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

Does Medicare help pay for in home health care?


Medicare will pay for nursing care by a doctor's orders after someone leaves the hospital. This care is limited. Medicaid, on the other... see more

Question

Mom starts sleeping at 5 p.m. for 12 - 15 hours a day. She is 83-years-old and had 7 surgeries in 7 years beca...


Yes, I would think so. Please get her in for a medical checkup. You want to be safe.
Take care,
Carol

Question

Could I have received SS for taking care of my dad?


Not likely. You can check with your Social Services office and see what they day. Good luck. Many people need financial help for this but... see more

Question

Which one is the best medical alert system, Life Alert or Life Line?


They both have good reputations, but check and see if they want contracts. You don't want to sign a long contract and then find out the... see more

Question

Can I sell my grandmother's condo if she is going to a nursing home?


I you have a Power Of Attorney you likely can, but the money is still hers and may need to go to cover nursing home bills. Be sure to do... see more

Question

How do I get my money from my deceased mother's bank account? I really need it!


This is really tough. Your Power of Attorney doesn't work now. I had trouble closing my mother's nearly empty account after she... see more

Question

Can they take a house that is in two people's names?


They may be able to put a lean against it. You should see an elder law attorney or estate attorney who is well acquainted in the Medicaid... see more

Question

My mother continues to tell little lies about me. She has always been very negative and selfish. I want to kno...


If you're sure this isn't dementia, then there's obviously a long-standing family issue or some other mental health problem.... see more

Question

My mother may need assisted living & the cost will eat up her assets in less than a year. Medicaid can step in...


This is tough, I know. Medicaid allows a very small amount of money - I mean very small, to be kept in her checking account. Yes, her... see more

Question

How can I help my father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, severe depression & Secondary Addison's dis...


I don't have to tell you how hard it is to manage many illnesses at once, as you are seeing this first hand. I'm not a medical... see more

Question

My husband has a temperature of 95.3, is freezing but feels very warm. Otherwise he is fine. What do I do?


I'd get him medical help right away. At least call the local "ask a nurse" people or something.
Carol

Question

Mom is seeing things (people) and feeling that they are in the house and taking her belongings. Could this be...


Yes. It could be a reaction to medications she takes or she could have an infection. It could also be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other... see more

Question

Is there a service with a snow thrower that the seniors can pay for?


This would have to be checked into locally. My location has many snow removal services, but I live in a snowy area.Snow removal is... see more

Question

How long will it be before i realize something isn't right?


If you have been diagnosed with dementia (or a loved one, you question didn't indicate which), something likely has already occurred... see more

Question

How do you identify if a hypochondriac has dementia or Alzheimer's? Mom is 76 and I suspect over-medicates wit...


Medications can cause dementia-like symptoms. Only a doctor can figure this out. There are brain scans that can be done, plus other... see more

Question

Would you move out and move on if you thought your parents didn't need you?


This is a very personal decision. You can't give up your entire life for others, and since they are now doing well, I'd talk with... see more

Question

My father is angry because of being placed in a rehab facility short term. He tells anyone who passes by "why...


Please understand that he's angry about his condition and this is why he is taking it out on you. This is not your fault. His doctor... see more

Question

My mom has stage IV lung cancer and my dad has alzheimers. I can't afford to take care of them much longer....


It sounds to me as if you need to get them on Medicaid. They will qualify if they don't have much money. They will then likely go to a... see more

Question

I’m a school bus driver and cook and clean for my mom with Alzheimer’s. What can I do for financial help?


If your Mom is on Medicaid, you may be able to be paid for some hours of care, but that depends on the state where you live. You can check... see more

Question

My husband has MSA and cannot swallow. His brain functions fully. Can he enroll in hospice and still have his...


Hospice if for people who are terminal - generally with six months of less to live. However, you should check with your local hospice about... see more

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