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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I'm mom's caregiver since dad died. My brother got mom too sign her insurance paper and its irrevocable. Now w...


She should be able to change this back. People change beneficiaries on insurance policies frequently. If you need help from an elder law... see more

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I am my Dad's caregiver and need help with financial support but my stepmom still is getting all his income wh...


Yes, file for guardianship. If you don't have DPOA, you'll need something to protect your father. This can take time and energy,... see more

Question

How do I find out which plan D is best for me?


Check with each one available to you and ask them if they cover the medications you are currently on. We can't know the future, but you... see more

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Mom pays all of my expenses for being her caregiver, I am unemployed. Do I need to report anything on my taxe...


I would check with a CPA or some tax expert. I doubt that you have to report this as income, but you may since in essence, she's... see more

Question

I have been taking care of a distant relative for over 3 years and need compensation.


This is tough since nothing was written down, but I'm assuming that you've kept some financial records. I'd go to an elder law... see more

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Can my 88 year old dad with dementia come to his daughters house for Thanksgiving?


I agree. I think it would be better for you to have Thanksgiving with him. You can make a different, but still special, dinner at your own... see more

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Is it wrong to hope someone dies?


Death is part of the life process. We will all die. Watching suffering that cannot be helped in this lifetime is agony and wanting someone... see more

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How can I get dad to listen to my financial advice?


Good luck! You've got your hands full, to be sure.
Carol

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How do caregivers find the time to take care of their own health?


Just a note that my dad was given Haldol after a failed brain surgery (due to a WWII brain injury not aging well) - the drug was awful. He... see more

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How can I get dad to listen to my financial advice?


CountryMouse wrote a terrific response. I won't repeat everything she said, but I'll add that it is just slightly possible, but... see more

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How do caregivers find the time to take care of their own health?


If you needed 3 units of blood, you were seriously anemic. I hope they did other tests, as well. Could you have some internal bleeding? It... see more

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How can I find an agency that can help me find a assisted living with type B and Medicaid for my brother?


Is your brother a veteran? If so, I'd contact the VA closest to you. It's unfortunate that many assisted living facilities... see more

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My dad is starting to really forget things, I'm worried it is Alzheimer's. How can I tell?


There are many things that can cause forgetfulness including prescriptions, infections, and of course, dementia. Don't jump to... see more

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Can dementia rage lead to severe indigestion?


It certainly sounds possible. Controlling these episodes in any way you can is important (I'm sure you're already doing your best).... see more

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Does the panic button system work with a cell phone or just a land line?


There are personal alert systems that use cell phone technology. A few cautions: Do not sign on with one of the companies that is now... see more

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My father (87) with moderately severe dementia is making inappropriate sexual comments. Anyone else dealt with...


Yes, this is very unsettling. I hope it makes you feel better to know that it's also very common. The fact that your father says... see more

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How do I persuade someone that they need help?


Often people stay in denial about needing help until something frightening happens, such as a bad fall or disabling illness. You can try to... see more

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Why don't people visit or keep in touch?


Thanks for writing, Ashlynne. You have wonderful insight into the situation and frankly answered your own question. First - your mother... see more

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I'm so frustrated with my life. I'm so alone. I'm the sole caregiver of my Grandmother. Any other "grandchildr...


Don't feel sorry for the "rant" - you have every right to all of your feelings. We can't fix your situation but we can... see more

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I have financial POA for mom. My sister in law and I had a falling out. She took mom to the bank. Can she lega...


You likely could fight it with her doctor's help since she has dementia, but you may need an attorney. If you're will to do that... see more

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