Over the span of two decades, author, columnist, consultant and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Her experiences inspired her to pen "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories," a portable support group book for caregivers.

Answers

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My parents currently have Power of Attorney over one another. Is there a way to arrange in advance for a third...


Most of the time there is room for an alternate POA on the form. They could put you down for that. You may want to check with the attorney... see more

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Can any of the out of pocket items such as depends be deducted on my husband's income tax?


To the best of my knowledge, no. It's a shame, as so many items we need are really medical expenses. However, you should check with a... see more

Question

When a parent dies who pays gift taxes?


The Power Of Attorney is no longer a legal document once the person who assigned it dies. It's only for use while that person is alive.... see more

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If parent is diagnosed with dementia, are any legal papers signed by the parent after the diagnosis legal and...


Much of that depends on their stage of dementia at diagnosis. If you need legal papers drawn up, do it immediately with an attorney who can... see more

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My parents what to sell their home and build on to ours and live with us. If Medicaid is ever needed, will the...


Austin's answer is very good. I think you need an elder law attorney or an estate attorney in on this. Every state has slightly... see more

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Why is my mom washing her clothes in the tub instead of letting me wash them in the washing machine?


I think you are right - she can't remember how to use the washing machine, and she wants to independence to do her wash. I don't... see more

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My father just passed away. Can my sisters force me to show how I spent his money as Power of Attorney?


This is so sad. You did all of that work, and now they want the money. It happens all of the time. I really don't know if you have to... see more

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My mom is forgetful to the point that we don't want to leave her alone. But we have to go to work, what can I...


I'm afraid it's time to either hire in-home care or look at assisted living. If she is unsafe without someone being with her, an... see more

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My brother-in-law has Alzheimer's. Does my sister's Power of Attorney let her change it if her was her POA?


If it's your sister's POA, she can name whomever she wishes and she should be able to change it any time she wants. She... see more

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Can a creditor make a claim against parent's house if it has been signed over to adult child?


Since she signed it over to you six years ago, I'm not sure. I wouldn't think so, but you should check with an attorney about that.... see more

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My 87-year-old dad is a doctor and knows that he is deaf but refuses hearing aids. How do I convince him to we...


At is age, it's going to be hard to get used to hearing aids, so I'm afraid it's an uphill battle. Since he's a doctor, he... see more

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If my mom was kicked out of a nursing facility due to non-payment, can another facility refuse her?


PS: You might try going to www.ltcombudsman.org. Type in the Zip code for the nursing home, and find your Ombudsman contact. This person... see more

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If my mom was kicked out of a nursing facility due to non-payment, can another facility refuse her?


Eddie, you are a gem! Wiglett, this is awful! It does sound like your mom's paperwork "got lost." The nursing home... see more

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My mother's husband is using her social security check for his advantage. What can I do?


Since they are married, it's not likely you can do anything. If you think there is financial abuse, you can contact an elder law... see more

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How do you know if a resident wasn't drinking enough fluid?


Generally, facilities track fluid intake. But signs of dehydration include dark urine, headache, weakness, dizziness and dry skin. The... see more

Question

Is paranoia always a form of dementia?


Your dad may have been having mini-strokes or something of that nature, or else dementia of some type is moving in. The key is that this is... see more

Question

What is "TOD" and how does it go into effect?


I'm assuming you mean transfer on death. Here's a government website that can explain it to you. ... see more

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Should I have my mother change her beneficiary to me since we live together?


I agree with Eddie. It's not likely he'll cooperate, and since your mother has dementia, she likely can't do it herself (if she... see more

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What will happen financially when my mom goes on Medicaid after we cashed in one of her CD's she gave us?


It depends on when she gave you the CD. If it was within the last five years, it's likely you will have to. It it was signed over to... see more

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Is it normal for someone who has Alzheimer's to be obsessed with their son?


You answered the question with "Mom has always been obsessed with son..." AD is likely making this worse, as she can't... see more

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