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Give the Gift of Vibrant Living

As we enter the season of giving, and the end of the calendar year approaches, you may be considering ways you can make a meaningful difference for the causes you care about, while also realizing a tax savings for you. With your Individual Retirement Account qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can make a powerful impact and support aging adults TODAY!

If you are 70 ½ or older, you can contribute up to $105,000 to UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation to ensure vibrant aging for the older adults we serve.

Your IRA Gift:

  • Impacts Our Mission Today: Your gift will immediately impact those we care for and serve, helping to improve their quality of life.
  • Provides Tax Benefits: Your contribution, up to $105,000, made directly to UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, can help you avoid additional taxes and potentially reduce your taxable income.
  • Meets your Required Minimum Distribution: Your gift can fulfill your required minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you turn 73.
  • Making a QCD is Simple: Contact your IRA custodian to transfer funds directly to UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation. Click here for information that you can share with your tax professional or financial advisor.

Contact the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation for more information about making a contribution from your IRA that will benefit older adults for years to come. All of us at the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation are grateful for you and the ways you show you care for the older adults we serve. Wishing you Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and joy and peace in the New Year!

Meet Our Donors: Will Epps IV Shares Passion for Affordable Living

Will Epps IV experienced what it means to have unstable housing as a child growing up in Flint. Today, affordable housing is a passion he pursues in his work in real estate as an operations executive at McKinley and as founder of The Beetle Project, a real estate holding company dedicated to sustainable housing and philanthropy in Washtenaw County. Will also volunteers at his church and other local nonprofits, including service as secretary on the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Board of Directors.

“Affordable housing is directly tied to stable housing,” says Will. “Stable housing is directly tied to a child’s ability to get a decent education, which allows them to support themselves and to contribute to their society. It helps break that generational cycle of poverty.”

For older adults, Will says affordable housing is essential. “Affordable housing becomes even more critical for low-income older adults who are such a vulnerable part of our population. My connection with the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation takes the passion I have always had and has helped enlighten me on the impact of affordable housing for older adults.”

Will notes, “In the next ten years, the number of people 65 years or older will increase by 50%. That’s got to be a wake-up call, a siren for us to get seriously into action.” He says it has been “eye-opening” to learn what Brio Living Services is doing to serve “our most economically vulnerable older adults,” including Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and affordable living, even Benevolent Care for older adults who outlive their savings. “They are on an equal footing and deserve the same attention and care,” says Will.

He adds, “I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the Foundation and Brio Living Services and to advocate for affordable living opportunities for older adults through my contacts with local leaders and state representatives. I serve on the Foundation Board because it lines up with my core purpose: to serve others for the glory of God. This role allows me to do just that and learn a lot along the way.”

You can help support affordable living and Benevolent Care for the older adults we serve. Contact the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation to learn more.

 

Elevate Your Holiday Feast with These Heartwarming Thanksgiving Recipes

For many of us, the holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, making new memories, and savoring delicious food! Simplify your holiday cooking with one, or all, of our favorite classic holiday recipes!

Juicy Mayo Roasted Turkey:

While it may sound unconventional, mayonnaise adds moisture and flavor in this roasted turkey recipe. Click here to see the recipe.

Classic Cranberry Sauce:

Making your own cranberry sauce is simple and delicious. It can be made ahead of time and, if there’s any left over, it can be used in many different ways: add it to your turkey sandwich, on top of your pancakes, or even pair it with cheese and crackers. Click here to see the recipe.

Green Bean Casserole:
For an easy side dish, try this green bean casserole with bacon, peppers, garlic, and onion, plus a little kick of cayenne pepper. Click here to see the recipe.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are another classic and, in this recipe, cream cheese helps make them extra creamy and delicious. Click here to see the recipe.

Pecan Pie: 

Don’t forget dessert! Try this gooey, crunchy pecan pie for the perfect end to your feast. Click here to see the recipe.

Thanksgiving Preparation Tips

  • Don’t wait until the last minute: Make a list of the recipes you plan to cook, along with the ingredients you will need, a week or two in advance
    • If possible, make some of the dishes ahead of time to reduce stress the day of (cranberry sauce, for example, is even better after it sits in the fridge for a day or two)
    • It can be helpful to plan a cooking schedule as well, since many dishes have different times and oven temperatures; you’ll want to try to make sure everything is ready at the same time
  • Coordinate with your guests: During your planning, talk to your guests to find out if they are bringing something in order to avoid having duplicate dishes
  • Don’t be afraid to take a shortcut: A store-bought pie crust instead of homemade or pre-cut veggies can make meal prep significantly easier
  • Thaw the turkey: A common mistake is forgetting to thaw a frozen turkey ahead of time; make sure to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, about a day for every four pounds

Contact us to learn more about our Brio Living Services communities or to answer any other questions you may have. From all of us at Brio Living Services, we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrating Porter Hills Home Health Care during National Home Care and Hospice Month

In recognition of November as National Home Care and Hospice Month, Brio Living Services is proud to recognize and celebrate the amazing work of Porter Hills Home Health Care, a Brio home-and community-based program that has immense impact across the organization and throughout the Grand Rapids area.

With a service radius spanning 50 miles, Porter Hills Home Health Care provides a wide range of services including: skilled nursing care, physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies, medical social services, and medication management.

When asked what sets Porter Hills Home Health Care apart from other providers in West Michigan, Executive Director Amy Thackery highlighted the intentionality, collaboration, and support provided by Brio Living Services—not only to the older adults served, but also to the team members who work diligently to deliver these services. “Brio has been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in West Michigan for 22 years and in the Nation for the last 2 years, and our low turnover rates are a testament to that,” Amy shared. She also pointed to a strong correlation between team member retention and the quality of care provided. “When we take good care of our team members, they take good care of the older adults we serve.”

As the aging population continues to increase in Michigan, so has the desire of older adults to “age in place.” In fact, a 2023 University of Michigan poll has shown a significant majority of older adults, approximately 93%, express a preference to “age in place.” When asked how Porter Hills Home Health Care is contributing to the wishes of older adults to age in their own homes, Amy explains that she and her team act as both a “bridge” and “buffer.” Amy described Porter Hills Home Health as a bridge to continuing the path of independent living for older adults by working closely and collectively with various teams throughout Brio Living Services, as well as hospitals in the area to develop high quality care plans for older adults following a trip to the hospital. Amy further explained that through Porter Hills Home Health, patients can recuperate in the comfort of their own homes, which aids in reducing the prevalence of future hospitalizations.

Keeping with Brio Living Services’ vision of creating a world in which all are empowered to age well, Amy is both excited and optimistic about the future of Porter Hills Home Health Care, citing the expansion of their telemonitoring system and outpatient therapy program as trailblazers in the future of home health.

Our remote patient monitoring systems have already begun to yield positive outcomes in this regard. “As our care technology evolves and our services expand, the goal will be to continue to partner with the people we serve in their journey to recovery, empowering them to play a lead role in their care plans, and reducing the need for institutional intervention,” explains Amy. She recalls a recent interaction with a client who was taking charge of managing his antibiotic infusions at home, but was hesitant that he was doing it correctly, causing him to call the office frequently with concerns. “Thanks to our remote patient monitoring system, our nurse was able to conduct a telehealth visit with him,” says Amy. “This allowed the nurse to walk him through the procedure and visually verify that he was engaging in the correct steps, ensuring that the procedure was completed without incident going forward and giving the confidence to proceed independently in the future.”

Moments like these exemplify the importance of technology in allowing our Home Health team to strengthen their approaches to care, while keeping individuals out of institutional settings and allowing them to age in place.

Learn more about how Porter Hills Home Health Care is helping older adults age independently, vibrantly, and safely in their own homes.

Supporting Caregivers: Avenues Empowers Aging in Place

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor the millions of Americans who provide essential care to their aging or disabled loved ones. While caring for a family member can be a rewarding experience, it also can come with significant challenges that can take a toll on the caregiver’s own health and well-being.

Avenues by Brio Living Services understands the difficulties that family caregivers face. With a focus on proactive health and wellness, care coordination, and care coverage, our program provides a comprehensive package of services to help older adults successfully stay in their home as they age.

Our Avenues Member Navigators are your personal advocates, dedicated to arranging services that meet your individualized needs. Whether you’re preparing for a knee replacement surgery or experiencing general age-related changes, our team is there to attend appointments, coordinate with your doctors, and more.

We believe that proactive health is also key to aging well and maintaining independence. That’s why our team of professionals develop holistic health programs and provide initiatives to help you meet your individual health goals. From fitness opportunities to access to a masseuse, we will journey with you through every phase of aging and wellness, ensuring that you receive the support you need to live your best life.

By partnering with Avenues, the burden of caregiving on your family members can be alleviated, and you can focus on simply spending quality time together. Our services are designed to provide peace of mind, knowing that you are receiving the highest level of assistance from experienced professionals. Avenues even helps with home maintenance needs, technology and computer guidance, and more!

Recently, Avenues by Brio Living Services hosted a Member Panel event; featuring five current Avenues members to share their experiences in the program, and how they made the decision to join. Every panelist discussed the potential burden their future care could pose on their family, and having the peace of mind that Avenues provides was a key factor in their decision to join the program. Jim and Marie Preston, Avenues members for 10 years, shared that their daughter lives out of state and that their local son lives a full life. Jim and Marie are proactive planners and knew they did not want the burden of their aging to fall on their kids. “We were very eager to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that this investment [Avenues] was something that we could use, and our children could use.” To hear more insights from our panelists, or to attend an upcoming event, reach out here!

This Family Caregivers Month, consider removing the burden of caregiving from you and your loved ones with Brio Living Services. With options to remain in your home as you age, to beautiful communities offering an all-inclusive lifestyle, we have something to meet everyone’s needs and wishes. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you and your family!

UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Receives Grant for Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor the vital work of family caregivers across the nation, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and offer ways to increase support for those who provide so much care and compassion for their loved ones.

In that light, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation is delighted to announce that it has recently received a three-year grant from Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative. This funding initiative, supporting family caregiver respite programs in Southeast Michigan, is made possible, thanks to a partnership of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. Eleven projects were funded in this cohort, totaling nearly $2.2 million in new Exhale grants.

A program of Brio Living Services, Huron Valley PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), with its Day Center in Ypsilanti, serves the psychosocial, medical, and supportive needs of low-income, nursing home-eligible older adults, ages 55 and older, who live in its service area of Washtenaw and Monroe counties, and parts of Oakland, Wayne, and Livingston counties. Most participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and pay no additional fees for PACE services.

PACE also offers respite for the caregivers of its participants. However, Huron Valley PACE Executive Director Sonja Felton, LMSW, MPA, explained that there are many older adults and their caregivers with limited means and resources, whose income is just above the eligibility threshold for PACE. “Through this project, we aim to identify these individuals and caregivers, through our own PACE enrollment team as well as through partnerships with AARP Michigan, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, to be able to provide support and respite for these caregivers who would also greatly benefit from our services,” said Felton.

“When caregivers are asked about the help they need most, they consistently rank respite among their top priorities. Increasing opportunities for caregivers to take a break will improve their—and their loved ones’—quality of life, and also benefit their loved ones,” said Neel Hajra, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Health Endowment Fund. “That’s why we’re excited to help dozens more organizations in Southeast Michigan expand and strengthen the network of respite supports.”

“Through this project, Huron Valley PACE will offer respite, support, educational opportunities, and the gift of time for these caregivers, while also ensuring the older adult and caregivers’ families are cared for through activities, meals, and opportunities to socialize,” said Felton.

The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation is the fundraising arm for Brio Living Services. Foundation President and CEO Kelli Smith, CFRE, said, “We are grateful to receive this Exhale grant to support the needs of family caregivers across the Huron Valley PACE service area, with the goal of making life better for both caregivers and their loved ones. This wonderful collaboration of local nonprofits and funders is in keeping with Brio Living Services’ vision of ‘a world in which all are empowered to age well.’”

PACE offers a cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, providing overall savings of 40% to the State of Michigan compared to traditional nursing home care. PACE’s interdisciplinary team of professionals provides participants with a “one-stop” shop model for all their healthcare needs, including comprehensive medical, occupational and physical therapy, pharmacy needs, nutrition and meals, health education, social and recreational activities, and door-to-door transportation. Most participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and pay no additional fees for PACE services.

Brio Living Services’ PACE programs serves approximately 1,100 older adults across Michigan each year. Learn more about Brio Living Services’ PACE programs located in Ypsilanti, Jackson, Muskegon, and Holland.

Celebrating Expansion and Growth at LifeCircles PACE 

On October 10, LifeCircles PACE, or Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, hosted an Open House ribbon cutting event to celebrate its recent $1 million expansion of its Day Center at 12330 James Street in Holland, Michigan.

LifeCircles PACE, with locations in Holland and Muskegon, is a godsend for approximately 400 low-income, nursing home-eligible older adults living in Muskegon County and portions of Ottawa and Allegan counties. A community partnership of Brio Living Services, Trinity Health, and Senior Resources, LifeCircles PACE was just the third PACE center to open in Michigan and has served nearly 2,000 individuals and families since it launched in 2008.

“This 6,620-square-foot addition to our Holland Day Center represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life of older adults in our community,” says LifeCircles PACE Executive Director, Heidi Gras. “Our new state-of-the-art facilities include a spacious physical therapy gym, versatile recreational therapy areas, and person-centered care spaces for individualized treatment.”

More than 150 health professionals, community members, and dignitaries were on hand to join the festivities, according to Sarah Milanowski, Enrollment and Marketing Manager at LifeCircles PACE. “Our team was proud to host Carly Swanson from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Office and Michigan State Representative Bradley Slagh during the event, as well as Stephanie Winslow, Executive Director of the PACE Association of Michigan, and members of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce,” said Sarah. “Their support ensures that PACE remains an integral part of Michigan’s healthcare options for older adults, and helps us grow to serve more older residents in our area and provide holistic care and support for those who need it most.”

This new addition to the LifeCircles PACE Day Center in Holland will allow the organization to serve up to 28% more older adults in the community. The new wellness gym offers physical and recreational therapy spaces with a focus on reducing fall risks and unnecessary hospitalizations. “Our PACE participants receive 71% more physical, occupational, and speech therapy than similarly complex Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receive in a given year and 23% more primary care visits,” Sarah explains. “LifeCircles PACE participants also have fewer visits to the emergency room as a result of PACE’s interdisciplinary team of clinicians and home care visits. Less than one third of LifeCircles PACE members used the emergency room at all in 2023.”

A community partnership of Brio Living Services, Trinity Health, and Senior Resources, LifeCircles PACE serves the psycho-social, medical, and supportive needs of low-income, nursing home-eligible adults, aged 55 and up, who are able to live independently and safely in their own homes and communities with the help of PACE services. PACE’s interdisciplinary team of professionals provides participants with a “one-stop” shop model for all their healthcare needs, including comprehensive medical, occupational and physical therapy, pharmacy needs, nutrition and meals, health education, social and recreational activities, behavioral health, home care, and door-to-door transportation. Most participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and pay no fees for PACE services. 

Learn more about Brio Living Services and its PACE programs.

Understanding The Costs of Independent Living

Choosing an Independent Living community can be a smart investment in your future, offering great value compared to maintaining your own home and providing an increased sense of security and stability throughout your retirement years. The earlier you start planning your retirement lifestyle, the more choices you have.

The costs of Independent Living vary depending on several factors, including location, type of community, services and amenities offered, and contract type.

Location:
Brio Living Services’ communities are conveniently located near renowned healthcare options, ample entertainment and restaurant options, and easy access to the highway. From small town charm, to a larger city like Grand Rapids, you’ll experience the setting that best suits your lifestyle!

Type of Community:
When exploring senior living options, note the type of community. A community offering only Independent Living might have lower costs than a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Plan Community, but a CCRC provides a full range of health services on campus. Brio Living Services’ Independent Living communities offer a continuum of care, allowing you to stay on campus and transition to the level of care you need should your needs change.

Services and Amenities:
Most senior living communities have an entrance fee and a monthly fee covering dining, housekeeping, and access to on-campus amenities. When researching your options, ask about what’s included. At a Brio Living Services Independent Living community, you’ll find various dining options, an on-site wellness center with a heated pool and fitness equipment, a library, a movie theater, and lots of opportunities for activities, clubs, fitness classes, and social outings to fit your interests.

Contract Type:
Your contract type will also affect how much you pay for Independent Living. There are three common types:

  • Type A (Life Care): Includes a larger entrance fee, but the monthly fee remains unchanged regardless of the level of care needed.
  • Type B (Modified): Has a lower entrance fee than Type A, but only partially covers future healthcare needs.
  • Type C (Fee for Service): Features a smaller entrance fee, with residents paying additional fees for any future healthcare services.

Contact us to learn more about our Brio Living Services communities or to answer any other questions you may have.

Brio Living Services Team Members Celebrate Mental Health and Wellness

World Mental Health Day is celebrated October 10 and gives us a chance to reflect on activities that may benefit our own mental health – such as reading, meditation, exercising, and spending time with loved ones. According to the World Health Organization, the overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Maintaining one’s mental health looks different for everyone, and at Brio Living Services, the well-being of our team members, residents, participants, and elders, is always at the top of mind. Our unique Wellness Program offers team members ample opportunities to achieve wellness in all facets, from spiritual, financial, physical, and more.

One of those unique programs is our annual Couch to 5K Challenge. This ten-week program had over 15 participants throughout Brio this year, with many of the participants being repeat runners. Participants enjoy receiving well thought out workouts weekly, with video instructions and a weekly virtual support group to stay encouraged. Participants ranged in levels of experience in their running journey; some just starting out, with others being avid runners and race participants.

Alyssa Lawrence, Home Care Specialist at LifeCircles PACE, falls into the avid runner category! It is her second year joining the Couch to 5K Challenge, and she enjoys challenging herself with individual and team races and trying new terrains. Alyssa ran in a total of four races this year, from individual to team, one of which being her first full marathon. The North County Half Marathon in Manistee, MI was her first all-trail race, and she says, “I fell multiple times and cried a lot! I thought for sure I had broken my ankle at one point. The medal as big as my face when I finished the race made it worth it!” Alyssa appreciates the mental challenge that comes along with running.

Another Brio team member using fitness to maintain positive mental health is Jeff Cole, Infrastructure Engineer. Jeff recently competed in the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race in Colorado and completed his ride in just over 12 hours! In 2022, Jeff experienced a biking accident, resulting in a fractured neck. Jeff used the challenge of this race as motivation; stating, “finishing a 100-mile race would allow me to mentally close out that difficult part of my life.” Surprisingly, this was the first competitive race that Jeff had ever participated in. He found he enjoyed the comradery of the participants to push each other to not stop, to keep going, and not quit. Since he had never competed before, he did have an intense training regimen; spending many winter hours in the gym. Once Spring hit and he was able to ride outside, he did 125-175 miles a week. Jeff says, “Before the race, I had logged approximately 3,500 miles on the bike for 2024!”

Congratulations to all of our Couch to 5K participants, as well as Alyssa and Jeff on their dedication and perseverance with their races! Aside from physical fitness to benefit your mental health, be sure to try other forms that may work well for you, too. Many people find things like reading, spending time in nature, and volunteering can be just as beneficial for your mental health as physical fitness. At Brio Living Services, we are committed to providing those we serve with opportunities to live out our mission of a world in which all are empowered to age well, in their daily lives.

Learn more about how you can share your passions in a career you’ll love at Brio Living Services.