This year brought lots to celebrate at The Grove at Oakleaf Village of Sylvania. The community was named Best Memory Care Center in the 2026 M Living Readers’ Choice Awards, marking the ninth time it has received the recognition.
The Grove’s honor is part of a broader celebration among Wallick Senior Living’s three Sylvania communities, with The Crescent and Oakleaf Village of Sylvania also receiving awards this year.
A Distinct Approach to Memory Care
The Grove at Oakleaf Village 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.
A Celebration of the People Behind the Award
Being named Best Memory Care Center is a testament to the compassion and experience of The Grove team. The honor reflects the residents, families and dedicated team members who make the community special.
Christine, who joined the team about a year ago, said she immediately saw the talent within Wallick’s Sylvania communities. She called the recognition “inspiring” and said the team’s culture and vision are coming together in ways people are noticing.
The Grove’s honor joins two awards for The Crescent at Oakleaf Village—Best Senior Living Community and Best Premier Dining in a Senior Living Community—and Oakleaf Village of Sylvania’s Best Assisted Living Center award, bringing the Sylvania communities’ total to four.
Congratulations to The Grove at Oakleaf Village of Sylvania and the residents and team members who make the community a wonderful place to call home!
