Four M Living Readers’ Choice Awards Celebrate Excellence Across Wallick Senior Living Communities
This year brought lots to celebrate among the three Wallick Senior Living communities in Sylvania, Ohio. Four senior living honors were awarded in the 2026 M Living Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizing excellence in senior living, assisted living, memory care and dining.
The award winners include:
- The Crescent: Best Senior Living Community & Best Premier Dining in a Senior Living Community
- Oakleaf Village of Sylvania: Best Assisted Living Center
- The Grove at Oakleaf Village of Sylvania: Best Memory Care Center
These awards reflect the residents, families and dedicated team members who make each community special and underscore the different ways each community creates excellent experiences for residents.
The Crescent Named Best Senior Living Community
The Crescent earned the Best Senior Living Community honor. The community has been an M Living Awards finalist or award winner for at least nine years, adding another milestone to its history of recognition.
What sets The Crescent apart in independent living is that everything is under one roof, including its amenities and restaurant. That can be especially valuable during the colder months, when residents can stay connected, active and comfortable without leaving the building.
At The Crescent, senior living encourages connecting with neighbors, pursuing interests, enjoying activities and amenities, and making the most of each day. The community previously earned Best Senior Living Community honors in 2023 and 2024.
Oakleaf Village of Sylvania Named Best Assisted Living Center
Oakleaf Village of Sylvania was named Best Assisted Living Center, which is especially meaningful for the team as it celebrates 40 years in 2026. One of the first things team members notice is its energy. Program Director Danielle Ballesteros described it simply: “As soon as you walk in the door, there’s life.”
Residents and associates are visible throughout the community, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels different from a traditional lobby. That energy carries into everyday life through friendships, activities and a constant sense of connection, while residents also have opportunities for quiet, reflective and spiritual moments.
Personalized care is another important part of the community’s approach. Team members focus on what gives each resident purpose, from familiar routines to meaningful roles and opportunities to contribute. Families are also encouraged to share concerns, with responsiveness and follow-through helping build trust and a strong reputation.
The Grove at Oakleaf Village Named Best Memory Care Center
The Grove at Oakleaf Village of Sylvania was named Best Memory Care Center, recognizing an approach that is distinct from other memory care communities in the area. The Grove is ability-based, with four neighborhoods and 12 apartments in each. As residents progress through their memory care journey, they can move and advance through the households based on their needs and abilities.
The model extends from the programming to the physical building itself. The result is a community that combines what Executive Director Christine Blackmore described as a “high-end, luxury feel” with a cozy atmosphere. The four neighborhoods create a more intimate setting while supporting specialized memory care.
Experience is another strength. About half of the staff have been at The Grove since it opened 10 years ago, bringing strong training and years of memory care experience to their work. The community is also active beyond its walls, including fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer’s Association.
This year’s honor marks the ninth time The Grove has received Best Memory Care Center.
The Crescent Also Takes Top Honors for Dining
The Crescent also received Best Premier Dining in a Senior Living Community, its first recognition specifically for dining. The team intentionally refreshed the restaurant experience, moving toward individualized, fine dining. Resident feedback helps shape the menu, with dishes and specials continually refined based on what residents want.
Executive Chef Brendan brought years of experience from country clubs and event planning. Christine said, “We truly treat it like a fine-dining restaurant,” with the goal of creating a complete five-star experience across service, food, options and atmosphere.
The restaurant has also become more welcoming to families and guests. Larger groups can gather for meals, creating an open and inviting space that looks and feels different from traditional expectations of senior living dining.
A Celebration of the People Behind the Awards
While the awards recognize specific communities and categories, the team sees them as recognition of everyone who contributes to resident life. Activities Director Alison Maas said, “I feel like a proud mother!” She emphasized that the recognition belongs to the people behind the scenes as much as to leadership, including those who make beds, clean spaces and care for residents every day.
Sales Specialist Dena Marvin described the recognition as a proud moment built on “hard work and dedication” and said, “I think it’s family.” Danielle said the awards reminded her why she entered the profession and reflected a return to the shared goal of making the communities feel like home, not simply places for long-term care.
Christine, who joined the team about a year ago, said she immediately saw the talent within the communities. She called the recognition “inspiring” and said the team’s culture and vision are coming together in ways people are noticing.
Four Awards, One Reason to Celebrate
Winning four M Living Readers’ Choice Awards is an exciting accomplishment for Wallick Senior Living and its Sylvania campus. These honors celebrate the residents who call these communities home and the team members who work every day to provide excellent experiences, comfort and care.
Congratulations to The Crescent, Oakleaf Village of Sylvania and The Grove at Oakleaf Village of Sylvania on these well-deserved honors!
