About Us

Our Story

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.

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.

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.

 

0 + Years

Dedicated to Providing the Best for Your Loved Ones

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

Angela Ibarra
Executive Director

Katlyn-Symon

Katlyn Symon
Marketing Director

David-Plazinski

David Plazinski
Building Operations Manager

Tina-Lindsay

Tina Lindsay
Resident Care Coordinator

Screenshot 2025-07-06 at 11.15.50 PM

Rachel Plazinski
Life Enrichment Coordinator

Storm-Maes

Storm Maes
Head Chef

Connie-Stimson

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.

We encourage families to visit, tour our facilities, meet our staff, and discuss personalized care needs before making a decision.

Yes, we are fully licensed and follow all legal and health regulations to ensure the highest quality of care for our residents.

Yes, we welcome family visits, but we recommend checking our visiting hours and guidelines for the best experience.

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.

Our staff is trained to respond immediately to emergencies, and we have partnerships with local hospitals for urgent medical needs.

Absolutely! Residents can keep their personal doctors and we can assist with transportation to appointments.

Yes, we offer specialized memory care programs designed to support seniors with cognitive impairments.

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.

Yes! We encourage residents to bring personal items, decorations, and furniture to make their space feel like home.

Our meals are planned by nutritionists, and we cater to dietary restrictions, including diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, and low-sodium diets.

Some of our residences allow pets, and we also offer pet therapy programs for seniors who enjoy interacting with animals.

Yes! We encourage families to join events and spend quality time with their loved ones in our community.