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

What is the line between independent and assisted living?


This is tricky. Since she has familiar people to check on her, and you could fly back, she may be better off where she is. If she... see more

Question

My grandmother has a very stubborn pressure area that was open and draining, but now it's just red and very te...


These pressure sores can be very dangerous. I'd ask a doctor about a prescribed cream that may help. You are doing your best, but if... see more

Question

An EMT in California told me that they have to provide lifesaving efforts if the Do Not Resuscitate given to t...


I would imagine state laws vary, but they must know what they have to do. This is a good reason to have several "originals" from... see more

Question

Can I get paid for taking care of my elderly mother in the state of Pennsylvania?


You may want to go to the PA Web site and look under aging services. From there you should be able to find a contact to help you with local... see more

Question

My mom is 94-years-old and was on Coumadin for 10 months. It caused her to have constipation, so I gave her 2...


You'd have to check directly with a medical peron on that. Do they have ask a nurse or something of the kind in your area?
Carol

Question

The woman I care for has stage 6 Alzheimer's and is very violent to me, her husband and son. What will get her...


There are medications that help many people - at this stage maybe an antianxiety medication could help. But only a doctor can figure this... see more

Question

I live in New Mexico and need help paying for my mother's medications. Where can I get help?


Go to the New Mexico's Web site and look under aging services. The Family Caregiver Support Program is available in some form in all... see more

Question

In the state of Indiana, is there any way to receive financial aid to help pay for the food, transportation, o...


This is a good article: www.agingcare.com/135476 Also, go to the state Web site and look under aging services. The Family Caregiver Support... see more

Question

My mom has congenital heart failure which causes water to fill up in her lungs ever 2 or 3 months and she is b...


Try your state Web site and look under aging services. The Family Caregiver Support Program is available in some form in all states. There... see more

Question

If mom uses the funds from the sale of her home to enter a nursing home, would the gift of equity delay her el...


Most likely. There is a five year look back period when people go on Medicaid. Any gifts of substance given within the five years before... see more

Question

Is there a time limit for selling your parent's house before they move into assisted living?


You'll need to pay the monthly payments, so the time limit would be how long can she pay without money from the house? The type of... see more

Question

How do I deal with my mother, who just returned home from rehab after suffering from a broken hip?


Is she alone or with you? If she is alone, I'd look into many hours of help from an in-agency. If she is with you, you will need some... see more

Question

Where can I find financial assistance to help cover adult diaper expense?


I'd check out Web sites where you can buy the products. Some of them have programs. Also, go to your state's Web site under aging... see more

Question

My 84-year-old mother is having symptoms of Sundowners Syndrome in the morning, but not at night. Is this poss...


There are no two people alike. I'd talk with her doctor. The timing could have something to do with her medications or when she takes... see more

Question

Can you have joint Power of Attorney for a parent with your sibling?


It may be good to see an estate attorney to determine if anything else should or can be done to make the transition easier and to avoid any... see more

Question

My 92-year-old father feels he is slowly going blind in both eyes. Are there remedies, like eye drops, that wi...


He may have macular degeneration or glaucoma or it could be cataracts. He needs to see an ophthalmologist. There are eye drops for... see more

Question

Can a son withdraw money out of his deceased father's bank account if he was power of attorney and his name wa...


A Power Of Attorney is useless after death. That is when the executor of the estate takes over. However, if the son's name is on the... see more

Question

Will Medicaid pick up difference after Medicare if you are on Medicaid with no income?


That depends on how you are set up, but if the person is already on Medicaid, it's likely so (if you mean in a nursing home). If this... see more

Question

My 90 year old aunt has Leukemia and is currently living in and assisted living facility. Are there any hospic...


Hospice care is covered by Medicare. Call your local hospice and see what the options are. Most hospices provide care in homes, nursing... see more

Question

Is my mother elgible for financial assistiance?


That depends on her assets. You may want to go to www.medicare.gov and click on Medicaid. That will give you information. Also, your local... see more

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