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Home Care In Birmingham, MI

Home Care Birmingham, MI

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Birmingham Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Birmingham, MI is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Birmingham, MI

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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In-home Care for Family O.
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“I have found that usually when you need the services of a company like Nita”

I have found that usually when you need the services of a company like Nita and Always Best Care Senior Services of Troy it concerns the changing life needs of a love one. The needs vary from short-term care, to 24 hr. assistance to finding new living quarters with appropriate services to support your loved one. You are searching for options in an area foreign to you and you need someone you can trust. During the past two years, my family and I have had the opportunity and good fortune to turn to Nita and Always Best Care in two such instances. It took but a few minutes to understand the passion Nita has for her clients, as she quickly became an extension of our family’s decision process. You can never put a value on good solid information, especially when given from a listening, caring, honest, trusted and empathic professional in a time of need. When you come to those trying times and the stakes and fears of making the wrong decision for the welfare of your loved one have you stressed, you could not be in better hands than Nita and Always Best Care. That is exactly what my family and I did and today, my parents are still enjoying their renewed life style at an Independent Living Facility. They could not be happier in their new home and the family is secure in knowing we made an informed and ultimately the right decision due to Nita’s guidance. Recently in the course of less than 3 days we required 24 hr. services for my 93 yr. old Mother-in Law. Today she is receiving the best of care and Nita was supportive and instrumental in directing us towards making the right decision for her. The value Nita and Always Best Care offers to families is having a Trusted, Informed, Dedicated Professional, passionate in assisting you and your family to the Best and Correct Decision for your unique situation. Thank you Nita for being there when we needed you most. ~Family of John S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have found that usually when you need the services of a company like Nita and Always Best Care Senior Services of Troy it concerns the changing life needs of a love one. The needs vary from short-term care, to 24 hr. assistance to finding new living quarters with appropriate services to support your loved one. You are searching for options in an area foreign to you and you need someone you can trust. During the past two years, my family and I have had the opportunity and good fortune to turn to Nita and Always Best Care in two such instances. It took but a few minutes to understand the passion Nita has for her clients, as she quickly became an extension of our family’s decision process. You can never put a value on good solid information, especially when given from a listening, caring, honest, trusted and empathic professional in a time of need. When you come to those trying times and the stakes and fears of making the wrong decision for the welfare of your loved one have you stressed, you could not be in better hands than Nita and Always Best Care. That is exactly what my family and I did and today, my parents are still enjoying their renewed life style at an Independent Living Facility. They could not be happier in their new home and the family is secure in knowing we made an informed and ultimately the right decision due to Nita’s guidance. Recently in the course of less than 3 days we required 24 hr. services for my 93 yr. old Mother-in Law. Today she is receiving the best of care and Nita was supportive and instrumental in directing us towards making the right decision for her. The value Nita and Always Best Care offers to families is having a Trusted, Informed, Dedicated Professional, passionate in assisting you and your family to the Best and Correct Decision for your unique situation. Thank you Nita for being there when we needed you most. ~Family of John S.”

Family O.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Birmingham, MI?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Birmingham, MI

Types of Elderly Care in Birmingham, MI

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Birmingham, MI
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Birmingham, MI
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Red Mountain Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Birmingham, MI
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Birmingham, MI

Benefits of Home Care in Birmingham, MI

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Birmingham, MI, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Birmingham, MI

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MI's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Birmingham, MI

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Birmingham, MI understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Birmingham, MI

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Birmingham, MI

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Baldwin House Senior Living Birmingham
  • StoryPoint Birmingham
  • Patterson Care Services Inc
  • A Simple Solution LLC
  • All Seasons Birmingham
  • Arden Courts - ProMedica Memory Care Community (Bingham Farms)
Home Care Birmingham, MI

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Birmingham, MI

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Birmingham, MI 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Birmingham, MI

Latest News in Birmingham, MI

Madonna No Longer Hates Her Hometown

About to embark on a world tour that includes a Detroit stop, the pop princess now claims she's glad she grew up in Michigan.Patch StaffGet Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts.Growing up Rochester Hills ...

About to embark on a world tour that includes a Detroit stop, the pop princess now claims she's glad she grew up in Michigan.

Patch Staff

Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts.

Growing up Rochester Hills wasn’t so bad after all.

Pop star Madonna, who ticked off her hometown last spring when she told radio host Howard Stern that Rochester Hills residents are “basic, provincial thinking people” and confessed to US Weekly that she misses “absolutely nothing about Michigan,” apparently now appreciates her provincial upbringing.

Preparing to embark on her world Rebel Heart Tour, the 56-year-old Madonna told Gary Graff, a music critic for The Oakland Press, that she probably wouldn’t have been able to tap her creativity if she had grown up somewhere else.

“To me it’s really important that I came from the Midwest,” she explained, “with my father and people that I was surrounded with, very strong work ethic and my practical approach to work, and not a lot of frills.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I don’t think I would be as creative as I am if I’d grown up surrounded by everything at my fingertips. The fact that I came from a small town in the Midwest has a lot to do with the kind of open notebook that I had to start my journey of creativity.”

Related:

That’s a different tune than she sang last spring.

Her comments on Stern’s radio progam prompted Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett to write a stinging open letter reminding Madonna that though she may think the city is ”full of idiots,” hometown boosters “actually have enshrined you on our Community Wall of Fame at the Van Hoosen Museum.”

Even Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, called out the pop star on her Facebook page, saying that she is “tired of Madonna and her cheap shots.”

The U.S. leg of Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour includes a stop at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 1. Tickets range from $53 to $158.

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Photo via Creative Commons

Oakland Hills Country Club Rebuild Will Take Years, Leader Says

The club's president Rick Palmer? said Monday the club plans to rebuild its iconic clubhouse, but it will take at least two years.Patch StaffBLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI — Oakland Hills Country Club President Rick Palmer said Monday the private golf club will rebuild the structure's clubhouse, after an official described it as a "total loss" following ...

The club's president Rick Palmer? said Monday the club plans to rebuild its iconic clubhouse, but it will take at least two years.

Patch Staff

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI — Oakland Hills Country Club President Rick Palmer said Monday the private golf club will rebuild the structure's clubhouse, after an official described it as a "total loss" following last week's massive fire.

Palmer said it was an "easy decision" after a weekend board meeting with several other club officials. Although he said the club will begin working through insurance and reaching out to contractors, he did not give an estimated cost of the rebuild.

But, the plan to rebuild the clubhouse includes a complete replica of its original structure, including its two-story back porch that was a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon home.

While Palmer said he expects the project to take at least two years, he also said the club was looking into plans for what a temporary clubhouse would look like in 2022, 2023 and possibly 2024.

The clubhouse caught fire Thursday morning, despite wintry conditions that included rain and snow. There were about 25 Oakland Hills employees in the building when the fire broke out, all of who made it out safely. Although the cause of the fire was still unknown, fire officials believe the fire started in the attic above the clubhouse.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As the fire began spreading across the building, firefighters were able to save some memorabilia from the club's iconic clubhouse. Shortly later, the clubhouse was in a massive fire and some firefighters were on the roof battling the blaze.

Eventually, the clubhouse's roof collapsed due to the fire, and much of the 100-year-old building was burned to the ground in the massive fire. It took most of the day for firefighters from 12 different departments to put out the fire, despite a winter storm that dumped six inches of snow in the area and most of the metro Detroit. There were no injures during the fire.

The clubhouse opened in 1916 and has a storied history, including its legendary golf course that has hosted 17 Major Championships, including six U.S. Opens and the 2004 Ryder Cup. Golf greats including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Ben Hogan have competed and won on the famed South Course, known better in the sport as "The Monster."

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Birmingham Public Schools Created A $14.3 Million Budget Deficit

BIRMINGHAM, MI — Birmingham Public School officials said they mismanaged their budget by $11.6 million, creating a $14.3 million budget shortfall for the 2021-2022 school year.Birmingham school officials entered the school year with a projected $1.6 million budget shortfall, but that number ballooned to $14.6 million after officials said they found discrepancies within its general fund, inc...

BIRMINGHAM, MI — Birmingham Public School officials said they mismanaged their budget by $11.6 million, creating a $14.3 million budget shortfall for the 2021-2022 school year.

Birmingham school officials entered the school year with a projected $1.6 million budget shortfall, but that number ballooned to $14.6 million after officials said they found discrepancies within its general fund, including underestimating salary, health insurance, payroll tax, retirement and other benefit costs, while overestimating student enrollment numbers.

The district's original 2021-2022 budget was slated to bring in $122,471,210, but it was amended to $19,716,575. Moreover, the district was projected to spend $122,602,855, and that was also amended to $134,027,703.

Some of the more revealing spending differences included a salary differential of $3.5 million, retirement difference of $3 million difference and health insurance and other benefits by over $1.2 million.

Among one of the most notable revenue shortfalls was in property taxes, where the district said it took in $1.2 million less in property taxes. The discrepancy also revealed district officials have been overtaxing property owners in the district, an error that will result in a credit to taxpayers.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The district also miscalculated the money it would bring in from the Proposal A Obligation by about $5 million. The measure indicates the minimum per student funding allowance from the state.

Together, school officials said they were expecting to receive $6 million more in state aid and property taxes than it did, despite school data showing the district lost 186 students between this school year and last. There are currently 7,283 students enrolled in Birmingham Public Schools, a number that has declined from 8,375 students in the 2012-2013 school year, according to school data.

To address the budget shortfall, school officials said in a Q&A statement they will first explore "other funding avenues at the federal and state levels, seeking cost-saving opportunities, expanding revenue generating programs, and creating a long-term financial planning process."

"If the structural deficit persists or gets worse, we will have to make tough choices and difficult adjustments in the weeks and months ahead," the Q&A read.

Although the school district has a "rainy-day fund" of $20 million, the Q&A statement read the district cannot use the funds to clear the deficit because the funds allow the district to maintain a healthy fund balance appropriate for strong borrowing power regarding bonds and other financial matters.

However, the district could use $3 to $4 million of the funds toward deficit, pending board approval. School officials said they will keep families, staff, and students updated on this situation in the days ahead.

The school board will hold its next regular meeting next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. to vote on an amended budget.

Candidate Profile: Melissa Mark, Birmingham Library Board Member

Melissa Mark is an Independent running for Birmingham Library Board Member.Patch StaffBIRMINGHAM, MI — There are three open seats for Birmingham Library Board Member in November's general elections.To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.Melissa Mark is an Independent running for Birmingham Library Board Member. Here's hw she filled out her profile:...

Melissa Mark is an Independent running for Birmingham Library Board Member.

Patch Staff

BIRMINGHAM, MI — There are three open seats for Birmingham Library Board Member in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Melissa Mark is an Independent running for Birmingham Library Board Member. Here's hw she filled out her profile:

Live in Birmingham? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone.

Age (as of Election Day)

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

68

Position Sought

Birmingham Library Board Member

Party Affiliation

Independent

Family

Married 43 years with two children and three grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

BS Business Fairfield University, MS Library Information Services Wayne State University.

Occupation

Prior to retirement: Xerox five years, Consulting two years, HUB seven years, PTSA volunteer over 15.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Incumbent Baldwin Public Library board member.

Campaign website

No website.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Having successfully completed Phase 2, I am heavily involved in Phase 3 of PBL and am fervently committed to BPL Outreach.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Outreach to the community - staff has identified over 80 organizations that we are in the process of meeting in person to connect BPL with them so that the organizations enjoy more success and benefit - ex. new mobile computer lab coming, story tellers at YMCA, Historical Museum program/monthly, increased meeting room availability and upgrades, new primary school kits being developed, etc.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the only candidate with a library degree. I also worked briefly at BPL. I also volunteered on the Friends board for several years.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

While I believe overall Baldwin is an excellent library with innovative programming and resources, I do not believe we have connected with non-library users as well as we could. I have initiated a major effort with staff and the board to improve this challenge.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The coronavirus was the disruptor of the century! I think we did very well staying open longer than most and creating lots of take home kits and resources.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Phase 3 is the final piece of Baldwin's overall building renovation. It is key that it is done right.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I initiated fundraising in 2018 to supplement funds for Phase 2. I was on the building committee for Phase 2, which I believe has been a tremendous success with the expansion of Youth Services. I have been involved in BPL's landscaping on the south side, and excited about the north side play area to go in November. I am fiscally responsible having served on the building committee and researched several bidders.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Find your passion - and I've found it.

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Got Meat? The 30 Best Butcher Shops in Metro Detroit

The suburbs figure prominently in Thrillist's compilation of the 30 Best Butcher Shops (and Other Meat Sellers) in Metro Detroit.Patch Staff» Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts.Are you hungry for some meat?If so, you’re in the right place – or at least close to it, according to Thrillist&rsq...

The suburbs figure prominently in Thrillist's compilation of the 30 Best Butcher Shops (and Other Meat Sellers) in Metro Detroit.

Patch Staff

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Are you hungry for some meat?

If so, you’re in the right place – or at least close to it, according to Thrillist’s new compilation of the 30 Best Butcher Shops (and Other Meat Sellers) in Metro Detroit.

They’re listed in alphabetical order, but if you’d like to engage in a food fight over which one is the best, have at it in the comments.

168 Asian Mart, Madison Heights

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“Stingrays, live frogs, chickens complete with heads -- nope, not a nature center, but a newish Asian market. For those who aren’t squeamish and like to get a little weird. Also, don’t miss the short ribs.”

Adam’s Meat, Detroit

“For when you need a whole beef leg trimmed perfectly and cut into shanks; and you only have 10 minutes to get it done.”

Alcamo’s Market, Dearborn

“Alcamo’s is the market that your Italian grandmother would recommend, complete with all its hustle and bustle and experienced patrons that know exactly what they want. With cured meats hanging from the walls, you may wonder what kind of “chooch” would shop anywhere else.”

Berry & Sons Meat Market, Various locations

“This family-owned mini franchise operates four stores across the metro region, including a slaughterhouse in Eastern Market: a genuinely excellent place to purchase veal or lamb.”

Boff’s Market, Warren

“Give us liberty, or give us steak. Though honestly, if it’s from Boff’s, which is famous for having some of the best cuts in town, we’ll probably settle for the steak.”

Bozek’s Market, Hamtramck

“Stuff yourself like a cabbage, until your jeans fit like a sausage casing, and call it kapusta!”

Butcher Boy, Warren

“For those times that you crave ostrich stir-fry or some bear loin, and nothing else will suffice.”

Carnival Market, Pontiac

“REAL. MEXICAN. FOOD. Good news, amigo -- you’ve just been teleported across the border. ¡Chicharron, barbacoa y chorizo! Oh, and you can eat some fresh al pastor tacos as you wait in line and soak it in.”

China Bar-B-Que. Madison Heights

“THE place to buy a roasted goose in the metro Detroit area.”

Dearborn Meat Market, Dearborn

“Where all manner of beef, chicken, and lamb is cut on a band saw and served on sticks. Consistently touted as the best place in metro Detroit to purchase the divine trio of tawook, kafta, and kebab, you can have them grill it there or bring it home and taunt your neighbors by doing it yourself.”

DJ’s Meats, Highland

“Venison smoked ham, venison steak, venison sausage -- any sort of deer product you need can be obtained here. Worth the trip up into the lake country where every road seems to stop abruptly at a body of water.”

Eastern Market Seafood Company, Detroit

“Outrageous selection of all the obvious stuff, but also the best place in town to purchase Cajun andouille sausage.”

The Fish Market, Dearborn

“They’ll cook it up for you, or send you merrily on your way with any number of sea creatures to grill up.”

Gratiot Central Meat Market, Detroit

“They’ll cut it up however you like. If you’re wondering where to go when you are in need of an entire goat leg, search no further.”

Harvard Row Kosher Meat & Poultry, West Bloomfield

“Known for its brisket, meatballs, and turkey, this is the place to go for your Shabbos meal needs.”

Hefling’s Amish Farm Market, Clinton Township

“If you know what’s good for you, this is where you go to purchase the flesh of naturally raised, local meats. It’s well worth a trip to the East side.”

Holiday Market, Royal Oak

“For those who operate under the motto, “You get what you pay for.” This is a higher-end market with possibly the best bacon selection known to man.”

Honey Bee, Detroit

“We’d be remiss not to mention a Detroit favorite. Known for its earth-shattering guacamole and salsas, Honey Bee also offers a number of Mexican-style marinated meats. We recommend the marinated split chicken thighs.”

Joyview Market, Redford

“Your grandmother may refer to the joint as Richard’s -- as nearly everyone is on a first-name basis here with the owner. Pierogi, hunter sausage, and house-smoked kielbasa are among the specialties you’ll be tempted with in this old-school market.”

Kielbasa Joe’s. Wyandotte

“Once upon a time, this shop was a Polish bakery. The cases that once displayed wedding cakes and angel wings now hold Hungarian kielbasa that you’ll want to marry and jerky and beef sticks that will make you want to cheat on said kielbasa.”

Kim Nhung Superfood, Madison Heights

“Seafood, duck heads, chicken feet, and all the exoticness you need to recreate the Orient in your kitchen.”

Nitsches Meats, Shelby Township

“Another great place with a great selection and an even better domain name,www.gomeat.net, you know this market has its priorities straight.”

Mario’s Meats, Eastpointe

“Another old-timey spot geared toward the Italian palate, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not trying Mario’s ribeye.”

Piquette Market, Detroit

“Come here for the wings and leave with the short ribs ... and probably lots of other stuff thanks to it’s outrageously good prices on shrimp, strips, hot dogs, fish, and anything else you’d like to fire up in the backyard. Seriously, its URL is www.meatdeal.com, which really says it all.”

Randazzo Fresh Market, Various locations

“Meatophiles should make this a stop if only to marvel at the chunks of imported Italian prosciutto and house-made fennel sausages lining some of the longest meat counters in metro Detroit.”

Saad Wholesale Meats, Eastern Market, Detroit

“An excellent place to shop when preparing ethnic specialties. If half a goat is what you seek, half a goat is what you shall receive.”

Schott’s Supermarket, Fraser

“Anybody who says the East side has no taste has never been to Schott’s. It’s one of the few places around where you can purchase a turducken to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. That’s worth a mention alone.”

Srodeks’ Campau Quality Sausage, Hamtramck

“Sometimes you want to go where everything is smoked and nothing is health-conscious. During such times, Srodek’s is a delicious option.”

Western Market, Ferndale

“Expect to be greeted with a dozen smiles and complimentary coffee at this specialty market that Mr. Rogers would have loved to stroll through. The real charm here lies in the meat department where you can find fair prices on high-quality cuts, locally raised beef, Amish chicken, handmade sausages (such as hot & spicy pork and chicken, feta with spinach), and juicy kabobs.”

Wigley’s, Detroit

“You’ll not find superior-tasting corned beef within driving distance, and they’ll even tell you how to cook it.”

Photo via Wikipedia/Creative Commons

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