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

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


None that I know of. You could call your Alzheimer's Association and ask if they know of any help. Good luck.
Carol

Question

Are there any agencies that offer granny cams for seniors who live at home and have caregivers?


None that I know of. You could call your Alzheimer's Association and ask if they know of any help. Good luck.
Carol

Question

I'm very poor and my elderly mother is costing me so much. I just can't take care of her. Are there cheep plac...


You need to call your county adult Social Services for help. Medicaid is made for people like her. Please call and ask for help soon.... see more

Question

How do you take control of your parents finances when they won't let you and won't talk to you about it?


It's pretty hard to do unless you go to court and have them proven unable to function on this level. It is frustrating to see them make... see more

Question

My father’s live-in assistant has good intentions but how do I get her to go with the flow sometimes with fath...


I think your reasoning is very sound. Unfortunately, a trained assistant may feel certain rules must apply or she could get in trouble for... see more

Question

Where can I find drug interaction information for an elder with heart and kidney problems?


http://www.consumermedsafety.org/ is one site you can check. There are many sites online to check drug interactions. Also, you pharmacist... see more

Question

How do you deal with the decline of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease?


A day at a time. Keep up outside activities if you can, see a couselor if you need to. It's very, very hard. Other caregivers are a... see more

Question

My mother-in-law is ready for a smaller place but will not go without her husband. How can we convince her to...


See if there is someone outside of the family that the father trusts. Often people who aren't part of the family can convince them when... see more


Question

Does someone with Power of Attorney assume their parent's debt or just make decisions?


You are doing the right thing. Get an estate attorney or elder attorney. Your dad needs to get this handled legally, before he can't do... see more

Question

Does someone with Power of Attorney assume their parent's debt or just make decisions?


Then you'd have to decide whether to challenge that person in court and prove this person does not have your mom's best interest a... see more

Question

Why are PET scans not utilized in the examination of the brain for Alzheimer's marker identification?


They often are. If one was not offered for the person you are concerned about, I'd see a specialist who knows about them. They can... see more

Question

I'v.e heard there is financial support for caregivers of disabled people. Where could I learn more?


Try your state Web site under "aging services" or something similar. They will have a version of the Family Caregiver Support... see more

Question

Does someone with Power of Attorney assume their parent's debt or just make decisions?


You may want to ask an attorney in your state but generally the Power of Attorney gives the holder the right to write checks and handle... see more

Question

Can a serious UTI in an 80-year-old woman cause her to go into a confused state?


Definitely! This needs to be checked. An antibiotic could clear up this foggy mental state clearly, if it is a UTI.
Carol

Question

My 69-year-old mother recently had a stroke and was doing well for a few weeks after the surgery without any m...


You've got to be exhausted and upset. So is your sister. Part of the problem, as you've mentioned, is that your mother isn't... see more

Question

what is the typical cost for your facility?


I'd need more information to know what you want, but you can check with local in-home agencies or hourly rates, assisted living and... see more

Question

How much does round-the-clock care cost per month for an elderly woman?


That depends on the community. You could check the going rates at in-home care agencies. Ballpark numbers would be $12 to $20 an hour.... see more

Question

In what situations would the executor not be responsible for paying taxes that are owed by the estate??


If the estate owes taxes then they will likely have to be paid. If you think something shouldn't have to be paid, you should see an... see more

Question

What is the best way to calm down an elder who has agitated dementia?


Don't argue is the first thing. Then, try to distract them from the issue and redirect them to something pleasant. Use a soothing voice... see more

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