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 dad has dementia and should be place in an assisted living place. My mom refuses to go, what should we do?


There are two sides to this, for sure. Do they have any non-family members who can discuss this with them, perhaps a member of the clergy?... see more

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What are the financial requirements of going to a nursing home?


It sounds like your husband may be going into a nursing home or going on Medicaid. Every state is a little different. Blue Cross... see more

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I'm a caregiver who has been asked to leave or be evicted. What can I do?


Please contact your local adult social services to see if there is immediate help for you. You may be able to take some legal action... see more

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Mom was diagnosed with bronchitis 3 weeks ago and is on medicine, but she is still having symptoms. Should I t...


Since this is a matter of comfort, and her doctor wants her looked at, I'd take her in to see if they can do more. I don't know why... see more

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My sister is being investigated for taking mom's social security and pension benefits. Can we get all of my mo...


I'm sure Adult Protective Services will be on your mom's side. Competent or not, transferring the money into an account without... see more

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My sister is suffering from swollen legs and hands that are so gnarled she is immobile, but still she refuses...


The swelling legs could be any number of things, including a heart problem. She seems to be retaining fluid for some reason. Consider if... see more

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The quality of care at dad's community has changed, and not for the best. He wants to move, but I just can't f...


In the end, it's your decision. Moving him is hard, but seeing him go downhill in a substandard home will be harder. You don't want... see more

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My sister has a projectile vomiting condition, and rather than going to the bathroom when she first feels sick...


Does your sister have other conditions, such as dementia, that make it hard for her to know what to do? Does her body give her warning that... see more

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My mom has a balance on her credit card that she will not be able to make monthly payments on once Medicaid ki...


The Medicaid people should probably know about this. Each state is different, but it seems late in the game to think of doing this without... see more

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I cannot afford a hearing aid and Medicare will not pay. What can I do?


All great ideas. You also may want to contact the service clubs in your area. The Lions club, Altrusa and others do a lot of work in these... see more

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Mom has short term memory and lives with us. She is 95 and in good health. We are thinking about having her li...


Yes, assisted living is costly, but changing the living situation of an elder that often could have very negative consequences. I'm not... see more

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My grandmother has dementia and only receives social security. She has no assets and she needs full time assis...


Terrific answer, Lilliput. Many elders who only get Social Security qualify for Medicaid. Generally, the County Social Services office will... see more

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Is it right for a nursing home to bill my father's medical and AARP insurance during the pending period for Me...


Please check with your state's ombudsman program. This is their specialty - helping people figure out what nursing homes are doing. You... see more

Question

Can an MRI detect if an elderly person has vascular dementia?


Anesthetics can have a devastating effect on aging folks. My dad was thrown into instant, severe dementia after surgery. We don't know... see more

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My 83-year-old father lives on his own in Phoenix and I live in Texas. He's getting older and can't do much fo...


You could look in the yellow pages to see if there is a geriatric care manager in the area. They are expensive, but they can take the... see more

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My grandmother with Charles Bonnet Syndrom has started to yell and swear at people who aren't there. Could thi...


Hi Lisa, It's certainly possible that she may have Alzheimer's disease. There are many people who have more than one type of... see more

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Does anyone deal with a nutritionist for their elderly parents?


It is, as you say, extremely hard to gain weight when sugars and fats are regulated for other reasons. All of the suggestions you've... see more

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Do elderly parents use their Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis to their advantage?


Family dynamics are an issue for nearly everybody. If the person is in mid-stage or later dementia, it's not likely that they have a... see more

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We just moved my mom with moderate Alzheimer's to an independent community a week ago. She is confused and wan...


People with Alzheimer's rarely do well with change. However, if the assisted living center has an Alzheimer's unit, they will be... see more

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How do I persuade my mother to go to the doctor, or leave the house at all, for that matter?


Your've gotten some fantatastic advice, here, Windytown. I think it would be good for you to read the whole string. You know your mom... see more

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