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

Where can I find a sitter for my dad with dementia that meets our financial needs?


Wow! I hope all adult day centers will take Medicaid. I don't usually think of them for this type of situation, but it's a great... see more

Question

Does my mother need a private-pay medical policy in addition to being on Medicare and Medicaid?


We can't know the future, so it's hard to say. You could pay that extra amount for years and wish you hadn't, but a serious... see more

Question

Where can I find information on Assisted Living facilities in my area?


Ratings are very subjective and difficult. www.medicare.gov/nhcompare has a rating system. I have reservations about this, as most of the... see more

Question

Where can I go to find out if there are any complaints against a rehab center in my area?


Try the Better Business Bureau. Also, you county may have a rating system, online, for some health agencies. Often they do for nursing... see more

Question

Where can I find a sitter for my dad with dementia that meets our financial needs?


In-home health agencies can provide help, abeit paid help. You could see if your area RSVP (sometimes still called Retired Senior Volunteer... see more

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How can I get financial assistance that would help pay for transportation to get my mother to her appointments...


Please check your state's Web site and look for "aging services" or something similar. They can help direct you to agencies... see more

Question

How can I get paid for taking care of my mom and dad?


You can get some tips from reading this article:

https://www.agingcare.com/135476

Take care,
Carol

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I gave up my apartment 4 1/2 years ago to move in with my Mom who has Alzheimer's. Will I need to leave her ho...


That depends on your state laws and if she is on Medicaid. I would advise an estate attorney for this. You should get the details figured... see more

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My husband has Alzheimer's. When he asks about his mother and I tell him she has died he starts crying. Should...


This seems good. I strongly believe that each person should be told the truth about the death. But when they cannot absorb it or remember... see more

Question

What activities can someone with shaky hands from Parkinson's disease do at home?


Have you contacted the Parkinson's organization? Look in your phone book to see if there is something local and go on the Web. There... see more

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I live with my mom and care for her. Will I have to leave her home when she dies?


Possibly. It depends on whether she is on Medicaid, her assets, her will and the state where you live. You should see an estate attorney to... see more

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My father-in-law refuses to help us pay the bills while we are taking care of him. Can we do anything legally...


You should see an attorney and get a legal document drawn up stating that you are caring for him and that he has assets and could pay. You... see more

Question

How can I save money on a Lipitor prescription?


Hasn't Lipitor gone generic? Call you doctor or pharmacist and ask. If so, get the generic. That will help a lot. If your state has... see more

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Can a home be rented to cover taxes and utilities while parents (who wish to return home) on Medicaid are in t...


I think you need to ask the Medicaid people since each state is different. It makes a lot of sense, if they will be able to return home.... see more

Question

My mother-in-law has been removing her pull-up briefs. It causes quite a mess at times, and requires so much e...


You made some excellent points, Patricia. Watching for skin sores and breakdown is really important. If the elder is uncomfortable she is... see more

Question

How much does diabetes management cost in assisted living?


I haven't encountered this. We'll watch and see if others have. Most private health insurances probably wouldn't cover the... see more

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I am Power of Attorney for my grandmother. Do I need to apply for guardianship or conservatorship in order to...


I'd love an employer who pays anything for familiy leave. My understanding (and I may be wrong) is that they aren't required to pay... see more

Question

How do I get my 93-year-old mother with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's to stop taking off her clothes and diapers...


You may want to try different diapers to "fool" the brain action. She could have trouble figuring out how to take them off (for... see more

Question

Does someone know the names of geriatric physicians in the cincinnati, Ohio area?


You could try an Internet search of their hospitals and clinics and then email each one. You could even email their Chamber of Commerce and... see more


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