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 there any franchise company that takes payment directly from medicaid for elderly care?


You'll have to check with each company in your area, I'm afraid. If Medicaid pays, they may take it, but it could be that the... see more

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How do you deal with someone who won't eat anymore?


That depends on the reason. When a person is dying, their body shuts down organ by organ, and they often don't want food, because their... see more

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How do I tell my wife she has Alzheimer's?


You wife is likely well aware that something is wrong, but she is, understandably, in denial. I'm assuming she has had a complete... see more

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Where can I find dental care for the elderly under Medicare?


Sadly, many dentists won't even take Medicare, so it's very difficult. Also, many aren't used to caring for elderly and/or... see more

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How long do I have to wait for an answer ?


If it's an answer from Agingcare, we try our best to address as many questions as possible, and hope that some of our faithful forum... see more

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What are my long-term care insurance payment options?


That depends on whether you have coverage now or not. Also, if you don't have coverage, it will depend on your age and physical... see more

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What can I do as POA, if my parents liquid $$ runs out, all their money is in a trust and they have no other m...


You should see an estate attorney to help you through this to make sure everything is legal. If it is, then your parents would go on... see more

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How do you get through life when your husband of 31 years passes away?


This is so tragic. I'm glad your boys are trying to talk to you. That's a start. Counseling often needs to be ongoing. You do need... see more

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How do you get through life when your husband of 31 years passes away?


Greif counseling can help. Hospice offers grief counseling, and many independent counselors do that, too. Nothing will take away the pain... see more

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Are caregivers planning ahead to reduce the caregiver stress their kids will experience in 20-30-40 years?


Few are, as we are too swamped by our own caregiving demands. Our society needs to do a mental shift so people can do just as you suggest.... see more

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I am interested in becoming a home assistant to my aging parents. Is there a way that I can get an income in h...


You can check with your state Web site - type "aging" in their search box. You'll find a version of the National Family... see more

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It's so hard to find good help. Interviewing, asking the correct It’s hard to find a good caregiver, how do yo...


You are right - it's hard. I was raising kids (one with chronic health problems) and coping with multiple elders at the same time, so I... see more

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What are the "rules" governing an 89-year-old elderly woman leaving her home for an assisted living or nursing...


If you are wondering about the money aspect, you should see an estate attorney or an elder law attorney. If she is selling her house, that ... see more

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Is it normal for an elderly parent to stop eating regular meals?


Does her doctor know what she does and doesn't eat? She isn't likely to eat large meals, and she may not even like to eat when... see more

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If I'm my mother's Power of Attorney can I sign papers to sell her house?


You should be able to, but some of that would depend on whether or not she is on Medicaid, where your siblings (if any stand) legally, etc.... see more

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What qualifications should I look for in an Oncologist?


I'm not a medical person, so all I can tell you is what I would look for. I would look for credentials and experience, of course.... see more

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I am using almost all of my husband's disability check to pay for a caregiver while I work. It seems so unfair...


I doubt that it's your budgeting - you are facing huge challenges. I'm not sure what help will be available in your community, but... see more

Question

When should I initiate conservatorship for my mom?


You should likely see an elder law attorney soon and see what should be done. You are right to be on top of this.
Carol

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Dad has dementia. He gets angry when one tells him no he can't buy something he shouldn't have or doesn't nee...


He feels his ability to make decisons slipping away and doesn't like it that others see this. It's fear, I'd think. Has he seen... see more

Question

Why is my elderly mother seeing bugs?


That could be a sign of dementia, a medication reaction, or a mental illness, including drug (prescription or not) withdrawal, or alcohol... see more

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