First Community Village - Columbus, Ohio

Jessica Ziegler

I have three family members who love living in the Fairfax and Chelsea wings of First Community Village — and we (their children) are thrilled for them.

As the saying goes, it always seems too early until it’s too late. Our parents are happy they proactively chose to move to FCV in plenty of time to take full advantage of the vibrant social and intellectual community. As their daughter, I am grateful they did this as well. They were sick of the hassles of maintaining an independent home, even with help. It’s a relief for the entire family — including the parents — to know that professional help or stepped-up assistance is close at hand.

The public areas of FCV feel like a very nice resort. There are multiple gyms, a theater, a pool, a salon, and a large library. The outside gardens and grounds are gorgeous for walking — and who didn’t love the summer shuffleboard! The individual apartments are bright and sunny, with plenty of space for their furniture and art. My parent’s kitchen in the Fairfax is bigger than mine at home. During the winter, they love to read in front of the fireplace; during the summer, we love joining them on the balcony to watch the birds.

A special shout-out to the maintenance staff, especially John, who approaches all calls (My tv isn’t working! Can you hang these grab bars?) with patience, humor, and speed. My dad is so relieved to no longer be the person up on the ladder changing light bulbs.

Intellectually, there is always something to do at FCV: from hanging art exhibitions, working at in the gorgeous gym, passing by a puzzle table, attending lectures, watching a movie. During football season, the Ohio State games were played on a huge movie screen in one of the dining rooms, and the residents could enjoy a buffet and cheer on the Buckeyes. My mother-in-law loved doing this!

Socially, community is vibrant, friendly, and interesting. FCV does a great job of welcoming newcomers and creating lots of chances to mingle. My parents love meeting up with friends in the dining rooms — they can have a wonderful social life, without the hassle of cooking or the worries about driving to a restaurant at night or in unpredictable weather.

Before moving to FCV, our parents had gotten a bit indifferent about cooking at home. They love the options for food at FCV, from the casual dine-and-dash deli, to the sit down places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is really tasty, and I happily accept all invitations to join the family for dinner.

Downsides? Well, it isn’t inexpensive. And some reviews mention that there are some staffing shortages and turnover in the dining rooms, which is true. Unfortunately, I think this is probably typical for these organizations, so I don’t hold it against FCV. It sounds like they are aware of this issue and are trying their best.

We are super happy with the facility, and I urge you to visit it as well.

Kara Lambert

Aubrey was amazing and was 1000% percent right! My Mom loves this facility! So glad we didn't choose anywhere else! Please if your thinking of a residence or you really need to make the change First Community is the Best Choice

Marilyn Jennings

I have lived here for seven years and love my spacey light filled home w gardens all around. Have made so many friends here and two long time friends move in soon. So many activities, great staff and good food! And terrific workout facility. With warm weather here now will play lots of shuffleboard and bocci ball!

Claire Konys

First Community Village is great! They have beautiful outdoor areas, including many paths to walk and enjoy the space, and the staff is very friendly! I had a great experience visiting this tight-knit community!

Alexander Lavalle

Overall the care received was good. The food could be better and warmer. I don't recommend waking patients at 6.30am to serve cold eggs. Common sense should always prevail over getting the job done. If the patient is asleep then leave them alone. The rehabilitation center was outstanding. I recommend the facility to anyone who needs short term rehabilitation after surgery.

Joan Braun

Sam and Chris were professional, kind and very informative. They gave me confidence that my Dad will do well here! I must add, that my dad was there for 2 weeks. The PT staff was fantastic, however the nursing staff was understaffed, inconsistent and at times negligible. There was one nurse and one aide who were great I wish I could remember their names but overall I would rate it very poor.

James Somers

The reason I’m giving it to stars is because the people who own the place can’t seem to keep good employees, any employees. They use a lot of agency help, so if you’re there for a long time, say three or four months, you don’t get the same person all the time. Now this is mostly at night, during the day in my hallway, there were some very good aids. Namely. Keisha, Debbie and maybe one other I can’t remember. Therapy is hit and miss. I’ve seen good therapists in the workout room and others that just converse among themselves while their patient is doing all the work themselves, counting the reps all by themselves. A far cry from rehab rehabilitation. unfortunately, rehab rehabilitation is only short term, less than three weeks.

Deborah Bosner

As a regular visitor to the Chelsea at First Community Village I am always impressed with the vibrancy and range of activities and the number of residents that are engaged with friends. It is such a lovely facility and every member of staff I have met seems lovely.