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

Question

Where can I to find help for 93-year-old mother-in-law who refuses outside help?


This is one stubborn lady! I would suggest that you leave the moldy food, etc. and schedule a welfare check by Social Services. They may be... see more

Question

How do I make an on-line contribution to hospice?


Why not call the hospice closest to you and ask how to make a donation? Most hospices need financial help, and will gladly accept your... see more


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My mom can't handle money and there is no one there to care for her. She refuses help and won't sign over lega...


Hi Steve, I wish I could say you had a unique situation, but it's all too common, and very scary for adult children. Generally... see more

Question

Once approved for Medicaid, does a senior in a nursing home have to use only Medicaid doctors or can they stil...


Occasionally, doctors don't take Medicaid, but in many cases the doctors who take Medicare also take Medicaid. As with many of these... see more

Question

Once a Medicaid recipient leaves a nursing home, do they revert back to Medicare?


That depends on the situation, and where the patient lives. Medicaid, in some states, will pay for some in-home care, but not usually... see more

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How do I get my mother a new insurance plan when her current health insurance will not be available when she m...


Depending on her age and health, she may have to go into a state pool (assuming VA has one - many states do). If you go to... see more

Question

It is hard on your emotional well-being watching someone pass away right in front of you.


Susan, I'm so sorry. Watching someone you love slowly die is horrible. There's so much grief in the process of watching the... see more

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Do elder day care centers have skilled nursing services with oxygenation?


Many do, especially is they are attached to a nursing home. However, as mentioned, you should ask the individual center. I'm sure many... see more

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Where can I find a caregiver to watch my father for a few nights a week?


You'd most probably need to find an in-home care agency that offers nursing care. Many do not, but some do. In-home care agencies are... see more

Question

Are seizures common symptoms of Alzheimer’s?


I'm so sorry for you! You really have missed a special time with your mom. My dad was sent into instant dementia by a failed surgery,... see more

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My elderly father with dementia is still very active and wants to compete in week long challenge terrain bike...


Patricia has given you some good advice. He's thinking he can just go and do this because he did it when he was young. If there's a... see more

Question

How do I get control back from my children who have over stepped their boundaries?


Does your mom have a sister or brother that can help you with this? You may find it easier to cope with this if you have the support of a... see more

Question

My sister, mother's Power of Attorney, decided that she is going to put our mom in a nursing home. What can we...


This is a heartbreaker. There's a lot of good advice here. A family mediator may be able to help bring some peace with all of these... see more

Question

Is weight loss a symptom of Alzheimer's even when the patient is constantly eating?


Not necessarily. She should have a checkup to see if something else is going on. It's common for people to lose weight with age, but if... see more

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My mother favors my younger sister and has made her Power of Attorney. Now my older sister and I cannot find o...


All of this advice is sound. I'd like to add that POAs can have secondary people on them so that if the primary can't act, then the... see more

Question

Can I force my father into an Alzheimer’s care home without his consent?


Unfortunately, it is a common problem. Also, unfortunately, you may not be able to do it without court action to have him declared... see more

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Does the IRS waive penalties for the elderly that have forgotten to file their taxes?


I expect that you'd need documentation from a doctor, but hopefully this would be the case. The taxes would be owed, but because of a... see more

Question

How do I get my name off of my mom and dad's home?


I agree. Please see a lawyer. You need to get legally free of this.
Good luck,
Carol

Question

How long does Medicaid take to get approved once all the paperwork is done?


Longer than we'd like, but it depends on the state where you live and their backlog. Expect at least a month and maybe as long as three... see more

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