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

I'm afraid my cousin and his wife are going to kill my aunt. They aren't feeding her or giving her medicine an...


Susan, this is one of the most horrible stories I've heard, but there are likely many other similar situations - we just don't hear... see more

Question

How do you start the process of placing your elderly family member in a nursing home or assisted living facili...


I’d start with referrals. Do you know families in the community who have loved ones in AL or a nursing home? Don’t rely on just one person,... see more

Question

What hearing devices work best for middle stage alzhemier's patient, older, no short term memory, at home care...


This is something only an audiologist can decide. I would suggest that comfort and ease of use be high on the list. You may want to talk to... see more

Question

My mother-in-law is on anti-psychotic medication because of her Alzheimer's aggressiveness. Is fatigue and con...


No this isn’t normal. I’m not a medical person, but I’ve ushered many elders through these medication nightmares. Your mother is being... see more

Question

I have been caring for my 87-year-old mom for over 4 years now. Is there any financial help for me for her car...


Hi Shelly, You definitely need to contact the Veterans Administration about your mom, as she may get some benefits from your dad's... see more

Question

Are there any Legal Aid Societies Dedicated to our needs as Caregivers?


I suggest the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney's as a starting point. The Web site is http://www.naela.org/.
Carol

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My mother has recently been diagnosed with dementia and I think my sisters are stealing her money. Is there an...


Does anyone in your family have a Power Of Attorney? That's important. If one of your sisters does, she may just be paying things for... see more

Question

My parents live at home but they are constantly calling on every family member to come over and do something f...


He may be just lonely, but it's also possible he really can't, for physical or mental reasons, complete the tasks. Both issues... see more


Question

My mom just went into an assisted living facility and only has SS that pays for her stay. She has Credit Card...


I'd contact her State Bar Association and ask about an elder law attorney or someone who can help with this. Worst case, if there is a... see more

Question

dad still waits on himself and works in the yard but just has these mood swings we dont understand


Mood swings could be caused by a medication he's taking, low blood-sugar or other heatlh issues, or the beginning of dementia. He needs... see more

Question

How do I get my 63-year-old mom to a Psychiatrist for her escalating behavioral and mood problems when she has...


If knowing you aren't alone helps - well you aren't. Many face these issues. Knowing that doesn't fix a thing, however. You are... see more

Question

How can I get assistance to care for her if we don't have the financial capabilites?


Please go to your State Web site and type "aging" in the search box. You will be lead to resources. Every state is different. She... see more

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My father needs around the clock care, so I am unable to return to work. What other resources are available, o...


There are some federal programs, but most are locally controlled. Try your state's Web site and type "aging" in the search... see more

Question

My 83-year-old mother and her husband may need to go into a nursing home. Will she lose her home since his SS...


This will depend on many things, including whether they go on Medicaid, and it sounds like that is likely. It would be a good idea to see... see more

Question

Cracked under the pressure! What can I do to protect myself physically and emotionally?


It's heartbreaking, but true, that you may have to do that. Unless she's been proven incompetent and a made a ward, there is little... see more

Question

Mom is 88 & in rehab from broken hip. She can't go home alone so we're looking at assisted living, but might h...


Assisted living rarely offers the kind of care she needs, so you'd likely have to pay extra to have an in-home agency come into the AL... see more

Question

How can I get paid for taking care of my elderly parent in my home?


Try going to your state Web site. Type "aging" in the search and follow the local links for information. You will find the... see more

Question

My mother’s health is declining from caring for my father. She was given the option of placing him in a nursin...


This is common - she feels it's her duty to care for him. But she needs to realize that if she gets sick or dies first, she won't... see more

Question

How do I sign up to receive financial compensation while I care for my mother in her home?


I wish it were this easy. First of all, Medicare is unlikely to help, but in some states there are exceptions. Medicaid often helps some.... see more

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