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

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Am I wrong to expect her to come and take her turn caring for her mother?


We all have different circumstances and we are all different in our capabilities. First, no thought is "wrong." It's just a... see more

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Mom was recently diagnosed as having a "Personality Disorder." I'm wondering what this means, and where we go...


Bravo to your widsom and bravery, SecretSister. Yes, alcoholism and driug use likely made this worse. Also, abuse can cause its own form of... see more

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What are the main legal forms a caregiver/son needs to assist their father with his future legal and medical n...


You'll need a health directive (living will), a Power of Attorney for financial affairs, a will and perhaps other documents, depending... see more

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Mom was recently diagnosed as having a "Personality Disorder." I'm wondering what this means, and where we go...


A "personality disorder" is a mental health issue, and a serious one. If there was a sudden change in her personality, it's... see more


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Bi-polar husband with Alzheimer's/dementia. How long will his good mood last?


The fact that he is bi-polar certainly complicates the issue. That said, enjoy the good times, as he will, with AD, be unpredictable. Every... see more

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I stopped working to care for my aging Mother. Can I be reimbursed for the care?


Mass. is way ahead of many states on this. Since you have already provided care and want to go back and collect for the spend down for... see more

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My Mother lives with us and we rejected her offer to pay for room and board. I was told today that we "could"...


I'd go through your state aging services and see what she qualifies for. There are services, of course, that do this, but they cost... see more

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Why is my mom starting to act like a baby and stuttering all of a sudden?


My suggestion is the same as Beaone. My first thought with the stuttering is a mini-stroke. If she has always "used" people,... see more

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My Mother lives with us and we rejected her offer to pay for room and board. I was told today that we "could"...


Definitely look into declaring your mother as an adult dependent and work with an accountant who knows Medicaid law, and perhaps an... see more

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I stopped working to care for my aging Mother. Can I be reimbursed for the care?


Hi Allison, Go to the main Texas Web site and look for a department on aging. It may be under human services or something. Then find a... see more

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How do I cope with the paranoia of a woman I am caring for? She thinks I'm trying to murder her.


This paranoia isn't unusual, but does seem like she needs a trip to her doctor to see if some medication adjustment will help. This... see more

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How do I cope as an only child taking care of aging parents?


bohmger, I hope you get some in-home help or adult day care for your mom. You will burn out. Your intentions are wonderful, but you can... see more

Question

How do I cope as an only child taking care of aging parents?


This goes to show you that even if you aren't technically an only child, you can end up feeling just as lonely. It's never easy.... see more

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I am so depressed from taking care of my mom while she is in assisted living, how can I deal with this?


Patricia, you've come to the right place. It is horribly hard to watch this decline, and the caregivers here know that. Give yourself... see more

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What do you do when a parent refuses to go to a nursing home?


Hi Sunshine, (ah, yes - those typos: ), Third party help is so vital with a lot of these decisions. Elders don't often (understandably)... see more

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Will gifts or loans disqualify my parents for Medicaid?


Austin is right that you cannot llsten to any attorney who tells you that you can "hide" assets. First of all, it's wrong.... see more

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If I have a senior living within my home who cannot afford to live elsewhere - and yet I cannot take care of m...


You should check with your local adult social services (county). They should have resources to help, and you may have to work to get this... see more

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How do I cope as an only child taking care of aging parents?


Yes, Jenny, there are many "Onlys" here. You'll find many with siblings would prefer they didn't have to deal with the... see more

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What should I do if my husband wants to move his abusive mom in with us and now we are arguing a lot?


Fantastic, SusieQ. You are doing what needs to be done and your husband is seeing reality. I'm happy for you. Counseling is a wonderful... see more

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