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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Is the best thing for a dementia patient to stay in their home with a family member rather than going to assis...


This is highly individual. The first thing you may want to do, if you keep caring for your mom and your siblings are worried you are... see more

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Do you need a Medicare Advantage Plan if you are in the nursing home or will Medicare pick up hospitaliations,...


For General Information: Medicare A, plus B, plus any other supplemental plan will pay most of the the costs, depending on which plan you... see more

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My Father is currently in Rehab and refuses to participate in anything. He was diagnosed with dementia and dys...


A feeding tube? I really think if he's in that kind of situation, you need to get him into a nursing home. He needs more care than you... see more

Question

Who do you contact to get the forms to receive VA benefits?


You can call your local Veteran's Administration (in your phone book) or go to www.va.gov. Be sure you type in .gov - there are lots of... see more

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She has medicare and blue cross blue sheild. Would that pay for her at least a day care?


You may have to have her go to a nursing home. You can only do so much. If she is on Medicaid, that would pay for nursing home care.... see more

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My aunt only eats properly if we are there, how do we changed that? We can’t be there all the time, we live an...


You could try Meals-on-Wheels. Most communities have that service five days a week. It's very reasonable, and the bonus is that the... see more

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How can you tell the difference between Dementia and the beginnings of Alzheimer's?


Alzheimer's is one kind of dementia. There are many types of dementia. You'll need a doctor's diagnosis to figure out which... see more

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If we have no burial insurance, how am I going to be able to bury my mom when the time comes?


If you cannotfind life insurance policiesl, and she has no savings or other assets, you may want to talk to an estate attorney to see what... see more

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My mother-in-law has Alzheimer's and Dementia but she still very healthy. My husband was told she could have h...


If your mother-in-law is otherwise healthy, she is likely not ready for hospice. Hospice is for people with a terminal diagnosis, generally... see more

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I am a CNA/HHA. Are there any programs/agencies that will pay for caring for an elderly parent? Rather than ha...


You parent could pay you privately, as he or she would another CNA. I'd advise a legal document if you do this. If the parent is on... see more

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I have found that most of the assisted living units in my area, Columbus, OH,will only accept medicaid waivers...


Most assisted living facilities don't accept Medicaid. Nursing homes generally have a fixed number of "Medicaid beds" -... see more

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Dying with Lewy Body Dementia


People do die from LBD and Alzheimer's, though some live with it for five years after diagnosis and other can live for twenty. Much... see more

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How do I take care of my 96 year-old-mother and my husband who had heart surgery when I was diagnosed with can...


It sounds to me as though you need outside help. I don't know what your mother's health issues are, but at 96, her health is likely... see more

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How do you bathe an elder with Alzheimer's disease?


This is very common. I know it's frustrating, but it's not life threatening. You may want to read this article: Bathing... see more

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Are there any diabetes support groups?


Try www.diabetes.org - the National Diabetes Association. They can help you with that.

Carol

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How do I hire a live-in caregiver?


You can go through an in-home care agency (advised if you aren't sure of your responsibilities as an employer, which you may become if... see more

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Should I switch from analog hearing aids to digital hearing aids?


I've known several people who have tried them and say they are better. I'd certainly see an audiologist to have your hearing... see more

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Is there more than one kind of Registered Nurse?


They can't legally claim she's an RN if she is not. There are LPNs - that is between a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Registerd... see more

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My mother is in assisted living and complains every day about bugs biting her, leaving marks and taking her bl...


This behavior is very likely because of her dementia. Please get her to a doctor. There may be medications to help her cope with this. It... see more

Question

I have had the pulmonary tests and have mild symptoms of COPD. What is the recommended?


It's important to follow your doctor's advice. If you aren't comfortable with the doctor who gave you the diagnosis, please get... see more

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