Insights
The Blog of UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation
Gayle McCorkle: Making Her Home at Cook Valley Estates
Gayle McCorkle: Making Her Home at Cook Valley EstatesGayle McCorkle and her late husband, Phil, met in high school, dated in college, and were married before Phil served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Phil received his master’s degree in hospital administration at George Washington University. Gayle worked for a congressman.In 1975, Phil saw an…
Top 10 Simple Home Modifications for Safer Aging in Place
Top 10 Simple Home Modifications for Safer Aging in Place As we age, maintaining independence and comfort at home becomes increasingly important. For many older adults, aging in place—remaining in their own homes rather than moving to a retirement community—offers a sense of familiarity, dignity, and freedom. However, ensuring safety is key to making this…
Foundation Scholarship Helps Ian Fleming Grow in His Career at PACE
Foundation Scholarship Helps Ian Fleming Grow in His Career at PACE When Ian Fleming of Concord, Michigan graduated from high school, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. His mom was a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and his grandmother was a registered nurse, so they encouraged him to consider the healthcare field, Ian says.…
Daily Habits That Support Healthy Aging At Home
Daily Habits That Support Healthy Aging At Home Healthy aging doesn’t happen by accident — small daily habits can make a big difference in staying independent, strong, and vibrant at home. By incorporating simple routines, you can boost your energy and improve overall well-being. As we ring in the New Year, consider implementing these daily…
A Legacy of Love: Peter Paolini’s Family Shares Gratitude for His Care
A Legacy of Love: Peter Paolini’s Family Shares Gratitude for His Care Peter Paolini was the beloved baby of the Paolini family of six siblings. “He was my soul brother,” says his sister, Francine. “Our connection was so tight and loving. We grew up in a loud, Italian family, quick-witted with a lot of humor…
Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative at Huron Valley PACE: Caring for the Caregiver
Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative at Huron Valley PACE: Caring for the Caregiver “This is killing you,” Rose C.’s doctor had told her. Rose, the primary caregiver for her husband, Pat, had lost more than 30 pounds and was struggling with her own health. Pat lives with dementia, and their three children help with…
Appreciation for Brio’s Faith-Based Mission
Appreciation for Brio’s Faith-Based Mission “I thank God every day that I’m here [at Cook Valley Estates]. It’s the best thing that could ever have happened. It makes life a little easier.”—Betty Dykstra, Cook Valley Estates resident The parents of four children, Betty and her husband, Peter, ran a wholesale potato and onion business, started…
Brio Living Services Names Two New Executive Directors to Lead Flagship Communities
Brio Living Services Names Two New Executive Directors to Lead Flagship CommunitiesBrio Living Services recently announced the promotion of two of its team members to executive positions at its flagship communities, following the retirement this month of Cheryl VanBemden, Executive Director of Brio’s Porter Hills Village and Green House® Homes in Grand Rapids. VanBemden has…
Giving Tuesday, Tree of Life, and Year-End Giving Offer Variety of Ways to Support Aging Well
Giving Tuesday, Tree of Life, and Year-End Giving Offer Variety of Ways to Support Aging WellAs the holidays approach, and we enter the season of giving, there are a variety of ways you can choose to support older adults—and our team members who provide exceptional care—at Brio Living Services. Your gift to the UMRC-Porter Hills…
National Home Care and Hospice Month: Honoring Care That Feels Like Home
National Home Care and Hospice Month: Honoring Care That Feels Like Home Each November, we highlight a remarkable group of professionals whose work quietly changes lives every single day. National Home Care and Hospice Month recognizes the caregivers, nurses, aides, therapists, social workers, volunteers, and support teams who bring comfort, dignity, and skilled care directly…
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Celebrating National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month In recognition of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Brio Living Services is proud to highlight the role we play in providing care and support to the thousands of older adults and families across Michigan affected by this disease. According to data provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s…
Brio Living Services Announces New Executive Director at Huron Valley PACE
Brio Living Services Announces New Executive Director at Huron Valley PACE Brio Living Services recently announced that Mimi Suntheimer, Senior Director of Team Member Experience at Brio, has accepted the position of Executive Director at Huron Valley PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Suntheimer has served as interim Executive Director…


