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 find elderly "sitting" for an evening?


Try your local RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). Many communites have Senior Companions who can come and sit with an elder while you... see more

Question

Can I get paid by the gov. without feeling guilty for taking care of my parents... Ashamed?


You shouldn't feel ashamed for wanting to be paid for your time. However, it's not always easy to get paid. If they are on... see more

Question

When should a skilled assisted living facility be considered over home care?


Most (not all, but most) AL centers don't give nursing care, so the need for skilled nursing is the clue for a change. If your elder... see more

Question

I saved my father’s life 2 years ago but now he has taken mine away. How do I deal with being an only child an...


Yes, you do need help. You can't give your own life to/for him, and he wouldn't want that if he could be rational about it. Please... see more

Question

Can I legally care for my partners father who lives with us and be compensated?


You should set up a contract with him, probably with the help of an elder law attorney. If he needs a caregiver, you should be able to set... see more

Question

If I have to quit my job to care for my husband is there a way and How and where do I start to get information...


Please check with your state's aging services. You can go online to your state Web site and type "aging" into the search box.... see more

Question

A friend wants to get her dad's property in his children's name because he keeps putting it on the market and...


They'd need to have the Power Of Attorney to do that. If they have this document, it's possible (but the change won't protect... see more

Question

I want to be a family advocate at the assisted liliving facility that my Mom is in. Where do I start?


If you want to do this officially, you should check with the Arizona state law - look into aging services. Otherwise, if you just want to... see more

Question

Can a primary caregiver who has Power of Attorney install 24-hour grannycams that record even if the other sib...


There may be state laws that come into play, here. I'd ask an elder law attorney or some attorney who knows your state laws. You... see more

Question

Now that my dad has Alzheimer's he doesn't snore anymore. Why?


That is extremely interesting! I can't imagine why the disease would change snoring, but if anyone else has had this happen, we'd... see more

Question

If they take Medicare and Medicaid do they take the SS check too?


If you mean when someone goes to a nursing home on Medicaid, yes they do. They take all but a small amount each month. It's part of... see more

Question

My 87-year-old beloved mother has been paralyzed on her right side and in a nursing home for 3 years. She want...


She could be clinically depressed, so you should talk to the docotr about it. However, my mother expressed that wish to me often,... see more

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I live in port st lucie fl and need to find asst living for my dad and don't have $ to assist. Ideas?


Try going to your state Web site and typing "aging" in the search box. That will lead you to links where hopefully you'll... see more

Question

I am taking care of my boyfriend who has cardiac problems, can I get paid by the government for doing this?


It's not likely, but if your boyfriend is on Medicaid, there may be some caregiving dollars. What qualifications are required may... see more

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Is anyone familiar with the PACE program for seniors?


I don't think so - it's more about coordination of care. But there may be some considerations. Don't let that stop you at all -... see more

Question

Dad refuses to wear adult diapers and continues to walk around leaking urine like it's ok. How can I get him t...


Try getting an old friend (or his doctor is all else fails) to get him to understand that smelling like urine is not... see more

Question

Is anyone familiar with the PACE program for seniors?


Yes! If your community offers PACE (www.pace4you.org), look into it. They coordinate many services for elders and it's been very... see more

Question

How do you explain the need for positioning to avoid compromised breathing after lung cancer surgery?


I would ask the doctor is there is a brochure about this, or get direct training from local medical facilities. This is important and... see more

Question

I am my 67 year old care giver he is crippled and has to have total care this is a full time job itsself I can...


You are not alone. Unfotunately, it's hard to get paid well for caregiving. It sounds as though you should call social services and see... see more

Question

My father is veteran of WWII, can he go to a Veterans nursing home or veterans assisted living? Is there a ch...


Very likely, he qualifies. You'll have to check with your local Veterans Affairs people to see, however. Much depends on openings. ... see more

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