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

When a patient of multiple illnesses; including severe depression, has had medication changes, especially whil...


With good medical care a help from family, if possible. It's very hard for someone with depression to not have a loved one who is... see more

Question

If my dad has dementia can he still make a will?


That depends on his stage. If he is still fairly competent, he should be able to. However, you will need to see an estate attorney for... see more

Question

How do I properly care for my independent older brother who likes his privacy?


I hope someone with a similar experience can give you some tips. I'm sure this will be a challenge. You will want to give him as much... see more

Question

What can we do while my elderly friend, who has Alzheimer's, waits to be accepted in to a nursing home?


Nurisng homes don't take regular Medicare (except a fixed number of days right out of the hospital) so, I'm not surprised that the... see more

Question

My husband has Lewy body dementia and was put on medication to help with being tired. He still feels tired, bu...


I guess I'd say, "We'll keep trying to find something that works better." Many medications make people tired, however, he... see more

Question

How often should an elderly person shower?


Older people have dryer skin. Once a week should be fine. A sponge bath is good between, but if you think back, decades ago everyone took a... see more

Question

Will Medicare pay for hospice care in a nursing home?


Yes. Medicare pays for hospice care whereever the person lives. So does Medicaid. A nursing home is home.

Take care,
Carol

Question

My mother-in-law has dementia and seems unaware of her incontinence. How can I get her to wear Depends?


She's in denial, which is common. Is there a third party who can work with her on this? Even an in-home health person? You MIL may be... see more

Question

My 81 year old father has Alzheimer's and has recently started staying in bed, with the exception of eating or...


It could possibly be depression. It sounds like another doctor checkup should be scheduled. I don't know what stage you father is in,... see more

Question

Any recommendations on which prescription assistance program is the easiest to work with?


I've heard of tSimplefill. I'd check with your love one's state Insurance Department (just go to the state's Web site).... see more

Question

What do you do when the family is in disagreement about the care of an elderly loved one?


Lilli, you have hit on something important. I think it helps most of us if we think of something we can be grateful for. Some people... see more

Question

My mother is so depressed that she has started to drink to help her sleep. I'm finding it very hard to leave...


She could be helped by the right medications. If she is self-medicating with alcohol (not unusual), she really needs to see a doctor.... see more

Question

What would be the cause of the ongoing urinary tract infection in an elderly female?


UTI infections are common in the elderly. It could be that they don't empty their bladders well. The vaginal infections could come from... see more

Question

By putting my mom is a nursing home, am I giving her permission to let go?


We are with you txmaggie. You have been such a wonderful part of this group. Sometimes people do seem to hang on because they are worried... see more

Question

I am a depressed daughter and caretaker. How can I help myself?


Caring for a person with Alzheimer's can be exhausting and very difficult. It's wonderful when people can get some help so they can... see more

Question

How do I deal with an emotionally needy mother who wants all of my time and attention?


She is feeling the losses that her aging brings on. Now she is dependent on you and is a combination of over-giving and over-demanding of... see more

Question

My husband is 62 and was diagnosed with Lewybody dementia 15 months ago. He seems to walk about like a zombie,...


When was the last time he saw his doctor? This could be a side effect of medication, or he could have other health issues. He really needs... see more

Question

Will a reverse mortgage help mom get out of debt?


Reverse mortgages can have their good points and work well for some people. For others it's not the right decision. I would check with... see more

Question

How do I start becoming more resilient and adaptable?


I've read where some people are naturally more resilient than others, but that resiliency can be learned. Change is hard for most of... see more

Question

Medicaid suggested I charge my parents rent instead of them giving a lump sum to improve my home for them. Wha...


This is a very interesting twist I had not heard of. Thanks for the tip, Gabriel.
Carol

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter