Is Northern Pathways 2 in Gowen licensed by the State of Michigan?
Northern Pathways 2 is licensed. Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs lists license AS410407255 at 12700 Lincoln Lake Ave., Gowen: an adult foster care small group home (up to 6 residents) approved for 6 residents, holding a regular license from November 7, 2025 to November 6, 2027.
Source: Michigan LARA, Bureau of Community and Health Systems -- statewide AFC/HFA file and facility report index, data as of 2026-10-30.
Who holds the license for Northern Pathways 2?
Northern Pathways is the licensee. No other home in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Montcalm or Ionia county is listed under that name.
A single-home licensee often means the owner is closely involved day to day; ask who covers when the owner or administrator is away.
Does Northern Pathways 2 accept residents with Alzheimer's or dementia?
No Alzheimer's designation appears for Northern Pathways 2 in the state data, which records it as serving physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, mentally ill, aged, and traumatic brain injury.
Memory loss after move-in is common. Ask what the home does when a resident starts wandering or needs cues for daily tasks, and keep the Alzheimer's-designated homes in mind as a next step.
What did LARA's most recent inspection of Northern Pathways 2 find?
LARA's latest renewal licensing study of Northern Pathways 2, published December 13, 2025 after an on-site visit on November 7, 2025, found the home in substantial compliance with no rule violations established.
Reports LARA has published for this license, newest first:
| Published | Report | Link |
|---|---|---|
| December 13, 2025 | Renewal Inspection | View on LARA |
| August 24, 2025 | Special Investigation | View on LARA |
| January 14, 2024 | Renewal Inspection | View on LARA |
| August 26, 2022 | Original Licensing Study | View on LARA |
Has Northern Pathways 2 had any special investigations since October 2023?
Yes. LARA has published 1 special investigation report for Northern Pathways 2 since October 2023, and 1 of the 1 we read established at least one rule violation.
Investigation 2025A0357048 · published August 24, 2025
Complaint received July 30, 2025.
- The Kent County Health Department issued a “D” rating as a result of concerns regarding the status of the home’s septic drainage field. — established
How does Northern Pathways 2 compare with other licensed homes in Kent County?
Northern Pathways 2 is licensed for 6 residents; the 198 other LARA-licensed homes serving older adults in Kent County range from 3 to 236 beds (median 10), and together carry 212 special investigation reports published since October 2023.
| Nearby licensed home | License type | Beds | Alzheimer's | Special investigations since 10/2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor Manor North | AFC large group home (13-20) | 20 | Yes | 0 |
| New Haven Assisted Living Of Belmont 1 | AFC medium group home (7-12) | 12 | Yes | 0 |
| Horminy Family LLC | AFC small group home (1-6) | 6 | Yes | 1 |
| Andrea Zylema | AFC small group home (1-6) | 6 | Yes | 0 |
| Grace Home | AFC small group home (1-6) | 6 | Yes | 0 |
What should families ask Northern Pathways 2 before choosing it?
Ask Northern Pathways 2 the questions its own inspection file raises, then the cost and staffing questions every family should ask.
- LARA established this allegation: “The Kent County Health Department issued a “D” rating as a result of concerns regarding the status of the home’s septic drainage field.” What changed afterward, and can we see the corrective action plan?
- If memory loss progresses, at what point would the home ask for a move, and how much notice is given?
- What is the all-in monthly cost at the current care level, and what triggers a higher rate?
- Does the licensee or a manager live in or work on site, and who covers when they are away?
| It is | It isn't | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AS410407255, AFC small group home (1-6), 6 residents, through November 6, 2027 | Not a nursing home or home for the aged license |
| Residents | LARA lists physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, mentally ill, aged, and traumatic brain injury | Not for residents who need continuous nursing care |
| Operator | Northern Pathways | Size and operator set the rules that apply, not quality |