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

Are there any social service benifits for the care of an elderly parent?


Very defninitely. Go to the state Web site and look under aging services. You will find a contact there, along with a lot of local... see more

Question

Are there any VA benefits for children caring for a veterans widow?


The widow would have already gotten the veteran's benefits (most likely). In some places there are in-home services for veterans, but... see more

Question

My mom has cancer and is at a skilled nursing facility. My dad is having back pain issues and arthritis. If th...


They will be private pay as long as they have assets. If they are both in a nursing home and no one lives in the home, once their assets... see more

Question

What can you do about nursing home neglect?


If you have tried to talk with the administrators and haven't gotten anywhere, go to your state aging services site and find the... see more

Question

Are there any elder communities that I can move to WITH Mom so that I can still live with her, but have the fr...


It nearly always lasts longer than we think. We head in doing what we think is right, and then we run into these financial problems. I... see more

Question

How do I know when it's time to bring in Hospice Care for my parent?


Technically, hospice can come in when it appears that a person has six months to live. Some people go on and off hospice several times. ... see more

Question

Are there any elder communities that I can move to WITH Mom so that I can still live with her, but have the fr...


That depends a lot on your age. If you are over 50, or 55 in some cases, there may be communities where you can do this. You'd have to... see more

Question

Is it wise to tell parent with Alzheimer's that her husband passed away? She has had Alzheimer's for over 7 ye...


This is very tough. My general rule is to tell them once and then go with your gut. You may want to read this story:... see more

Question

Why don't we have a facility to treat brain problems like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, by using adult stem cel...


You'd have to check some major health facilities and see who offers this. I'm sure there will be many hoops to jump through. Does... see more

Question

My mother lives with my husband and I, but we want out. How can we get our lives back?


Any of the three options you mentioned would help. I am not sure assisted living would take her as she seems to need a lot of medical... see more

Question

How do I protect family assets?


If you mean from Medicaid you need to see an estate attorney.
Carol

Question

If my mom lives with me and I pay all living expenses, can I claim her as a dependent on my taxes?


Very likely you can. You should use a CPA or other financial expert, however, to make sure you do it right.
Carol

Question

I learned today that my mom has shingles. What can you tell me about your experiences with it?


Shingles is really painful. My mom had a bout with it. There's a now vaccine now for people 60 and over, and since most people had... see more

Question

Are there programs to help my mother with Alzheimer's and hearing problems, with the costs of home repairs?


I would go to her State's Web site under aging services. Many states have help for elders who need it for home repair. Anyway, this... see more

Question

Anyone have suggestions on getting a parent with Alzheimer's the care they need from someone other than an off...


Contacting their adult social services people may help. You may want to go online to their state Web site under aging services and see what... see more

Question

Anyone else dealing with situational depression as well as Bipolar II and feels their meds are not working?


These medications are tricky, and getting the right dose of the right antidepressant can be so hard. We're thinking of you Crowemagnum,... see more

Question

I'm 42 and had cancer in 2004, can I get life Insurance now?


Unfortunately, that could be hard unless you can get in a group. You are too young for AARP. If anyone out there has ideas, please put them... see more

Question

Can I get paid to take care of my elderly mother and deaf brother with autism?


I'd advise you to go to your state Web site under aging services and look for a local contact. Also, if either is on Medicaid, there... see more

Question

I was given some property gift taxes that are owed on. Am I or the estate responsible for those being paid?


I believe the estate is responsible but you should have an attorney's opinion on this.
Carol

Question

How can I tell if my husband has early dementia or just depression?


He may be suffering from vascular dementia which can happen after a stroke. Only a doctor can sort this out for you. Depression may be a... see more

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter