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

How can I get my mom to clean up after herself?


She may have developed a fear of bathing, or she may just forget that she didn't bathe and think you are wrong. Her sense of smell... see more

Question

My 89-year-old mother Alzheimer's and now she has Congestive heart failure. What does that mean? Will she die...


People often live a long time with congestive heart failure, though eventually it can be a cause of death. Generally, the doctors try to... see more

Question

My grandmother started showing signs of mottling yesterday but it went away. Has this ever happened to anyone...


People sometimes "rally" for a bit and seem to get better, but generally, the mottling is a sign of the body shutting down. I... see more

Question

I want to move my mother to another nursing home. Is there a charity that can help with this?


None that I know of, though there may be something locally. One thing ombudsmen do well is transitions. Try going to www.ltcombudsman.org... see more

Question

Is dizziness and a spacey head feeling a common complaint for a dementia person?


I'd ask the doctor to consider a bladder infection, and also check for side effects from any medications, including blood pressure... see more

Question

I have POA. Can legally make my father move in with me? He is not mentally incompetent just physically can’t t...


Unless he is considered by a court to be incompetent, which doesn't seem to be the case here, you shouldn't be held accountable if... see more

Question

What kind of documentation is needed to show how much money I spend taking care of my parents mileage /wkly/30...


Your safest bet is to check with a CPA. You can just keep a running account of your mileage, with the date, where you went and why, and... see more

Question

My dad had POA over my grandma and deeded the house to me, now got letter from medicaid recovery, can they tak...


If the deed was signed over to you less than five years before your grandma went on Medicaid, likely they can. You may want to get the help... see more

Question

My husband has Health Springs insurance. This is the only insurance he has. His only income is social security...


If Health Springs is health insurance, and he's not old enough for Medicare, I think they would pay for his health care, but not likely... see more

Question

Would a veteran who is is receiving an Aid & Attendance Pension lose their benefits if they drive a car?


I would assume that this is an individual call, depending on doctors orders. I'd check with the doctor first, and if the person is able... see more

Question

How do I know when it's time for nursing home?


Generally, the right time for a nursing home is when the care receiver needs more care than he or she can reliably have in the current... see more

Question

I live with my parents and care for them and I'm concerned my siblings have taken advantage of my parent's fin...


It depends a lot on who has Power Of Attorney and the mental condition of your parents. If you intend to go the attorney route, be sure you... see more

Question

Where can I find 24/7 in-home care for my mother?


Most care agencies provide this but it can be very expensive, so much depends on your mom's finances. The caregiver's would work in... see more

Question

A local women is stealing from an elderly person and has a new car now. She did this before and ended up with...


Try going to your State's Attorney (find that person online on your state Web site). You can also try your ombudsman. Go to... see more

Question

Can anyone be hired to take care of seniors with Alzheimer's & Dementia?


You'll want to make sure the person is trained for this, but most agencies train their caregivers to work with people with dementia.... see more

Question

My father has severe hearing impairment and both my parents are in constant stress as a result. My mother has...


You may want to call your local adult social services. They can do a welfare check and determine what should be done. Your parents'... see more

Question

How do I make a report if an accident happens to the residents?


You may want to try the Ombudsman's office. If you don't know your local ombudsman, go to your state website and looking under... see more

Question

My father-in-law (82) is diabetic and other ailments & depression. My mother-in-law (83) is overwhelmed. He RE...


I would suggest that you contact adult social services in your county or community and ask them to do a welfare check. If it's just the... see more

Question

Is it safe to add supplements to my grandfather’s food to help him gain weight?


My personal opinion is that this is an excellent approach. You should, however, check with his doctor in case there is some nutrient that... see more

Question

My Dad (83) has never had a prostate exam or PSA test. His Primary care Dr. said he doesn't need this as he's...


Generally, when men are in their eighties, prostate cancer can be an issue, but the current medical thinking is that since prostate cancer... see more

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