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

Can I get paid for taking care of my grandmother? I am her main care taker and live in home with her.


If your grandmother is on Medicaid you might be able to get some income. Congratulations to her, by the way, that she was able to stop... see more

Question

How can I get paid and take care of my grandmother of whom i am living with?


Thanks for your great answer - and the warning - Emily. It's all appreciated.
Carol

Question

My mom lives alone. When I check in on her she tells me she is eating, but she isn't. What can I do?


Eating alone can be depressing. Also, she could be depressed already, and maybe doesn't want to eat. You could try Meals on Wheels... see more

Question

What are my options when my parent is discharged from assisted living due to aggression?


Much depends on the home and how well the dr. can regulate behavior. You'd have to check with your state and also, with individual... see more

Question

What are my options when my parent is discharged from assisted living due to aggression?


This is one of the most unfortunate situations I hear about, and you are not alone. A nursing home may be a better option, and certainly a... see more

Question

Does the fact that my stepmother pays me to care for her have an affect on her Medicaid eligibility?


Yes, this could. There will be a five-year look back. This is a failing of Medicaid, in my view - people should be able to care for their... see more

Question

Dad is 82, with mild Alzheimers, with wife leaving US for 2 wks. Do I need POA or anything legal besides Dr. i...


It would be a good idea to have temporary POA and all legal papers. An attorney can do this. It's not necessary if you are secondary... see more

Question

I have bladder and kidney damage from radiation and chemo treatments for stage 3 cervical cancer. Where can I...


I have tried all of my sources and not found a place. If anyone out there knows of a way to get free or cheaper incontinence products,... see more

Question

Does the release of stimulus funds to help seniors fight chronic conditions include respite for the caregiver?


You'll have to check locally, as most of the funds are administered locally. Try your state's Web site. Go to their version of... see more

Question

I am trying to find a free Durable Power of Attorney form to download. Could someone tell me where to find th...


I can't recommend one, though someone may know of a site. However, if you want something to stand up in court (and you never know if... see more

Question

My dad hasn't had a shower in over 6 months, and he is starting to have body odor. He refuses to shower, what...


Tying the shower or bath in with something they want to do is often effective, unless they are at a stage where they are actually afraid of... see more

Question

I have a disabled child, will Medicaid pay me to stay home?


You may be able to get a stipend for a few hours. You should check directly with Medicaid. Their rules are strict, but they may have... see more

Question

How to I obtain information on how to receive payment for taking care of sick parent?


Try going to your state's Web site under "aging services" or their version of such. There should be local contact information... see more

Question

My wife's dad pays her for caregiving from his VA pension. How do we claim this income on our tax return?


I'd suggest a CPA just to be safe. It's income, but it could be handled differently than other income. Also, you may have... see more

Question

My parents are in need of caregivers. What can I do if my siblings don't want to help care for them and I live...


Hi Anthony, Sibling problems are so common in elder care that you are now one of a huge fellowship. That doesn't solve your problem,... see more

Question

How can I get paid and take care of my grandmother of whom i am living with?


When taxes get complicated for caregiving, I always suggest a CPA. I know this sounds expensive, but it's less apt to bring on an... see more

Question

After two weeks in the assisted living facility my mom is intensely unhappy. How much time should we let pass...


Marty, you said it so well. No one one here can change a thing for someone else, but it helps to talk about these issues. Sometimes, it... see more

Question

My dad hasn't had a shower in over 6 months, and he is starting to have body odor. He refuses to shower, what...


I'd have him checked for depression. There seems to be a lack of caring for himself here. The showering is something that can happen... see more

Question

How do I convince my dad to get his hearing checked?


I'd have him checked for depression. There seems to be a lack of caring for himself here. The showering is something that can happen... see more

Question

My mother has Alzheimer's and my father is her primary caregiver. I live with them and he expects me to fill i...


I'm glad you read your email, too, Josie. You do need to get away from the abuse. Let social services deal with the situation if it... see more

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