Our History

delivering innovative senior care to Michigan residents since 1906.

Where We Started...

UMRC was founded in 1906 at a time when there was no Social Security, no such thing as a retirement community, and no safety net for older adults. In those days, the county poor house was the only option for older adults without resources. Compassionate leaders and laymen of the Methodist Church dreamed of a better way to care for “the lonely aged.”

Their idea for an innovative, nonprofit, and faith-based means of caring for older adults was visionary in its day and caught the attention of local stove manufacturer Frank Porter Glazier, who donated 33 acres from a former county fairground site for the project. In 1906, ground was broken to create the Chelsea “Old People’s Home.”

In 2019, UMRC affiliated with Porter Hills, a West Michigan-based provider of senior living communities. Porter Hills was founded in 1970 by a group of friends who set out to provide gracious living primarily for women of moderate means. This was the same kind of benevolent spirit that inspired UMRC, and it continued to drive Porter Hills as it expanded throughout the greater Grand Rapids area. Together, UMRC-Porter Hills offered more than a dozen retirement communities in addition to delivering social and medical support services to people who wish to remain in their own homes.

Where We Are Now...

On March 1, 2022, faith-based, nonprofit senior living organization UMRC-Porter Hills, serving older adults across Michigan, announced a new brand and name for its corporate umbrella: Brio Living Services. Our new name embodies our important work of bringing joy and verve to older adults and their families. ‘Brio’ means life, vivacity, enthusiastic vigor – the very aspects of joyful living we aim to provide for older adults and our team members. Brio Living Services captures our focus on ensuring the highest level of independence and vibrancy for older adults to live their best lives.

Sharing a leadership team and a proven commitment to senior living excellence, Brio Living Services is united in the quest to bolster the independence and well-being of Michigan’s older adults. If you would like to learn more about our senior living communities/ request a brochure / schedule a tour you can contact us by phone or email by visiting our community directory.