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 grandmother doesn't qualify for home health care. Can she get other help without being put in a nursing hom...


If she is on Medicaid she may get some in-home help. Please check your state Web site under aging services or something similar. That is... see more

Question

Is it possible to receive government compensation for the daily care of my elderly grandmother?


You aren't likely to get what you are worth, but please go to your State Web site and find something called "aging services"... see more

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COURT ORDERED TO BEHAVIORAL CENTER FROM VETERANS ALZHEIMERS UNIT??? ANY ONE GONE THROUGH THIS???? My family is...


Wow! You are going through a rough spot. I hope someone on the site has been in this situation so they can add some advice. In the end,... see more

Question

How do I begin getting my elderly mother into a nursing home when there is no money to pay for it?


You need to call your county adult social services and start getting her on Medicaid. Then they will take over. Get ready to dig out... see more

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Stuck in the middle. I have one sister who is worthless caring for parents and the other who cares. What can I...


Your problem is sad and very common. You may want to read this article about siblings who don't help: https://www.agingcare.com/134376... see more

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How can I help my husband with Alzheimer's get a better nights sleep?


Routine is suggested. Soft lights, soothing music. If he relaxes and doesn't fight it, a warm bath. Some warm milk if he likes it. All... see more

Question

My mom's "inner clock" has slowed down and her antidepressant medicine has helped slightly but she still spend...


It's possible that a different antidepressant should be tried. Some work better than others with different body chemistries. Also,... see more

Question

What can I do to get my elderly deaf mother to be more sociable?


Deafness is very isolating. Add to that the widow part and her dementia, it's no wonder she's not socializing. She could be... see more

Question

What can I do if my mother is eating less and less?


I can understand why she doesn't feel like eating. I'd be the same way. But encourage her by telling her she needs to try to stay... see more

Question

My grandparents both lived with my mother, until she and my grandmother got into a fight...


I would check with your social services people to see what local options are. You also may want to go on your state's Web site and look... see more

Question

What is a safe dosage of valium to calm down an agitated senior with dementia?


That would depend on many factors from age and weight to other health issues. If you are worried the doctor may not be right in the... see more

Question

Has anyone had a shunt put in for the diagnosis of Normal Pressure hydrocephalus and dementia? If so did it he...


My dad had a shunt put in - and the result was dementia. However - and this is important - he had a lot of scar tissue from an early head... see more

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I have had to quit my job to take care of my mother. How do I find out if the state (california) will help wit...


Go to the state Web site and look under their version of aging services. You should find some contact information there, too. Also, they... see more

Question

I have one week left to help my mother spend down so she can qualify for Medicaid. Any Ideas?


It sounds like you are getting the proper help to do this right. It's good that she's not buying you a car - that would count as... see more

Question

How do I explain to my father-in-law that we didn't exactly sign up for this and he needs to be in an assisted...


This is common but hard. Is there an old friend or a third party who can help him understand that you aren't abandoning him, but that... see more

Question

My 94 year old mother needs full-time care and our care giver only works 5 days a week. What are our other opt...


You may be getting to a point where you can't handle home care anymore. Don't let guilt destroy you. Look around for the best... see more

Question

My mom had my name on the deed for her house after my father died. She sold the house 7 years ago and moved in...


You seem to have kept good records. Still, I'd see an elder attorney or estate attorney to get this all in the format that makes sense... see more

Question

I have a sister, who is metally retarded, how can I get paid to take care of her?


Check out the American's with Disabilities site at http://www.ada.gov. Also, I would assume she is on Medicaid, so there may be... see more


Question

How do I handle my mom's jealousy over my disabled dad's care?


Some of the problem may be that she feels inadequate because she feels like she should be able to look after her husband and the fact that... see more

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