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

My father tried to run over the nursing home CNA with his electric wheelchair because he does not like her. Ca...


If he is considered to be of sound mind, likely this could happen. But I'd have him evaluated by an independent physician. This... see more

Question

Where can I rent or borrow a wheelchair?


Your local Arthritis organization may have one. Also HERO, which has used medical equipment may have a store in your area. If you can't... see more

Question

My father with Alzheimer's chews some foods for a long time then spits them out. Is this a symptom of the dise...


It certainly could be. He could be having trouble swallowing, which is quite common, or he could have just "forgotten" what to do... see more

Question

Is there basic criteria to determine when someone needs to move into assisted living?


First, she should see a doctor. She may have obsessive compulsive disorder, or some type of dementia. Since she covers so well in public... see more

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Can a family member take out a loan under their elderly father's name if they Power of Attorney?


That would depend on what it is for and why you (he) wants it. I think this would be very hard. You may want to check with an elder law... see more

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Is there a tool to make opening cans and jars easier for elderly parents?


I've tried most things out, as I have arthritis that affects my hands. I still like a gizmo that looks like a wrench and fits over the... see more

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Can a professional caregiver force an elderly person to go to a medical hospital?


I'm sure the caregiver thought she was doing the right thing, but it seems to me that she overstepped the line. Since your mother has... see more

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Is there a program that haelps renovate an aging parent's house so that it can be sold to pay for assisted liv...


If you have Power of Attorney you could check with their bank. Also, you could check with an Elder Law attorney for advice. Your state may... see more

Question

My dad just got diagnosed with Alzheimer's and is now calling me every 15 minutes. I can't keep doing this. Ho...


Just check your caller ID or leave it for voice mail. Then - without guilt - only answer a call or two a day as you can handle it, unless... see more

Question

My mom is having surgery tomorrow for a fractured hip. How long is this surgery?


Every person is different and there are many variables once they open her up. You should try to talk with the surgeon or other doctor who... see more

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The $250.00 Medicare rebate is fine for now, but what about next month when mine is used with one purchase of...


That's the problem with the whole donut hole - the $250 was the best they could get at this time, but it's better than nothing. It... see more

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Our 89-year-old dad got himself into a credit card situation, and has to pay $1400 per month. He wants us to p...


I'd look into bankruptcy or at least credit counseling for him. This is not your debt. If he truly cannot pay, that will be figured... see more

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I'm my mothers primary caregiver and it's taking a toll on me financially. Is there a way to be paid for takin...


You aren't likely to get enough to cover full time. However, try going to her state's Web site and looking under some version of... see more

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I moved in with my 93-year-old grandmother after she fell. Over half of every day is spent with her. Any way...


Is your grandmother on Medicaid? There may be some funds through that program. I'd go to her state's Web site and looking under... see more

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Can I receive any kind of income help? I take care of my Mother in law 24 hours a day 7 days a week, I do all...


Is she on Medicaid? You may get something there. Please try your state Web site. Go to something similar to "aging services" and... see more

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Can anyone besides mom's primary contact hospice for evaluation?? She is 93 totally bed ridden with incontienc...


I would think the person has to have rights to health information on your mom before hospice can intervene. If she has signed HIPAA papers... see more

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My 85 year old dad is CRAZY! What do I do when he does something like weed-eat in 100 degree sun?


Sadly, there's likely nothing you can do if he won't listen to reason. I would, however, see if a close family friend could talk to... see more

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How do I find affordable nursing home care for my elderly sister who doesn't qualify for Medicaid?


If she doe not qualify for Medicaid, she'll have to pay the going rate until she does. That's called the "spend down."... see more

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Where do I get the information about home care and getting paid to stay home with my mother.?


It's not easy to get paid to stay home with an elder (unfortunately). But every state has different methods. Also, if your mother is on... see more

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I have been the sole caregiver for my father now for the past five months. Why do I feel guilty for not wantin...


I know caregiver guilt to my core, but you (we on this site, as well) don't deserve it. You need someone to spell you. Is he on hospice... see more

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