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ST. JOSEPH — In an effort to grow home and community-based services available to older adults in the region, Region IV Area Agency on Aging and Brio Living Services have agreed to partner to support the critical community-focused work of the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly of Southwest Michigan.

Effective April 1, 2025, the new partnership allows PACE of Southwest Michigan personnel to focus on hands-on, quality care, while many administrative functions will be supported by Brio’s extensive team of PACE experts.

“Together, our organizations’ ability to share widely recognized best practices, knowledge and administrative leadership will achieve superior outcomes and create more opportunities for local older adults to participate in our program,” said Michael Zdrodowski, executive director of PACE of Southwest Michigan. “Our team members can focus on providing the best care possible, while Brio provides administrative support. It’s a win-win for all of us.”

PACE of Southwest Michigan opened the Day Center in St. Joseph, Michigan in September 2012 and has since served more than 759 total participants. The partnership originally consisted of Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, and Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care.  Corewell Health will remain as a key community care provider to PACE of Southwest Michigan participants so their care and supports can remain local and close to home.

“We began with a small team of caregivers, physicians, and social workers, and enrolled 64 participants during our inaugural year,” Zdrodowski said. “Since then, we have expanded to over 100 professionals who currently serve 250 participants throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties in Southwest Michigan. We partner with more than 90 local and regional service providers to ensure that participants can successfully age in their own homes and communities.”

This decision follows six months of due diligence that was carefully considered by the boards of PACE of Southwest Michigan, Region IV AAA, and Brio Living Services.

“We are honored to support the vital work of PACE of Southwest Michigan. This partnership aligns seamlessly with our mission of ‘Offering Choices for Independent Lives’ and expanding home and community-based services (HCBS) options,” said Christine Vanlandingham, Region IV Area Agency on Aging CEO. “By assisting individuals in their setting of choice, we enhance their quality of life and ensure they can age with dignity and independence. Our longstanding commitment as a founding partner to PACE of Southwest Michigan emphasizes our dedication to providing comprehensive care and support to older adults within our community.”

“We have worked thoughtfully to ensure not just the right skillset fit, but the right ethos and culture fit for all the PACE of Southwest Michigan team members and the people they serve,” said Steve Fetyko, Brio Living Services’ president and CEO. “We are deeply honored to partner with Region IV Area Agency on Aging to support the wonderful work of PACE of Southwest Michigan and are excited about our future together.”