Portage is located adjacent to the city of Kalamazoo. It has received several notorieties, including the Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners and the Best Place to Spend the Day With Your Family. The weather is good, especially for seniors who like snow and mild summers and the state is tax-friendly for retirees, which may make it easier to hold onto income later in life. The city has a population of just over 49,000, with 16% ages 65 and older.
There are two assisted living communities located in Portage. They are designed for seniors who want to remain as independent as possible but need help with daily living tasks, like grooming, bathing, housekeeping and meal prep. The average cost of these facilities in Portage is $3,950 per month which is slightly lower than most locations in the area and the national average.
This guide covers the benefits for seniors who are looking for a place to retire near the city and a cost comparison with other locations. There are also prices on the other different costs of care and a list of available resources.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Portage, MI
3951 W Milham Rd, Portage, MI, 49024
Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enh
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Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enhanced living, assisted living, and memory care. Every resident becomes a member of our family and we are grateful to share this experience with them.
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Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enh
… (read more)
Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enhanced living, assisted living, and memory care. Every resident becomes a member of our family and we are grateful to share this experience with them.
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3100 Old Centre Avenue, Portage, MI, 49024
Tammy was the woman that met with us and gave us a tour at Brookdale Portage. She was really informative and very warm. I really liked her. I enjoyed the place. It had a nice room with a nice window f
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Tammy was the woman that met with us and gave us a tour at Brookdale Portage. She was really informative and very warm. I really liked her. I enjoyed the place. It had a nice room with a nice window for my brother to have. It had a little kitchenette so he could make his own food, and a space where could make coffee. It had a nice area for him to move around. It’s almost like a teeny little apartment. The price was all inclusive. So, there were not a lot of add-ons. It was more affordable.
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Tammy was the woman that met with us and gave us a tour at Brookdale Portage. She was really informative and very warm. I really liked her. I enjoyed the place. It had a nice room with a nice window f
… (read more)
Tammy was the woman that met with us and gave us a tour at Brookdale Portage. She was really informative and very warm. I really liked her. I enjoyed the place. It had a nice room with a nice window for my brother to have. It had a little kitchenette so he could make his own food, and a space where could make coffee. It had a nice area for him to move around. It’s almost like a teeny little apartment. The price was all inclusive. So, there were not a lot of add-ons. It was more affordable.
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4707 W. Milham Ave., Portage, MI, 49024
Care and services have continued to go downhill over the last year. Too often agency caregivers are used and/or understaffed. These agency caregivers do very little for the residents. High employee
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Care and services have continued to go downhill over the last year. Too often agency caregivers are used and/or understaffed. These agency caregivers do very little for the residents. High employee turnover. Very little stimulation for memory care, usually just left sitting at tables all day. Sad that it has gotten to the point we are looking to relocate. I would not recommend.
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Care and services have continued to go downhill over the last year. Too often agency caregivers are used and/or understaffed. These agency caregivers do very little for the residents. High employee
… (read more)
Care and services have continued to go downhill over the last year. Too often agency caregivers are used and/or understaffed. These agency caregivers do very little for the residents. High employee turnover. Very little stimulation for memory care, usually just left sitting at tables all day. Sad that it has gotten to the point we are looking to relocate. I would not recommend.
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7818 Kenmure Drive, Portage, MI, 49024
My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur
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My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur family member doesnt give the aides problems, the aides are nice. The building is falling apart inside & out! I do not recommend this place for anyone!!!!
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My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur
… (read more)
My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur family member doesnt give the aides problems, the aides are nice. The building is falling apart inside & out! I do not recommend this place for anyone!!!!
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9842 Oakland Dr., Portage, MI, 49024
7855 Currier Dr, Portage, MI, 49002
1400 North Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, 49006
We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but th
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We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but the ones that had been caring for her has been very helpful and very friendly. My mother has some complaints about the food as she gets tired of chicken. She had gone to their resident consult meetings before and she expressed herself and they have made changes and tried to accommodate the wishes of my mother.
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We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but th
… (read more)
We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but the ones that had been caring for her has been very helpful and very friendly. My mother has some complaints about the food as she gets tired of chicken. She had gone to their resident consult meetings before and she expressed herself and they have made changes and tried to accommodate the wishes of my mother.
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5364 Green Meadow Drive, Ste 145, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent
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Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent environment. It is a relatively smaller and updated facility, which guests say makes it a little more intimate. Visitors and residents commend the facility’s cleanliness and organization. The employees have been praised for their competency and friendliness. The facility has a full recreational program with activities, along with a wellness program. Residents can also enjoy the hair salon and regular community outings. The community allows all pets.
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Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent
… (read more)
Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent environment. It is a relatively smaller and updated facility, which guests say makes it a little more intimate. Visitors and residents commend the facility’s cleanliness and organization. The employees have been praised for their competency and friendliness. The facility has a full recreational program with activities, along with a wellness program. Residents can also enjoy the hair salon and regular community outings. The community allows all pets.
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2300 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visit
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Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visitors also note that groundskeepers are always cleaning up the exterior of the facility, which makes the back property a great place for strolls in the shade. Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has been recognized for its renovated library, where guests can read literature in a quiet space. Residents add that the whole community is peaceful overall, and the rooms are a good distance from the street.
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Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visit
… (read more)
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visitors also note that groundskeepers are always cleaning up the exterior of the facility, which makes the back property a great place for strolls in the shade. Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has been recognized for its renovated library, where guests can read literature in a quiet space. Residents add that the whole community is peaceful overall, and the rooms are a good distance from the street.
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620 PHILLIPS STREET, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual ca
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Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual care given to each resident, and each resident is given a specific staff member to help with the transition as part of the facility’s "friendship approach" program. Wyndham West provides its residents with a wide range of amenities, including on-site banking, a beauty salon and an exercise room. The facility also offers residents a robust activity schedule, including musical events, religious services, guest speakers and card games.
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Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual ca
… (read more)
Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual care given to each resident, and each resident is given a specific staff member to help with the transition as part of the facility’s "friendship approach" program. Wyndham West provides its residents with a wide range of amenities, including on-site banking, a beauty salon and an exercise room. The facility also offers residents a robust activity schedule, including musical events, religious services, guest speakers and card games.
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2920 Crystal Lane, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that
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Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that the large rooms come with individual climate controls. Visitors give high marks for the kind, caring and polite staff at this facility. Residents enjoy socializing in the activity room, where they can play cards, complete puzzles and participate in sing-alongs. Park Village Pines also receives plenty of praise for serving tasty food, especially during holiday dinners.
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Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that
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Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that the large rooms come with individual climate controls. Visitors give high marks for the kind, caring and polite staff at this facility. Residents enjoy socializing in the activity room, where they can play cards, complete puzzles and participate in sing-alongs. Park Village Pines also receives plenty of praise for serving tasty food, especially during holiday dinners.
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600 Golden Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating contr
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Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating controls. Nutritious meals are provided daily and served in the dining room. Licensed nurses and staff are available 24/7 to support residents with medication, personal care and daily activities. Residents enjoy the activities which promote physical and mental wellbeing and recommend the Wellness program, which offers various treatments. There are massage, dental and vision services available upon request.
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Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating contr
… (read more)
Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating controls. Nutritious meals are provided daily and served in the dining room. Licensed nurses and staff are available 24/7 to support residents with medication, personal care and daily activities. Residents enjoy the activities which promote physical and mental wellbeing and recommend the Wellness program, which offers various treatments. There are massage, dental and vision services available upon request.
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1400 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and
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Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and spiritual well-being. Daily exercise instruction is provided as well as access to walking trails situated among peaceful natural areas. Guests praise the staff for being attentive, caring and professional. Residents enjoy the activities offered, including live music, a magician, trivia, bingo and movie nights. Residents enjoy the restaurant-style dining and the meals provided by the facility’s executive chef.
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Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and
… (read more)
Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and spiritual well-being. Daily exercise instruction is provided as well as access to walking trails situated among peaceful natural areas. Guests praise the staff for being attentive, caring and professional. Residents enjoy the activities offered, including live music, a magician, trivia, bingo and movie nights. Residents enjoy the restaurant-style dining and the meals provided by the facility’s executive chef.
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4222 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008
Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Resi
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Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Residents and visitors have mentioned their appreciation for the staff checking on residents hourly and coming to help whenever called. They also praised how new residents are allowed to decorate their rooms with personal items from home, such as pieces of furniture and mementos, to help them feel comfortable. The food was given high marks; especially the deserts.
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Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Resi
… (read more)
Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Residents and visitors have mentioned their appreciation for the staff checking on residents hourly and coming to help whenever called. They also praised how new residents are allowed to decorate their rooms with personal items from home, such as pieces of furniture and mementos, to help them feel comfortable. The food was given high marks; especially the deserts.
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3700 W Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49006
New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering perso
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New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering personal suites for residents. Amenities include big-screen televisions, a library and a cafe. New Friends Community prides itself on having the atmosphere of a coffeehouse, not a sterile institution. Friends and relatives of residents are pleased that the facility keeps their loved ones active and hydrated, and residents enjoy listening to music from their younger years and watching sports together. The ambience of this facility is a comforting, comfortable home.
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New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering perso
… (read more)
New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering personal suites for residents. Amenities include big-screen televisions, a library and a cafe. New Friends Community prides itself on having the atmosphere of a coffeehouse, not a sterile institution. Friends and relatives of residents are pleased that the facility keeps their loved ones active and hydrated, and residents enjoy listening to music from their younger years and watching sports together. The ambience of this facility is a comforting, comfortable home.
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305 W Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Portage
Assisted living communities in Portage are regulated by the Michigan Department of Human Services, Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing Division. This agency regulates all aspects of assisted living including home and community based services, staffing and health and safety.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Portage
- There are several hospitals in Portage that seniors can turn to for illness, injury or chronic care. These facilities include the Ascension Burgess Hospital and the Bronson Methodist Hospital.
- Seniors sensitive to the heat may appreciate the mild summers in Portage. July highs are around 84 degrees and there are approximately 159 sunny days per year. The city also receives around 47 inches of snow per year and January lows are around 17 degrees.
- Portage is a tax-friendly place for seniors to live. Social Security income is not taxed and retirement accounts are taxed depending on a senior’s age.
- The cost of living in Portage is much lower than the national average and is slightly lower than the state average. Seniors can expect to pay less than the national average for groceries, healthcare and transportation.
- According to the BestPlaces Air Quality Index, the air quality in Portage is better than the national average. Seniors with respiratory illness may find lower health occurrences due to air quality issues when living in the area.
Paying for Assisted Living in Portage
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey lists the average cost of assisted living in Portage at $3,950 per month. This is $250 less than the state average and $350 less than the national average. Costs can vary greatly throughout a state or region depending on the location, the amenities offered and other factors like the level of care. In Grand Rapids, seniors pay around $5,000 per month and $5,550 in Midland. Jackson is one of the least expensive areas at $3,650.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Aside from assisted living, there are several other options for long-term care depending on individuals’ needs. Homemaker services at $4,481 and home health aide services at $4,576 allow seniors to get care while remaining in their own homes. A nursing home provides the most comprehensive level of care, with private rooms costing around $10,965 per month and a semiprivate room costing around $10,159.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Note: Care cost data for Portage was not available, so data for the closest city, Kalamazoo, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Portage
Michigan provides personal care services through the Medicaid State Plan, which covers homes for the aged. It also provides an optional state supplement for supplemental security income recipients who reside in a home for the aged that limits room and board charges.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Michigan page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Michigan page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Portage
In Portage, seniors can receive services and take part in programs offered by private and public agencies. These services are offered for free or at a low cost to those who live in the area.
The Portage Senior Center has programs and services for seniors ages 50 and older who want to make new friends, take part in activities and sign up for educational classes. Some of the activities the center offers include games, dancing, exercise classes, weekly outings and meals.
The local Area Agency on Aging is a non-profit agency that offers community outreach, health education classes, elder abuse prevention and community meals. The agency also offers transportation to and from the local senior centers.
The long-term care ombudsman serves as an advocate for seniors who live in long-term care facilities. The ombudsman investigates and works to resolve complaints against long-term care facilities and frequently visits these communities to ensure they are standing up to state and federal standards.
Senior Services is a private, non-profit agency that provides over 20 different services that support the health and overall care of seniors in the area. These services include a telephone reassurance program, behavioral health and wellness, a pet food bank and a local farmer’s market.
The Kalamazoo Veterans Service Office provides services and assistance to men and women who have served in the military. The service department can help veterans sign up for education benefits, medical treatment, emergency financial aid and provide assistance referrals. The agency can also help an individual in long-term care sign up for the Aid and Attendance benefit that pays for home and community-based services in long-term care.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Portage
Portage-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Michigan are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Michigan page for more information about these laws.
