BACK TO BRIO LIVING SERVICES

Contact Foundation Today

Donate now

We All Belong: Brio Living Services Participates in Local Pride Festivals

On June 28, 1969, the New York Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn, in Greenwich Village, an establishment frequented by the gay and lesbian community. This raid escalated, sparking six days of protests and violent clashes throughout the neighborhood. This event catapulted the gay rights movement to front-page news worldwide. One year later, on June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride Parade took place in New York City to commemorate this event.

Today, Pride Month in June continues to honor the profound contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide. At Brio Living Services, we celebrate Pride Month as part of our Guiding Value of Inclusiveness:

We welcome all, regardless of faith, national origin, or any aspect of human diversity, and want all who live, work, and receive services with us to feel welcomed, embraced, and invited to participate.

This year, Brio’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee hosted a booth at Grand Rapids Pride Festival on Saturday, June 22, in downtown Grand Rapids. (Look for us tomorrow, June 29, at Jackson Pride Fest at Horace Blackman Park, W. Michigan Avenue and S. Jackson St., Jackson, MI 49201 from noon to 6:00p.m.)

Katie Eitzen, Wellness Guide at Porter Hills Village and DEI Committee member, helped organize the Brio booth at Grand Rapids Pride Festival, and more than a dozen Brio and UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation team members volunteered throughout the day. Activities at the booth included winning prizes, applying temporary tattoos, and sharing information about making a career at Brio Living Services.

“I just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU!” says Francisco Rivera, CNA and Health Center Scheduling Coordinator for Brio Living Services’ Green House® Homes in Grand Rapids. “I have been working for this organization for 17 years, and I have never seen any involvement in Pride. This truly makes me happy about the company I work for! Thanks for being super stars!”

“Hearing from our team members like Francisco is what makes our participation at the Pride Festival so important,” says Katie. “The simple act of ‘showing up’ for our community means so much. Brio’s participation at Pride Festival puts our words into action. If even one person—whether a team member, resident, or family member—feels seen and valued by our involvement at the Pride Festival, it is worth it. Inclusiveness is such an important aspect of the work we do at Brio Living Services, and it is central to our vision of empowering all to age well. ”

Learn more about why Brio Living Services’ 23 communities and service lines across lower Michigan are great places to live, work, and participate!

The Longest Day

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and Brio Living Services has been celebrating all month long at many of its communities. The culmination of the month is the Longest Day, which this year is observed on June 20. “The Longest Day is the day with the most light—the summer solstice,” says Linda Mammel, Memory Care Program Manager at Towsley Village. “People from all over the world will stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s by wearing purple, the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement.” The Longest Day and Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month are important reminders to pay attention to our own brain health and to support others as well. Linda says, “This is a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and encourage everyone to take charge of their brain health.”

This reminder is as important as ever. According to a BusinessWire press release published June 12, “a new survey from Parade and Cleveland Clinic shows many Americans (69%) are thinking at least once a year about their risk of developing brain health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. However, many do not get care when they experience symptoms.” This delay or neglect of care can have huge implications. “In the survey, 36% of people under 50 and nearly one-fourth of individuals aged 50-64 said they have experienced memory or brain health issues but were too afraid to seek help. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, in many cases, steps can be taken to reduce risk but are more effective before brain changes begin.”

At Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), we celebrated the Longest Day a day early by encouraging donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. Linda explains, “CRC invited everyone to wear purple on Wednesday, June 19 as we prepared for the summer solstice. Root beer floats were available on that day to anyone who donated to the Alzheimer’s Association at Bill’s Café in Assisted Living.”

On the Longest Day itself, CRC hosted a free presentation called “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.” “The discussion focused on the 10 healthy habits for your brain, getting moving, challenging your mind, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, and getting good quality sleep, just to name a few,” Linda says.

One important way that Brio provides support for older adults experiencing Alzheimer’s or other dementias is through our memory care communities. These communities follow Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) ideology and training on how to engage with residents living with dementia. PAC is an empathetic and person-centered approach developed by healthcare professional, Teepa Snow. Recently, CRC earned PAC’s Designated Organization status at the Aware Level, one of only two retirement communities in Michigan to receive this distinction.

Porter Hills Village is also working toward becoming a PAC designated organization, a goal it hopes to achieve this fall. Maegan Garlock, Community Engagement Manager, says, “Our PAC trainings have been going well. Stephanie Troeger, our Dementia Care Specialist, has been providing monthly trainings to team members in the Health Center and Memory Support.” In addition, Maegan says, “Our Independent PAC Certified Coaches work alongside team members daily and provide in-the-moment support and education. PAC skills are being incorporated into new team member onboarding. We had a “Spring Training” in-person training back in March, where our Coaches and Trainers provided in-depth training to team members. We also plan to host another similar event in the fall.” 

To learn more about memory care for yourself or a loved one, visit MyBrio.org.

Celebrating Men’s Health Month and Promoting an Active Lifestyle

At Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), a Brio Living Services community, it’s not unusual to see Rev. Russ Smith swimming laps in the McMullen Wellness Center, briskly walking through the community, or participating in a balance and strength class with CRC’s Director of Lifestyle and Health, Tylene Costello. Two years ago, Russ suffered a stroke. In addition to the quick action of family and CRC team members who were with him, as well as his medical team, Russ credits his active lifestyle for his ability to recover quickly. “I think it prevented the severity of the stroke and helped with my recovery,” says Russ, now 95. “I was able to return home in just a few days. My doctors thought it was quite remarkable that I recovered so well, and they encouraged me to continue to be active.”

June is Men’s Health Month, and this week leading up to Father’s Day is Men’s Health Week. Established in 1994, Men’s Health Month is intended to help educate men and their families about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular doctor visits and being proactive about your health, and making healthy choices. On average, life expectancy for men in the U.S. is nearly 6 years less than that for women. Men make half as many physician visits for prevention as women, yet they are at higher risk for many serious diseases, including heart disease and many types of cancer. This disparity is even greater for men of color (National Center for Health Statistics).

Across Brio Living Services, we celebrate the importance of health and wellness for all the older adults we serve. This month at Porter Hills Village and Cook Valley Estates, residents are enjoying Camp NIFS (National Institute for Fitness and Sport), a 4-week initiative all about movement, fun, games, and enjoying the great outdoors, according to Maddie Andersen, Wellness Guide at Porter Hills Village. “We kicked it off with a delicious cookout meal, cornhole, bocce, and putt-putt,” says Maddie. “This experience is about more than just physical activity; it’s a celebration of life, laughter, and community.”

To enhance and encourage health and wellness for its residents, CRC kicked off a new pilot program in January 2024, called Balanced Living. This pilot program integrates the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, including Environmental, Intellectual, Vocational, Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Social wellness. “Studies show if one dimension is neglected for too long, it can adversely affect a person’s health. Through Balanced Living, we aim to provide opportunities for residents to explore all dimensions of wellness to contribute to their own quality of life,” says Tylene.

Russ participates in Tylene’s aqua exercise and balance and strength classes, swims two evenings a week with his daughter, and plays bridge three times a week. He also takes part in other Balanced Living activities, such as Chef Keith Darlington’s recent cooking demonstration. “It was a superb demonstration,” says Russ. “Healthy diet is so important, and Chef Keith shared healthy recipes we could prepare in our homes. Healthy eating is a beautiful extension of the wellness program.” 

The Men’s Health Network offers these four tips to promote general health:

  • See all your doctors
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Prioritize mental health

Friday, June 14 is Wear Blue Day to help raise awareness for Men’s Health Month. Brio Living Services wishes all dads a Happy Father’s Day!

Brio Celebrates 2024 PACE Day at the Capitol

Three of Brio Living Services’ team members were honored at this year’s PACE Day at the Capitol in Lansing on May 22. PACE Day is an annual event to celebrate Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and provides an opportunity to advocate for older adults served at PACE centers across Michigan. Huron Valley PACE’s Lindsay Mann-Shanahan, Marketing Director, and Sonja Love Felton, Executive Director, each received Advocates of the Year recognition, while Lillian Lovejoy, Therapy Aide at Thome PACE in Jackson, received the Direct Care Worker award.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be acknowledged for the hard work and dedication we pour into promoting PACE,” says Lindsay. “I’m passionate about spreading the word about PACE!”

Approximately 500 policy makers, including Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, community members, the PACE Association of Michigan, and PACE team members and participants were in attendance on the Capitol lawn for the event. Michigan’s 14 PACE programs were represented, including each of Brio’s PACE partnerships: Huron Valley PACE in Ypsilanti, Thome PACE in Jackson, LifeCircles PACE with locations in Holland and Muskegon, and Senior CommUnity Care of Michigan in Lansing.

This year’s theme was “Living at Home: Your Goal, Our Priority.” Attendees had the opportunity to tour the Capitol building, and a few of the groups had the chance to meet Governor Gretchen Whitmer who gave them a warm welcome.

“The PACE at the Capitol event helps to raise awareness for flexible care solutions—like PACE—for low-income older adults who wish to remain living in their homes with the help of PACE services,” says Luke Reynolds, Brio Living Services’ Chief of Home & Community Based Services. “Brio is honored to provide PACE care and services for more than 1,300 older Michiganders each year across 15 counties. We congratulate our team members who were recognized at this year’s event and thank all of our team members for the work they do each day to help older adults live with joy and independence.”

Luke Reynolds serves as Board President for the PACE Association of Michigan. Sonja Felton is also a member of both the PACE Association of Michigan and the National PACE Association boards.

PACE serves the psycho-social, medical, and supportive needs of low-income, nursing home-eligible adults, aged 55 and up, helping them remain living independently and safely in their own homes, 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 additional fees for PACE services. 

Learn more about PACE and how you can launch a career you’ll love.

Pat Edison Navigates Her Own Aging Journey with Avenues and Porter Hills Village!

When Patricia “Pat” Edison, former executive director for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and her husband, Bill, moved into a Porter Hills Village townhome in 1992, he was the youngest man and she was the second youngest woman living on campus! Pat went on to live at Porter Hills Village for thirty years before her passing in 2022.

Pat was an early member of Avenues when she joined in 2012. “She was young at the time,” says her daughter, Barb Pemberton. “Mom was still very active and wanted to remain independent in her home for as long as possible. Avenues was truly a godsend. It gave Mom and the entire family peace of mind, knowing she had the systems in place to take care of her.”

Brio Living Services is in the midst of re-launching Avenues—a life plan community at home program for older adults, focusing on health and wellness and providing navigation services for its members to remain living independently in their own home. To become a member of Avenues, adults must be aged 55 or over, live independently, and medically qualify for the program. Avenues helps members preserve their financial assets as they age. Members pay an entrance fee, plus a monthly fee, and can access benefits on day one of membership.

The program also coordinates members’ care as it is needed. These benefits include a relationship with an Avenues member navigator, health and wellness coaching, and professional support in your home.

“Together, we work toward the member’s health and wellness goals,” says Paige Hendrickson, RN, Executive Director of Avenues. “It’s personalized. Our goal is to help you thrive in your aging journey.”

“Mom needed very little help from Avenues at the beginning, then used more services as her eyesight waned,” says Barb. “Paige provided rides to doctor appointments, took notes and transcribed them so Mom could read them on her computer, even coordinated someone to come and read to her. Avenues was flexible and accommodated Mom’s personality.

“Mom really lived out the philosophy of Avenues, to live as long as possible in her own home,” says Barb. “It was a blessing for our family. Mom would definitely say it was a blessing for her, too.”

See what’s right for you! As you consider the next step in your own retirement journey, learn more about Avenues as well as all of the 23 communities and service lines that Brio Living Services has to offer! Avenues offers a variety of events every month to learn about the program. Find out more and RSVP to our June events!

Brio Living Services Team Members Honored at 2024 LeadingAge Michigan Awards Gala

Brio Living Services is proud to announce that two of its team members and one of its volunteers were recently honored at the LeadingAge Michigan Member Awards Gala on April 30, 2024, held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Each award winner was nominated by their peers and selected by an esteemed group of committee members from among many nominations across the state. Over 170 people gathered to celebrate the elite group of 21 award winners and recognize their collective achievements.

With more than 25 years of human resources leadership in healthcare and senior living organizations, Brio Living Services’ Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Baldwin Henderson received the LeadingAge Leadership in Action award. This honor recognizes an individual whose actions and leadership greatly enhance the work environment in their organization and the quality of life for residents in the entire community.   

Under Henderson’s direction, Brio Living Services has earned certification as an Age-Friendly Employer and a Best and Brightest Company to Work For® in West Michigan and in the Nation. “Michelle is a firm believer and practitioner of a coaching culture, with a focus on valuing the whole person and developing and supporting each team member to be their best possible self,” said Brio’s President and CEO, Steve Fetyko. “Michelle is a true servant leader who ensures we keep our team members and the older adults we serve at the heart of all we do.”

A certified nursing aide, who chooses to remain anonymous, was honored with the LeadingAge Caring Spirit Award, which recognizes the achievements of frontline and direct care team members who have demonstrated exemplary service, personal commitment, and genuine care for older adults.

“With their long tenure as a team member at Brio Living Services, they do not seek accolades, but humbly serve as a role model for the rest of our skilled nursing team,” said Trisha Watkins, Porter Hills Village’s Nursing Home Administrator. “They always do their best to make our residents happy and give great care. Caring for our residents is not just a job, but a calling. We are so grateful for their caring spirit.”

Sherri Rizzo, independent living resident at Brio’s Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), was named Volunteer of the Year for significantly enhancing and enriching the lives of older adults and for making a positive impact on the organization.

CRC’s Executive Director Kathy Russell said, “Sherri is a trusted volunteer at CRC, across our entire campus and, in doing so, has brought joy and purpose to so many of our residents. From helping with life enrichment events and making visits with her therapy dog, to restoring a teak wood bench in CRC’s Chapel Meditation Garden, and creating monthly themed cabinet displays across our campus including our residents’ treasured collectibles, Sherri sees what matters to individuals and what is important to them. She means so much to our life enrichment team, our community, and our residents and is so deserving of this award!”

Said Fetyko, “All of us at Brio Living Services congratulate these three individuals honored for all they do to bring vitality and joy to those we serve across our organization.”

LeadingAge Michigan extends heartfelt congratulations to Brio Living Services and its awardees for their continued excellence and mission-based care, as well as the quality work to better the lives of older adults in the state of Michigan! To learn more about the 2024 Awards Gala and other award honorees, visit the 2024 Awards Gala Program or visit LeadingAge MI’s YouTube Channel to view the awards video.

Learn more about Brio Living Services, join our team for a career you’ll love, or learn about volunteer opportunities at MyBrio.org.

Brio Living Services Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Independent Living Addition in Grand Rapids 

Brio Living Services hosted a public groundbreaking to celebrate its new independent living addition, The Ravines, which will be located at Porter Hills Village, Brio’s flagship Grand Rapids campus at 3600 Fulton St. E. The event took place on May 14 at the Cascade Hills Country Club with approximately 80 guests in attendance.

Called “The Ravines” for the picturesque views its residents will enjoy of the nearby woodlands, this new construction will offer 26 spacious apartments between 1,360 and 1,480 square feet. Each will feature amenities such as individual garage and storage spaces, a fully equipped kitchen with full-sized appliances, 9-foot ceilings, and high quality finishes, as well as access to all the care, comforts, and conveniences available at Porter Hills Village. 

“Brio is dedicated to creating opportunities for older adults to live life vibrantly, including our latest addition, The Ravines,” said Brio Living Services President & CEO Steve Fetyko. “It is in keeping with our vision of a world in which all are empowered to age well.”

“A lot of planning by the Brio Living Services Board and leadership team has gone into The Ravines,” said Brio Living Services Board Chair Mike Shore. “We are very excited to launch this project.”

Brio Living Services has invested roughly $25 million into the 35-acre Porter Hills Village campus over the last five years to update the existing units and renovate the campus’s dining and common spaces, according to Fetyko. “Porter Hills Village has proudly served Grand Rapids since 1970, and we are pleased to continue our investment in Porter Hills Village and in the broader Grand Rapids community.”

Brio’s Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, James Kelly, agreed. “What separates Porter Hills Village from other senior living organizations is its 50+ years of experience in the Grand Rapids area. As part of Brio Living Services, we look forward to additional projects in the future as we continue to evolve to meet the needs and desires of a growing population of older adults, not only by offering a variety of senior living options, but also by being thoughtful about how care is delivered. We recognize the importance of providing older adults—of varying needs and income levels—with the living accommodations, care, and services they desire to live life to the fullest.”

A total structure of nearly 50,000-square-feet, The Ravines is expected to be completed by Summer 2025. Units are still available, although demand for these beautiful new apartments is high, according to Kelly.

Be among the first to make your retirement home at The Ravines! For more information, contact 616.577.2214.

Asian American Pacific Islander Month: Angela Edward Shares Voices of Micronesians

At Brio Living Services, we are proud to recognize Asian American Pacific Islander Month in May. In particular, we spotlight Angela Edward, LMSW, social worker at Thome PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), for her work in sharing the voices of Pacific Islanders.

Angela grew up in Jackson, Michigan, and her father and his family are from the Federated States of Micronesia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Angela began telling the stories of Micronesians.

“I love podcasts and always said I wanted to do one,” says Angela. “I started during the pandemic while everyone was sheltering in place. It was easy to get people to talk to me. I started in May 2020, during Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and called it ‘Thirty Days with Thirty Micronesians.’ I interviewed people I knew, including my family and friends I grew up with. I made an Instagram page, and a lot of people started following it. I’ve been doing the podcasts ever since.”

In 2020, Brooklyn filmmaker, Nathan Fitch reached out to Angela to suggest a partnership. The result is “In Exile” which Angela and Nathan co-produced. This eleven-minute documentary, part of a PBS series, Reel South, follows the story of migrants from the Marshall Islands who, in 1946, were asked to leave their home in Bikini Atoll by the United States in order to conduct nuclear testing. Many settled in Springdale, Arkansas. Each year they commemorate the 1946 bombing of their island, the first of 67 atomic bombs dropped on the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958.

“It’s a piece of American history that we never learn about in school,” says Angela. “I hope this film will help to amplify both Marshall Island and American history.”

Asian American Pacific Islander Month is important to Angela. “Asia is so vast with so many cultures. Pacific Islanders often get overlooked. So I have made it a personal mission to help raise awareness during the month to raise Pacific Islander voices and acknowledge Pacific Islanders’ presence in our culture.”

Angela’s Pacific Islander background has had a big impact on her career as a social worker. “In Micronesian culture, we take care of elders as a family,” Angela explains. “So being a social worker at Thome PACE is a true testament to honor and serve our community. It really aligns with my culture and career identity.”

The concept of PACE actually has its roots in the Asian American culture of San Francisco’s Chinatown-North Beach community. There was a need for long-term care services among families whose elders had immigrated from China, the Philippines, and Italy, according to Huron Valley PACE Executive Director, Sonja Love Felton, LMSW, MPA, who also serves on both the PACE Association of Michigan and the National PACE Association Board of Directors. 

“PACE programs across the country owe a debt of gratitude to the Asian community in San Francisco for its ingenuity in caring for elders,” says Sonja.  “In 1971, these community leaders formed the nonprofit On Lok (Cantonese for “peaceful, happy abode”) Senior Health Services to create a community-based system of care.  PACE is here today, helping nursing-home eligible older adults to live independently in their homes and communities, because of the innovation and perseverance of Asian Americans in bringing their vision to life.”

Brio Living Services is one of Michigan’s leading providers of PACE services with five sites statewide, serving approximately 1,300 older adults annually. Learn more about Brio’s PACE programs or consider a career you’ll love at Brio Living Services.