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 can I get my mother to stop picking at her face?


If it helps, you have lots of company. People with OCD often do this, but stages of Alzhiemer's can have people picking away, as well.... see more

Question

My husband has Parkinson's, Dementia , Alzheimer's most likely and severe neuropathy. Where can I find a day c...


Hi Patsy, Yes, you will both have separation anxiety, but you are making a very good choice. Social interaction is very important. Work... see more

Question

My mother is taking my father's diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease worse than he is. What would be the best coun...


You are right to recognize that she needs support and counseling. She's used to her husband being healthy and now she's looking at... see more

Question

Mom is angry and wants to revoke POA. I am the only child. What should I do?


Scary as it all is, it looks like a competency issue. It's true that at this point she is vulnerable to giving POA to anyone she wants,... see more

Question

We can't pay for legal help, where do children of elderly turn to help their parents? ?


County social services should be able to do a welfare check and then get things in motion. That is one of the reasons they exist. But nins... see more

Question

Is it illegal for your elderly parent to pay you to be their caregiver, even if you're licensed?


It should be fine, but you should have an attorney draw up an agreement. If she goes on Medicaid, you could have issues, but if it's... see more

Question

If your elderly parent has mental incapacity, how do you get them out of a co-signers agreement?


You may have to resort to an attorney to prove the person didn't know what they were doing. Good luck with this,
Carol

Question

Is my aunt paying me adequately for the care that I'm providing for my grandmother?


There isn't any given amount that I know of. A lawyer should be able to tell what comparable pay would be adequate in your area. Then a... see more

Question

Can I get paid for taking care of my dad who had a stroke and lost his left side?


This article may help: www.agingcare.com/135476 Some families draw up legal contracts so the parent can pay the adult child for help.... see more

Question

What is mom constantly burping from?


It could be the meds, but she may have something else going on. She should probably see her doctor if she is burping an abnormal amount. ... see more

Question

Do Medicaid and Medicare pay Caregivers to take care of elderly parents?


Medicaid has some programs, but you will have to go through your local social services or whomever you work with on Medicaid. Benefits are... see more

Question

Can my mother apply for Medicaid if she did a Reverse Mortgage several years ago?


Medicaid will put a lean against her home, but if she can no longer live in it and she has few other assets, it may be time to go through... see more

Question

How do I know when its time to begin looking for a more qualified caregiver?


Does she come from an agency? Then you work through the agency. If she is self-employed, you will just have to work it through with her or... see more

Question

Is the mileage from traveling to care for my elderly mother every weekend tax deductible?


You should check with a CPA for guidance, but there are tax deductions you can get for caregiving out-of-pocket expenses. You want to make... see more

Question

My elderly mother cannot live alone because she has strokes, so she lives with me. Can I get paid?


This is difficult and a common problem. Maybe this article will help you:
www.agingcare.com/135476

Good luck,
Carol

Question

Is there financial aid to help me care for my husband with Parkinson's?


This article may help you:
www.agingcare.com/135476
Carol

Question

Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for someone to come to my elderly parent's house a few days a week for a few hou...


Medicaid has some allowance for that and some "mixed" Medicare/Medicaid programs do. You'll have to go through your Social... see more

Question

what do y'all know about special needs trusts?


Only that you should see an attorney for help. You can go to your state bar association for recommendations.

Carol

Question

How do I place my mother in a nursing home?


Yes, it sounds like she needs a nursing home. I'd start looking for one right away. You may need third party help getting her there - a... see more

Question

Should nursing homes give high doses of sleeping pills and tranquilizers to dementia patients, so they will st...


This is so difficult for everyone. You mother can't control her screaming (this is not unusual). Drugs to calm her are really the only... see more

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