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 many days of Respite Care does Hospice provide?


That would depend on the hospice organization. If you have more than one in your area, you could check around. They are not all the same,... see more

Question

My mother is arguing and crying a lot. What can we do?


She may be depressed. At any rate, she needs to see a doctor. She could be just depressed or she could be starting a stage of dementia.... see more

Question

My mother is 91 and had no life insurance. Does anyone know of a company that provides insurance for someone...


This gets tough, but you could try AARP. They have group memberships for life insurance through a third party insurance company. It will be... see more

Question

What qualifications do my in-laws have to meet to qualify for Medicaid?


They must spend down their assets. Your social services will have the information for your state laws - Medicaid is Federally funded but... see more

Question

My elder mother lives with me and I am at the end of my rope with her. How do I get her to move into a nursing...


Try to involve a third party - a trusted freind of hers or a pastor, priest or Rabbi, perhaps, to talk to her. Often someone outside of the... see more

Question

Can you have home psychological evaluations done on parents who refuse to go to the doctor?


You could contact your local Alzheimer's Association and see if someone can come out and evaluate her. Often, people will listen to a... see more

Question

We have reached the "slippery slope" of the hospital care issue with our mother who has dementia. How are oth...


Many hospitals seem to still think they need to go for a cure, even when the attempt to do so is worse than letting a person heal the best... see more

Question

What can I do if my dad won’t let a caregiver into the house?


If he is not in danger, you may not be able to do anything. If you feel he is in danger, you can call your local social services and see... see more

Question

What are the best cognitive performance supplements or medications for elderly women? How can I get my mom's p...


Good luck getting a doctor to write a script for a supplement. It's sad, but few will. From what I know, liquids are better absorbed... see more

Question

My mom had a heart attack and stroke and yells at me for no reason. Is this normal behavior?


If this is new behavior, she may have suffered brain damage that is causing dementia. It could be any number of things, but her doctor... see more

Question

Can I force my difficult father to seek medical advice?


I'd suggest a third party. If your mother is scared, the situation isn't good. She may need to leave. You can call social services... see more

Question

What emergency alert systems and medication reminders are available that won't break the bank?


There are many medication systems available. You could try www.alzstore.com. It's a very good resouce that is closely related to... see more

Question

I was laid-off from work in October 2008. I am taking care of my mother-in-law with Alzheimer 24/7. How can I...


I hope someone has Power Of Attorney. A legal document should be drawn up by an attorney using you local rates for care. To make this stand... see more

Question

What are most common side effects of bladder-control medications?


Dry mouth, dry eyes, headache, constipation, nausea, dizziness or drowsiness are most common, but there are many drugs. You could type the... see more

Question

Are there programs in Illinois that will pay me to take care of both elderly parents?


For local information, go to the state Web site and look under aging services. The Family Caregiver Support Program is available in some... see more

Question

How do I effectively transfer my father to a home closer to my home?


It will depend on his physical and mental condition. Likely it will take a great deal of coordination. Be sure to have his living place... see more

Question

In addition to a free room, how much should a caregiver get paid for "light duty" tasks?


Fees for care vary with the place you live. You should check with in-home agencies and see what they charge for hourly work. That could... see more

Question

Who is responsible for hiring a full-time caregiver for a bedridden elder?


That would depend. The home health nurse may be the person coordinating care, but the person with the POA is has control of the finances.... see more

Question

Are there any organizations to help me with my mother's Glaucoma?


The Lions clubs at www.lionsclubs.org may have some help for you. Also, go your state Web site and look under aging services. The Family... see more

Question

Can I get income to provide full-time care for my mother who has dementia?


This is a tough question. Please read this article: www.agingcare.com/135476 Also, go to your state Web site and look under aging services.... see more

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