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

How much money does the VA consider a reasonable amount to be paid to take care of a father that has end stage...


You'll have to check with the VA. They have their own rules. However, first check with area care agencies to see what they would... see more

Question

My mom has been a nursing home for months, but she isn't adjusting well. She goes through the day crying and h...


It doesn't sound like you have much choice. She is miserable because of her health issues. She needs nursing care. If the home is... see more

Question

Does Medicare or AARP cover the cost of home care?


Medicare may not do much unless a person was just released from a hospital. Much depends on the AARP Insurance they have. I'd check... see more

Question

Can I get paid for taking care of a blind person?


If the person is on Medicaid you may be able to get some hours paid. Go to your state's Web site and look under "aging... see more

Question

How do I deal with my mother's increasing combative behavior?


First, has she had a checkup lately? Medications can cause this behavior - or there could be one she needs and isn't getting.... see more

Question

My father was placed in nursing home by his deceased wife. How do I get Durable Power of Attorney since he has...


You may need legal help with this. Look the POA over carefully in case you are a secondary person on it, but otherwise I'd see an... see more

Question

If a person applies for Medicaid for a parent and is denied, then is it too late to contact an elder care atto...


Not at all! Contact an elder attorney or an estate attorney - just make sure they have experience with currrent Medicaid laws. They... see more

Question

What should I expect as the estimated cost of guardianship of a parent?


That depends on court costs and such, which depends on how hard it is to prove the need for guardianship. Also, your own community costs... see more

Question

I want to get others in to help me care for parents. Mom has Medicare and AARP. Dad has AARP. Who should I c...


Medicare may not do much unless a person was just released from a hospital. Much depends on the AARP Insurance they have. I'd check... see more

Question

My mom is living with me now, receives 10 hours of home health care. When she returns to her home how do we ge...


Is she on Medicaid? They pay for some home health care, generally. What you need to do is go to your state's Web site and look under... see more

Question

Our Long-term Insurer may be liquidating soon; will the reciprocal State Guarantee Offices pick up the policy...


Scary! Check with your state insurance department. They will guide you.
Carol

Question

My partner's Mother has been moved to sister's home, sister refuses access to visit since Dad's death. No abu...


Seeing an elder attorney may help. Your partner should have some rights, and denying those rights to visit is suspect. I'd see an... see more

Question

I am 64 years old and am not safe living alone anymore. Is there a tax credit given to the senior community fo...


Hi Gale, You should probably check with your social services to see what you qualify for. You can also go to your state's Web site and... see more

Question

My mom needs help with her medicines when she is in the doughnut but they say she makes too much money, how do...


That is so common. The one who gives up most is supposed to continue to perform miracles. I hope the family meeting works. Keep us posted.... see more

Question

I have a power of atterney signed and notorized from my mom. Is this enough to be useful in Italy or do I need...


I would ask an elder attorney about this. It's likely you will need more papers for another country, however I don't know. A POA... see more

Question

My mom needs help with her medicines when she is in the doughnut but they say she makes too much money, how do...


Since you and your sister are at odds, you may have to see an elder attorney or estate attorney for advice. You want to do several things... see more

Question

Where can I find an affordable, or free, granny cam?


There are some for adults, but many people use the baby cams, as Robert suggested, for the bedroom only. Some systems are house-wide and... see more

Question

How can I get my step-dad to help out more with my mother's care?


Bobby is right about the health department. That's a source I hadn't thought of. Also, checking your state Web site under... see more

Question

We took away my 85-year-old mother's car keys and she is no longer speaking to me. What should I do?


You did the right thing. Of course she's mad! She's lost her independence. You had the courage to intervene and that is hard.... see more

Question

How can I get my step-dad to help out more with my mother's care?


Of course you are tired! You don't say if you live with them or if they live with you. You may have to ask adult social services for... see more

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