, assisted living, memory support, nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation in Oberlin, Ohio. Located one mile from Oberlin College and less than 30 miles from Cleveland International Airport, the community sits on 110 acres in northeast Ohio.
The Stephens Care Center provides person-centered care for residents requiring assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing services. The community offers wellness-focused, resident-led independent living options including cottages and apartments for active older adults, as well as personalized assisted living care and short-term rehabilitation services for recovery after surgery, illness, or injury.
Kendal at Oberlin features a wellness and fitness center, walking trails, and an arboretum across its expansive grounds. The community emphasizes lifelong learning programs and residents enjoy easy access to music, art, and cultural offerings characteristic of a town with a top liberal arts college and world-renowned conservatory of music.
The Kendal at Oberlin Resident Association (KORA) is described as the heart of the vibrant lifestyle. Since its founding in 1993, the community has welcomed residents from 39 different states. The community maintains financial strength, receiving an A+ rating from Fitch ratings, placing it among only three life plan communities nationally to achieve this designation.
The community upholds values of respect for individual dignity, equality, excellence, and social responsibility, with a commitment that residents, staff, and volunteers have the right to feel accepted and included regardless of race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.
Types of Care at Kendal at Oberlin
Independent LivingSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Cable or Satellite TV
- Emergency Call System
- Private Bathroom
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Wi-Fi / High-Speed Internet
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Restaurant style Dining Room
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Chapel / Religious Services
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
- Outdoor Patio
- Salon / Barber
- Security
- Transportation Services
- Walking Paths
Activities
- Arts and Crafts
- Birthday / Holiday Parties
- Day Trips and Outings
- Grocery Shopping and Errands
- Religious Services
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Kendal at Oberlin
4.6overall · 48 ratings combined
4.6★ on Google (48)
Nora Carroll
Sep 2021
Nice
Matthew Goodsite
Apr 2021
Beautiful
Anthony S
Mar 2021
Beautiful property. Very clean and staff is helpful. Excellent grounds.
Moser Bates
Dec 2019
Very expensive and they charge extra for every little thing. You pay a lot to buy in, and you can't sell it, then you pay a very high monthly bill. The food has gone downhill....very bland...and the healthcare needs improvement. It is a good place if you are healthy and mobile but if you are ill or frail, not so much.
Government Inspection History
3 inspection visits in the last three years, 18 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Apr 28, 2026Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard3 citations
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 22, 2026
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 22, 2026
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 22, 2026
Aug 18, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard4 citations
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 2, 2022
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 2, 2022
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 2, 2022
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 2, 2022
Aug 1, 2019Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard11 citations
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Ensure that corridors are separated from use areas by walls constructed to limit the passage of smoke.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.
Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary.
Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Kendal at Oberlin offer?
Kendal at Oberlin offers Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Kendal at Oberlin located?
Kendal at Oberlin is located at 600 Kendal Drive in Oberlin, Ohio.
What do families say about Kendal at Oberlin?
Kendal at Oberlin is a nonprofit continuing care community next to Oberlin College, praised by most reviewers for its active resident-run culture, cultural access, and financial stability. A minority of reviewers found it costly, with a buy-in fee that limits flexibility, and reported declining food quality and uneven health care for frailer residents.
How did Kendal at Oberlin do on recent health and safety inspections?
Kendal at Oberlin had 3 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 18 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.
How can families visit Kendal at Oberlin?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Kendal at Oberlin and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Kendal at Oberlin? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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