Insights

What do a human resources business partner (Libby Brightman), a director of donor relations (Karen Owen), a life enrichment coordinator (Josie Pezzullo), and a sales advisor (Nicole Adams) all have in common? It turns out, a very big heart for the older adults they serve at United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC). When the…

Staying physically active plays a vital role in healthy aging. The McMullen Wellness Center at UMRC’s Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), highly popular with CRC residents, celebrated its opening a year ago, but is now off limits due to COVID-19. Tony Maino, Director of Lifestyle and Health, and the Life Enrichment team were determined to…

Jamie’s day starts at 7:30am in UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Since COVID-19, her job as a housekeeper has never been more important to keep residents and team members safe. “I come in and put on my personal protection equipment (PPE), then get my cart, wipe it down, fill up my supplies, and…

After 67 years of married life, it’s hard to keep Bob and Stella Wolfe apart. Formerly of Grass Lake, Bob and Stella now live at UMRC’s Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC).  Stella had come originally for a short-term rehabilitation stay at Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and then for long-term care. Bob then sold their…

Jennifer Shores, Director of Nursing at UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, and her family moved to Michigan from Arizona last June. Her 14-year-old son, Gavin, was a member of the Flagstaff Rampage baseball team. When his former teammates and their families saw a post from Jennifer about the Kresge Center residents being in…

For nearly 29 years, Danny Smith has been part of the Environmental Services team at UMRC’s Chelsea campus.  Initially, Danny dreamed of becoming a musician, but needed money for studio time.  His mother, Daisy, a twenty-year UMRC employee herself, suggested he take a job at UMRC to help with that.  “Eventually, Plan B…

At UMRC & Porter Hills, our direct care team members are there to provide care and comfort for the older adults we serve. Especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, these “Healthcare Heroes” are doing everything in their power to keep our residents safe and healthy. These include our caregivers, dining services, housekeeping, and environmental…

Michigan: Shore to Shore Michigan Mental Health Network Anxiety and Depression Association of America Centers for Disease Control National Institute for Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Illness Veterans Veteran’s Crisis Line- Veteran’s and their Loved Ones Call 800-273-8255 and Press 1 for help Text 838255 Jackson County Lifeways Crisis services, regardless of your…

Stacy Syrek, LPN, has been a nurse at Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for nearly 20 years.  “I know how important it is to provide continuity of care and to be that familiar face for our residents,” says Stacey. “Building relationships and having that rapport with older adults and their families is all that…

An important update from Steve Fetyko, President and CEO: Over our more than 160 years of combined experience, UMRC and Porter Hills has always focused on the health and well-being of those we are privileged to serve. Providing a safe, healthy and nurturing environment is our top priority. I am grateful for this…

Hazel Mead has been enriching the lives of older adults for over 23 years.  She began her career as a CNA, and later joined the therapy department, before becoming a volunteer coordinator.  Currently, Hazel serves as the Life Enrichment coordinator for Independent Living where she has found her true calling. When asked her…

Virginia Lewis’ heart is in caring for others, which she has done at UMRC for the last 39 years. “Virginia has a really big heart, and she shows it every day!” says UMRC Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor, Lorina Hawley. Virginia has served older adults all over campus, as both a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and…