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

Is persistent, loud screaming from a nurse in nursing home detrimental to my mother's health?


Unfortunately, with Alzheimer's, there are people who do that and it's very hard on other residents in a home. There's only so... see more

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How can I control my sanity when everything my elderly mother does is getting under my skin?


We're glad you are here. By the way, I understand more about OCD than I care to think. : ) Keep coming back and yes, do get breaks.... see more

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How can I making the living situation with my mother work, without becoming resentful about caring for her?


If you can get her to some adult day care (even is she needs a wheelchair), it would help. You need to have a break from her. Her anxiety... see more

Question

How can I control my sanity when everything my elderly mother does is getting under my skin?


You are in a difficult situation and are trying very hard to cope with it. I'm glad you have perspective, but you shouldn't... see more

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My father said he would call the police on me and my siblings if we tried to move him to Assisted Living. What...


If I were you, I'd call your local Social Services and have them do a welfare check on your dad. Then you will have a third party... see more

Question

What alternatives do I have with the rising cost of medicine?


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

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My father just passed away and my mother is struggling from dementia. Do I tell her about my father's death?


You are so right. We won't always make the right decisions, but we try to do so with the knowledge we have. It's wonderful to have... see more

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My son's great grandmother lives with me, but her son is POA. Do I have any rights to protect her from his dec...


It could be hard. If you suspect his decisions are wrong for her, then you should see an attorney to see what your rights are. Good luck.... see more

Question

Can my boyfriend be compensated for taking care of my dad during the day while I'm at work?


You may want to read this article: https://www.agingcare.com/135476 There are options but it's still hard to do. Good luck,... see more

Question

Is there Assisted Living for a 20-year-old that is mentally disabled?


This gets very hard. There is help, but the person would probably have to be declared disabled by Social Security. Please call your local... see more

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Can I get in trouble for moving and leaving my disabled elderly father behind?


I feel you have some moral obligation. I would contact social services so they can keep an eye on him.
Carol

Question

Where can I get reasonably priced adult diapers or Depends?


I've read where some Web sites for certain products give you breaks if you show a need. I don't know details. Anyone out there who... see more

Question

How do you put your parent in a nursing home if they are resisting and you don't have Power of Attorney?


You will need a third party to help. Social Services is the place to go.
Carol

Question

How do I handle the stress of caring for my elderly father and my children?


Medicare won't pay for a nursing home except for a few weeks after someone leaves the hospital. It seems to me that you should contact... see more

Question

My mother signed her apartment over to me in October, now she wants it back. If I haven't received the lease,...


It could. Unless you want to find an attorney, you'll have to work it out with your mother and the landlord. Good luck with this. It... see more

Question

How can I teach my mother to stop acting impatiently and abusively to my Alzheimer’s father?


Your local Alzheimer's Association could help your mom. One thing I've noticed is that not all spouses make good caregivers for... see more

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How much money will I be getting back for claiming my elderly parents as dependents on my taxes?


You'll likely need some kind of proof that they are financially dependent on you and be able to back up your costs. I'd get a CPA... see more

Question

What should I do with my father who can no longer take care of himself if there is no one who can go live with...


You'd have to find a nursing home with openings. Is he a veteran. He may qualify for a veteran's home. Anyway, you have to find a... see more

Question

How do you get an elder into a nursing home; can a doctor be the one to put the patient in the nursing home?


A doctor can put have a person go to a nursing home from a hospital. If she is at home, you could use your doctor as a help, if she is... see more

Question

My elderly father-in-law refuses to take a shower and gets mad when we bring up the subject. How do we get him...


This is really frustrating - and very common. You may want to read this article: https://www.agingcare.com/133877 There are a lot of... see more

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