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 am the primary caregiver for my dad and drive everywhere. If he gets a new car who pays for the car, the reg...


Hi Pat. You should see the attorney on this one. It all makes perfect sense, but there may be ways to do this that are legal, and other... see more

Question

Can an elderly be forced to go to the hospital by family members even if they are terminal?


If he or she is terminal, hospice care may be a better option. The hospital may have palliative care which is comfort care, so they may be... see more

Question

Will Medicare pay for hearing aids for an elder who is experiencing increased hearing loss?


That depends onhis hearing loss and the cause. He should contact Medicare.gov. My guess is that they may some, but not all of the cause,... see more

Question

Does a Family Trust, Will & POA drawn up in 1988 by my mother need to be updated or is it still be legally bin...


Generally, the latest Will is binding. But you should check with an estate attorney just in case. There has been quite a bit of time here,... see more

Question

My 66-year-old mother needs to see a doctor as soon as possible, but has no income or assets. How can I get Me...


She is old enough for Social Security, so if she's enrolled she has Medicare A, but the is hospital and care of that sort. Medicare B... see more

Question

How can I get my wife to go to day care when she refuses and won’t let me hire a sitter? I need some time-off.


You need help. I know it's hard when she refuses. Can you find some support from outside the house? A faith community leader she... see more

Question

How do I find respite care for my 98-year-old father who is recovering from a hip replacement and cannot be le...


Go to your state's Web site under "aging services" or something similar. They should be able to direct you to local resources... see more

Question

Is there health insurance available for an 82 year old female who has only lived in the US for 2 years?


Check with the state insurance office (look online under her state's name). There are state insurance pools being set up for those... see more

Question

Can I get paid to take care of my mother?


Yes, please go to your state Web site and find their aging services. That is the best source for local help.
Carol

Question

Why dosen't the President eliminate that darn donut hole now instead of waiting until the year 2020?


There had to be a lot of compromises made in order to get the health reform started. It's very frustrating to those who have to wait -... see more

Question

How do you deal with an abusive parent?


These two articles may be worth reading. Good luck. It's hard. Carol https://www.agingcare.com/127206 Caring for parent who didn't... see more

Question

Where can I get Help with the costs of my medical condition?


It depends on your condition. You can try the organizations dedicated to it (this is on the incontinence string, so I'm not sure if you... see more

Question

Do all SSDI people get the $250.00 rebate from Medicare?


If you are getting SSDI and are on Medicaid, I'm not sure that you will as you may not have Medicare D. If you are getting Medicare D,... see more

Question

How do I find a balance between being resented and not doing enough for my in-laws and making my husband feel...


You sound like an angel. Your husband must feel miserable to see you treated so poorly. His parents likely hate feeling dependent. Is there... see more

Question

My mother passed away 2 months ago and ever since my father has been angry with almost everything, including m...


It's quite possible that the stroke damage also includes vascular dementia. Also, people can have more than one kind of dementia. That... see more

Question

How often should you visit a loved one with dementia in the first days of living in a nursing home?


My point of veiw is to be with them as much as possible during the adjustment. I've heard people say that nursing home staff has said... see more

Question

My mother is paranoid and will not discuss her finances or the future. What should I do?


Unfortunately, this is common. You may want to enlist a good friend of your mother's or tell her she should see a financial advisor at... see more

Question

Are there any places that will watch an elder one day a month so I can catch my breath?


Try adult day care. They are usually very flexible. I'm not sure if they'd do just one day a month, but the smaller ones may do so.... see more

Question

I am a nurse and have lost my job due to having to take care of parents. Is there a way I can get paid for tak...


Go to your state's Web site under aging services or some similar name. You should find contact information for local services and also... see more

Question

My mother is doing and saying crazy things and arguing with the grandkids. How do I know if she is getting dem...


I would gather all of her medications and see a doctor. I'd ask both the doctor and the pharmacist for drug interaction reports. Then,... see more

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