The Cottage opened in 2011 and was fully occupied, with a waiting list, within months of opening.

"We know that the demand for assisted living, coupled with dementia-related care, will only continue to grow over the next several decades, as more than 70 million Baby Boomers continue to age, because it provides a better quality of life and is more cost effective than traditional nursing home care," WHV President and CEO David Rosen said. "To be prepared, we are constantly exploring how we can best provide care and support for those with dementia and their caregivers."

The expansion is made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Columbus Jewish Foundation. The Foundation helped fund the initial development of The Cottage through its Community Grants Fund. The money will be used to redevelop existing, unused space adjacent to the existing Cottage.

Plans for the new unit call for each suite to have its own bathroom, a dining room and bright, open common spaces. In addition, one of the new suites will be able to accommodate a couple, should the need arise.

The Cottage is designed to provide residents with a family-style atmosphere that respects their individuality and personal preferences. Common spaces are warm and inviting and include a library, art studio and secure outdoor patio. Meals are served family-style in the dining room and daily programming is designed to promote the highest possible quality of life; foster independence; support each residents' social, emotional and spiritual health; and embrace each individual's personal history, experiences and interests.