Chris Holman welcomes Sarah Milanowski, L.M.S.W, Manager of Enrollment and Marketing, Muskegon, MI.

Watch Sarah and Chris discuss LifeCircles PACE expansion to a Holland Center, adding therapy and wellness services to support Michigan's growing senior population and caregivers shared in the YouTube video below:

There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Sarah in this conversation:

Welcome back to the Michigan Business Beat Sarah, remind the Michigan business community about LIfeCircle PACE?

We understand Lakeshore-based LifeCircles PACE recently completed work on its $1 million Holland Day Center? Tell us about that?

So, this expansion will allow the organization to help 28% more seniors stay in their homes?

Economic impact of $16M ARPA funds investment in Michigan PACE programs? 

The new Wellness Gym, a centerpiece of the expansion, includes physical and recreational therapy spaces? How will this help?

Talk about the interesting demographic trends for your clientele and where it's going over the next quarter century?

$1 Million Expansion

● 6,620-square-foot addition to Holland Day Center

● Includes state-of-the-art therapy facilities and community spaces

● Allows LifeCircles to serve up to 28% more seniors

Addressing Michigan's Aging Crisis

● Nearly 20% of Michigan residents are 65 and above

● Working-age population expected to remain flat at 37% through 2050

● Increasing burden on families for end-of-life care and caregiving

Enhanced Facilities and Services

● New Wellness Gym with physical and recreational therapy spaces

● Focus on reducing fall risks and unnecessary hospitalizations

● Improved areas for family and caregiver education

● Additional office and meeting spaces for growing team

Impressive Care Outcomes

● Only 53 hospital admissions per year per 100 LifeCircles participants (compared to PACE national average of 64)

● 97% of participants rate home care services as excellent, very good, or good

Funding and Recognition

● Expansion partly funded by $16 million in ARPA funds granted to Michigan PACE programs

● Recognition of crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic

Community Impact

● Providing support to family caregivers

● Alleviating strain on Michigan's working-age population

● Changing expectations of disability care and independent living for seniors

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

● Date: Thursday, October 10, from 4:00 to 6:30 pm

● Featured: Tours of new facility, local food vendors, fall-inspired giveaways

About LifeCircles: LifeCircles PACE has provided an in-home alternative to traditional nursing home living since 2009. We offer comprehensive medical and support services to seniors, allowing them to live independently in their homes while receiving the care they need. Our innovative approach combines in-home services, day centers, and community outreach to provide holistic care that enhances quality of life and promotes independence while also supporting family caregivers.

LifeCircles shared more information on this topic:

Senior Care Organization Unveils $1 Million Expansion to Address Michigan's Aging Crisis LifeCircles PACE expands Holland facility, setting new standards in comprehensive elder care amidst demographic challenges

HOLLAND, MI — In a bold move to address Michigan's rapidly aging population crisis, LifeCircles PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) has completed a $1 million expansion of its Holland Day Center. The 6,620-square-foot addition, which includes state-of-the-art therapy facilities and community spaces, represents a significant step forward in the organization's mission to help seniors age in place.

As Michigan grapples with a demographic shift that sees nearly 20% of its residents aged 65 and above, traditional care models are under increasing pressure. Due to the rate at which Michigan adults are reaching retirement age, the share of working-age adults is expected to remain flat at 37% of the population through 2050. This trend is placing an unprecedented burden on families, with more and more individuals having to take on end-of-life care or become caregivers to aging relatives.

LifeCircles PACE, part of a nationwide program dubbed "The Gold Standard of Senior Care," is at the forefront of innovative solutions to this growing challenge.

"This expansion is more than just additional square footage; it's a testament to our commitment to proactively combat the economic and social challenges posed by Michigan's aging population," said Dr. Allison Ilem, Ph.D., BCBA, Director of Behavioral Health at LifeCircles PACE and a PACE-certified instructor. "With our enhanced facilities, we're not just serving more seniors—we're serving them better and providing crucial support to families increasingly stretched thin by caregiving responsibilities."

The new Wellness Gym, a centerpiece of the expansion, includes physical and recreational therapy spaces designed to reduce fall risks, decrease unnecessary hospitalizations, and enhance overall wellness. LifeCircles' approach is paying dividends: For every 100 LifeCircles participants, there are only about 53 hospital admissions per year, compared to the PACE national average of 64 admissions. Alan Rose, owner of Van Eck Construction, Inc., the project's general contractor, commented on the expansion: "This project goes beyond typical construction. We're building a lifeline for our community's seniors and their families. The thoughtful design of this expansion, with its focus on accessibility and therapeutic spaces, will significantly enhance LifeCircles' ability to provide top-tier care. It's gratifying to be part of a project that will have such a profound impact on our aging population and their caregivers."

Key features of the expansion include:

1. Enhanced physical, occupational, and speech therapy facilities

2. Dedicated space for specialized recreational therapy programming

3. Improved areas for family and caregiver education

4. Additional office and meeting spaces to accommodate a growing team

5. A larger, more comfortable staff break room with a dedicated lactation room

The expansion allows LifeCircles to serve up to 28% more members at its Holland location. This growth is partly funded by $16 million in ARPA funds granted to Michigan PACE programs in recognition of their crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our person-centered approach is changing expectations of disability care and rewriting the narrative on independent living for seniors," Dr. Ilem added. "With 97% of our participants rating our home care services as excellent, very good, or good, we're proving that aging in place is not just possible—it's preferable. Moreover, we're providing invaluable support to family caregivers, helping to alleviate the strain on Michigan's working-age population."

About LifeCircles
LifeCircles PACE has provided an in-home alternative to traditional nursing home living since 2009. We offer comprehensive medical and support services to seniors, allowing them to live independently in their homes while receiving the care they need. Our innovative approach combines in-home services, day centers, and community outreach to provide holistic care that enhances quality of life and promotes independence while also supporting family caregivers.

Sarah’s bio:
Sarah is a dynamic advocate for geriatrics, innovation, and social entrepreneurship with over a decade of healthcare experience. A Master of Social Work graduate from the University of Michigan, she completed a Geriatric Fellowship and is a Certified Specialist in Aging and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Sarah excels in strategic planning, branding, and communication, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to new projects. Her expertise spans various healthcare settings, from hospitals to home care. Known for her team leadership, Sarah leverages her skills in relationship building, community outreach, and crisis mediation to drive
positive change in elder care. Her passion for improving the lives of older adults, combined with her diverse skill set, makes her a valuable asset in the field of geriatric care and social innovation.

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