Besser Senior Living Community
Assisted Living & Memory Care · Michigan, MI

Besser Senior Living Community

Assisted Living & Memory Care · Michigan, MI

Overview of Besser Senior Living Community

Alpena’s Besser Senior Living Community is a 52-bed blend of assisted living and memory care which operates across 48 rooms, 20 of which are designated for dementia care and 28 for independent or early-decline residents. The building sits downtown with a Walk Score of 75; it’s ranked 53rd in Michigan for walkability.

Operating under 24-hour staffing with respite options and religious services, the community emphasizes activities and outings while permitting visitors to dine free and overnight guests at no charge. Residents furnish their own apartments. Home-cooked meals and structured engagement characterize daily operations.

The compliance record is notably strong.

A February 2020 original licensing study found the facility in substantial compliance with zero deficiencies at opening.

Three years later, the August 2023 renewal inspection identified five deficiencies; all administrative or procedural in nature. TB screening documentation was incomplete; the facility had not notified the state of an administrator change within required timeframes; employee health records lacked annual screening results; and no designated supervisor was on-site for third shift. These reflect gaps in documentation systems and staffing assignment rather than direct care failures.

No complaints have been filed, no enforcement actions taken, and no fines imposed. The facility’s 38 percent below-average deficiency rate compares favorably to Michigan’s nursing home performance baseline.

Census as of August 2023 reached 30 residents in 52 available beds.

Besser Senior Living suits residents transitioning to assisted living who value downtown walkability, community outings, and independent apartment living, or those with cognitive decline seeking memory-specific programming in a smaller, personable setting.

Bed community size
52-bed community Rank #266 / 435Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 266th out of 435 homes in Michigan. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Michigan facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Ranking totals vary by category as each rank only includes facilities that report data for that metric. Homes missing that data point aren't included in the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 75 / 100 Rank #53 / 703Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 53rd out of 703 homes in Michigan. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Michigan facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Ranking totals vary by category as each rank only includes facilities that report data for that metric. Homes missing that data point aren't included in the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

License Details

Facility TypeHomes For The Aged
StatusRegular
IssuanceAugust 1, 2026
ExpirationJuly 31, 2027
CountyAlpena
License NumberAH040394376

Ownership & Operating Entity

Owner NameBesser Senior Living Community Inc.

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Respite Care

Staffing & Medical

2 services
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing

Additional Policies & Features

Visitor PolicyGuests are welcome to dine with residents for a small fee.
Overnight GuestsOut-of-town guests can stay overnight at no additional charge.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Dining Room
Housekeeping
ActivitiesResidents can participate in a variety of activities and events, including exercise classes, games, and outings to local attractions.
Wellness ProgramBesser Senior Living provides 24-hour care, assistance and supervision that allows our residents to feel at ease and more confident.
Specific ProgramsOur Community, Resident Life, Health & Wellness, Photo Gallery, Follow Us on Facebook!
Religious ServicesYes

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionBesser Senior Living provides nutritious, home-cooked meals and snacks as part of their dining program.

Contact Besser Senior Living Community

Inspection History

In Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) conducts unannounced inspections and investigations to ensure long-term care facilities comply with state health codes.

Since 2020 · 6 years of data 5 deficiencies

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Michigan state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2020 vs. Michigan state average
Overall vs. MI average 0 Worse No metrics in this bucket. 2 Better Metrics better than Michigan average:
• Total deficiencies (38% below)
• Deficiencies per year (38% below)
Latest Inspection August 31, 2023 Renewal

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityMI Averagevs. MI Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 58 This facility has 38% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Michigan assisted living residence (5 vs. MI avg 8).↓ 38% better
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2020. 0.81.3 This facility has 38% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Michigan assisted living residence (0.8 vs. MI avg 1.3).↓ 38% better

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • February 19, 2020 original licensing inspection found the facility in substantial compliance and recommended a temporary six-month license for 52 residents.
  • August 31, 2023 renewal inspection found five deficiencies including failure to notify the department of administrator change and lack of tuberculosis screening and risk assessments for residents and staff.
  • The August 31, 2023 survey also cited no designated supervisor on third shift and incomplete employee tuberculosis screening records.

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Besser Senior Living Community

Besser Senior Living Community, assisted living in Alpena, MI — Floor plan of a senior living unit layout
Standard Studio Floorplan
Besser Senior Living Community, assisted living in Alpena, MI — Floor plan of a senior living apartment layout
Deluxe Studio Floorplan
Besser Senior Living Community, assisted living in Alpena, MI — Floor plan of a senior living apartment layout
Memory Care Studio Floorplan
Besser Senior Living Community, assisted living in Alpena, MI — Floor plan of a senior living apartment layout
One Bedroom Standard Suite Floorplan
Besser Senior Living Community, assisted living in Alpena, MI — Floor plan of a two-room apartment layout
One Bedroom Deluxe Suite Floorplan

Places of interest near Besser Senior Living Community

Address 0.0 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Alpena's city center to Besser Senior Living Community's address, calculated via Google Maps.

Calculate Travel Distance to Besser Senior Living Community

Add your location

Address

Compare Assisted Living around Michigan

The information below is reported by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

StoryPoint Northville
AL
MC
Township Of Northville (Northville Charter Township)
103
Facility 103
MI AVG 75
Rank #117 / 435
Yes
45
Facility 45
MI AVG 39
Rank #267 / 703
-
39
Facility 39
MI AVG 22
Rank #13 / 182
A+9
22
Facility 22
MI AVG 8
Rank #304 / 342
2.4
Facility 2.4
MI AVG 1.6
Rank #261 / 342
44600 Five Mile Rd Opco LLC
Covenant Living of the Great Lakes
AL
MC
NH
RC
Grand Rapids (Westside Connection)
102
Facility 102
MI AVG 75
Rank #121 / 435
No
35
Facility 35
MI AVG 39
Rank #371 / 703
1 Bed / 2 Bed
31
Facility 31
MI AVG 22
Rank #69 / 182
A+4
34
Facility 34
MI AVG 8
Rank #326 / 342
8.5
Facility 8.5
MI AVG 1.6
Rank #337 / 342
Covenant Living Of The Great Lakes
Aspen Grove
AL
MC
RC
Lambertville (Bedford Township)
83
Facility 83
MI AVG 75
Rank #176 / 435
Yes
56
Facility 56
MI AVG 39
Rank #170 / 703
Studio
25
Facility 25
MI AVG 22
Rank #83 / 182
A+5
12
Facility 12
MI AVG 8
Rank #253 / 342
2.4
Facility 2.4
MI AVG 1.6
Rank #261 / 342
Csl Aspen Grove, LLC
Bickford of Canton
AL
MC
Canton (Canton Township)
78
Facility 78
MI AVG 75
Rank #192 / 435
Yes
24
Facility 24
MI AVG 39
Rank #488 / 703
-
8
Facility 8
MI AVG 22
Rank #124 / 182
A+12
27
Facility 27
MI AVG 8
Rank #322 / 342
2.3
Facility 2.3
MI AVG 1.6
Rank #250 / 342
Bickford Of Canton, LLC
Besser Senior Living Community
AL
MC
Alpena
52
Facility 52
MI AVG 75
Rank #266 / 435
No
75
Facility 75
MI AVG 39
Rank #53 / 703
---2
5
Facility 5
MI AVG 8
Rank #157 / 342
2.5
Facility 2.5
MI AVG 1.6
Rank #266 / 342
-

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Michigan

Besser Senior Living Community is located in Alpena, Michigan.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Michigan.

Get Financial aid guidance

MI Choice Waiver

Michigan Medicaid MI Choice Waiver

Age 65+ or disabled
General Michigan resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
MI

Delivered through regional waiver agents; waitlists possible.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite care (240 hours/year) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.) Adult day care ($65/day)

Home Help Program

Michigan Home Help

Age 65+ or disabled
General Michigan resident, Medicaid- eligible or low-income.
Income Limits ~$1,732/month individual, Medicaid threshold
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
MI

Can hire family caregivers; less intensive than waiver.

Benefits
Personal care (up to 60 hours/month) Homemaker services Respite (varies)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Michigan PACE

Age 55+
General Michigan resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month (Medicaid-eligible); private pay option available.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
MI

16 PACE centers (e.g., Ingham, Wayne counties); expanding slowly.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy Respite

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Michigan Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General Michigan resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
MI

Three tiers; no waitlist; includes Extra Help for Part D.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) Respite

Michigan NFCSP Respite Care

Age
General Caregivers of 60+ needing care or 55+ caregivers of others; Michigan resident; functional needs (2+ ADLs).
Income Limits (2025) Prioritizes ~$24,980/year (individual); no strict cap.
Asset Limits Not assessed; need-based.
MI

16 AAAs; prioritizes low-income, rural caregivers.

Benefits
Respite (4-6 hours/week or 5 days/year) Adult day care ($60/day) Caregiver training

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Michigan VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General Michigan resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
MI

High veteran demand in urban/rural areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs

Frequently Asked Questions about Besser Senior Living Community

Is Besser Senior Living Community in a walkable area?

Besser Senior Living Community has a walk score of 75. Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

What is the license number of Besser Senior Living Community?

According to MI state health department records, Besser Senior Living Community's license number is AH040394376.

When does Besser Senior Living Community's license expire?

According to MI state health department records, Besser Senior Living Community's license expires on July 31, 2027.

Does Besser Senior Living Community have different floorplan options?

Yes — see the floorplan options available at Besser Senior Living Community on this page.

How many beds does Besser Senior Living Community have?

Besser Senior Living Community has 52 beds.

Are there photos of Besser Senior Living Community?

Yes — there are 12 photos of Besser Senior Living Community in the photo gallery on this page.

What is the address of Besser Senior Living Community?

Besser Senior Living Community is located at 325 Johnson Street.

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance