From the monthly archives:

May 2008

A Moving Memorial Day Column on the Origin of ‘Taps’

by Jerrold Bartholomew May 21, 2008

Gertie Brooks, a columnist for my local paper, the Tri-City Times, has written an interesting column on the origin of ‘Taps’. I have no idea if the history is accurate, but Gertie seems a trustworthy source and the story, while astounding, explains much. ‘Taps’ apparently originates from the civil war and a story worthy of [...]

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A New Concept In Nursing Home Care

by Jerrold Bartholomew May 19, 2008

The reality is that families faced with the chronic illness or disability of a loved-one often have few options but a traditional long-term care facility. Aside from the financial devastation that this usually entails, there is the fact that a traditional nursing home is a difficult place to be in. It is good therefore to [...]

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New Wi-fi Device Calls Your Cardiologist in Case of Heart Attack

by Jerrold Bartholomew May 13, 2008

The same technology that allows coffee and internet afficiandos to stay in one cafe for hours on end is now helping seniors to retain their independence and cope with serious health issues. A new Wi-Fi device is capable of alerting your physician in case of heart attack. Thoughtful implementation of new technologies offers a great [...]

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Detroit Nursing Homes Receive Much Needed Funding

by Jerrold Bartholomew May 6, 2008

The Michigan Department of Community Health announced today that Detroit nursing homes would receive $1.7 million for improvements. See this Free Press article for coverage. I have never visited a nursing home that did not have a dedicated, but heavily-burdened staff. And obviously there is no end to the needs of the nursing home residents. [...]

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Choosing the Right Time to Receive Social Security

by Jerrold Bartholomew May 6, 2008

One very important matter for retiring seniors is the decision of when to begin receiving social security benefits. This helpful calculator from AARP can help in the decision-making process. But be forewarned: there is a lot of information on the internet suggesting that you should delay receiving benefits as long possible. And this is not [...]

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Blue Cross Reform Pending: Will Health Insurance Be Any More Affordable?

by Jerrold Bartholomew May 4, 2008

Several reforms to Michigan’s Blue Cross Health Insurance are currently pending in the Michigan Legislature. Proponents hope that these reforms will help reduce the costs of health care in Michigan, while advocates for the health insurance industry voice concerns about declining revenues and increased costs. The issues are complicated, but it seems fair to say [...]

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Increasing the Community Spouse Resource Allowance

by Jerrold Bartholomew May 3, 2008

When one spouse requires long-term care in Michigan, the Department of Human Services will do an assessment of the couple’s total resources. Without any planning or asset positioning, the spouse at home will be permitted to keep 1/2 of the couple’s assets as of the date the spouse needing long-term care entered either the hospital [...]

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