About Us
LakeShore Woods Seniors: Our Proud Story in 2025
A Legacy of Compassion and Excellence
Lakeshore Woods Senior Living was founded on a simple but powerful mission: to provide seniors with exceptional care, dignity, and a sense of belonging. In the early 1990s, registered nurse Mary Barss and her husband, an orthopedic surgeon, created the first 20-unit adult foster care home to serve seniors in a warm, supportive setting. Their commitment to compassion and quality soon led to expansion, adding a second building in 1996.
LakeShore Woods Seniors’ 20+Years Heartwarming Journey.
Over the years, the Barss family nurtured a culture of caring that set Lakeshore Woods apart. Building on this strong foundation, the community continued to evolve, guided by experienced leadership and a dedicated team. In 2018, Lakeshore Woods grew even further with the addition of a beautiful new building featuring 36 modern apartments to better serve residents with assisted living and memory care needs.
Today, Lakeshore Woods proudly provides a high level of personalized, 24/7 care with staff-to-resident ratios that exceed many skilled nursing facilities. Our team includes compassionate professionals — many of whom have been with us for 10, 15, even 20+ years — who treat every resident like family.
Located on a peaceful 7-acre campus in Fort Gratiot, Michigan, Lakeshore Woods offers private-pay, non-Medicaid and non-Medicare senior living with affordable rates and exceptional value. From scratch-prepared meals featuring local Michigan superfoods to one of the most engaging activity programs in the state, we believe seniors deserve to live fully and joyfully each day.
Lakeshore Woods Seniors Vision for Enriching Seniors Living.
Our vision is to remain a leader in senior care, continuously enhancing our services and programs so residents can thrive. Lakeshore Woods isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to belong.
call us anytime
(810) 385-3185
what they say ?
What Our Residents and Their Families Say About Us
why choose us ?
More Than Just a Place to Live
Lakeshore Woods is more than just a senior living community it’s a place where friendships blossom, families feel at ease, and residents experience meaningful, joyful days. Our thoughtfully designed campus offers spacious private suites, beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, and a vibrant social calendar that keeps residents active and engaged.
Dedicated to Providing the Best for Your Loved Ones
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Professional & Caring Staff
- Engaging Activities
- Personalized Care Plans
- Nutritious Meals
From scratch-prepared meals featuring local Michigan superfoods to one of the state’s most enriching activities programs, every detail is designed to help seniors thrive.
our team
Dedicated Professionals, Compassionate Care
Angela Ibarra
Executive Director
David Plazinski
Building Operations Manager
Tina Lindsay
Resident Care Coordinator
Rachel Plazinski
Life Enrichment Coordinator
Storm Maes
Head Chef
Connie Stimson
Business Office Coordinator
Your FAQs Answered
Your Most Important Questions Answered in One Place
What services does your senior care home provide?
We provide assisted living, medical support, meal services, social activities, and 24/7 professional caregiving to ensure the well-being of all residents.
How do I know if this is the right senior care home?
We encourage families to visit, tour our facilities, meet our staff, and discuss personalized care needs before making a decision.
Is your facility licensed and regulated?
Yes, we are fully licensed and follow all legal and health regulations to ensure the highest quality of care for our residents.
Can I visit my loved one anytime?
Yes, we welcome family visits, but we recommend checking our visiting hours and guidelines for the best experience.
Do you provide short-term or respite care?
Yes, we offer short-term stays for seniors who need temporary care, whether it’s for recovery or to give family caregivers a break.
Do you have medical professionals on-site?
Yes, we have nurses and caregivers available 24/7, and doctors visit regularly for medical check-ups.
How do you handle medical emergencies?
Our staff is trained to respond immediately to emergencies, and we have partnerships with local hospitals for urgent medical needs.
Can residents continue seeing their personal doctors?
Absolutely! Residents can keep their personal doctors and we can assist with transportation to appointments.
Do you provide specialized care for dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Yes, we offer specialized memory care programs designed to support seniors with cognitive impairments.
What medications are managed by your staff?
Our trained caregivers assist with medication reminders, administration, and monitoring to ensure proper dosage and timing.
What activities do you offer for residents?
We provide a variety of activities, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, music therapy, group outings, and social events.
Can residents personalize their living space?
Yes! We encourage residents to bring personal items, decorations, and furniture to make their space feel like home.
How are meals planned, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Our meals are planned by nutritionists, and we cater to dietary restrictions, including diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, and low-sodium diets.
Are pets allowed in the facility?
Some of our residences allow pets, and we also offer pet therapy programs for seniors who enjoy interacting with animals.
Can family members participate in activities?
Yes! We encourage families to join events and spend quality time with their loved ones in our community.