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.

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My grandmother is hearing the voice of her late husband calling her at night. She isn't sleeping. Is this comm...


Your grandmother may have a very good memory about things that happened long ago, but that doesn't mean she can make new memories now.... see more

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Moving my Mom from assist living because no assist.


No, it's not wrong to want compensation for your lost wages when your mother has the assets. Some people of that generation (those who... see more

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How do you cope with feeling alone? Husband is 90 % bedridden with Parkinson's disease. Saying goodbye to what...


Standingalone has it right, Portday. This is a very hard time for you. You need to find a way to get out and have some time for yourself.... see more

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I need help to find my mom. She's in hospice My sister won't let me see her. Do I need lawyer?


I think you may. Contact an elder law attorney and ask for a consultation.
Good luck to you.
Carol

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How skilled nursing memory care facilities tolerate yelling? My mom is a yeller.


Orangeblossom provided a terrific answer. Yelling is not uncommon for people with dementia. Working with a doctor and the nursing home, I... see more

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Elderly mother trying to regain our past close relationship.


You need to do what is best for you. You're not neglecting your mother, and you'd be there in an emergency (I would think). But if... see more

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What is the difference between Parkinson's and Parkinsonism?


Parkinsonism is any condition that causes a combination of the movement abnormalities seen in Parkinson's disease — such as tremor,... see more

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How do I get my grandmother to go to the doctor to get help?


These words say a lot "She was her mother's main care giver, and watched her go from an independent, strong woman to a bed-ridden,... see more

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I have both mom and dad, 89 and 93, both with dementia and mom's on oxygen. It's getting overwhelming . What...


If you are caring for them both at home (theirs or yours) it's time to get help. Hiring in-home care may help, but looking for nursing... see more

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Does your elderly parent still influence your decisions?


Hi Roscoe, Aging doesn't always make controlling people less controlling. Some may become more so. Your only defense is to set... see more

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Mom's 88 with dementia. Lately, her appetite has decreased.


Neither situation is uncommon. I've seen a number dementia patients digging in their protective pads - just being curious. If she is... see more

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90 year old mom needs 24 rehab and is refusing to cooperate. What can I do?


This isn't unusual. Given her age and what she's been through, I'm not sure that there's much you can do. Maybe they can... see more

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My parents live independently but I provide them money monthly and help with their food bills. Are there any...


Yes, please check out the aging services on your state's site. Also, if your parents aren't on Medicaid it sounds as if they would... see more

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Can an advanced Alzheimers patient benefit from physical therapy after falling and fracturing a shoulder when...


I'll add my agreement. If the person isn't upset by the passive therapy, it is likely a good idea because it may help with pain and... see more

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Difficult dad. Any advice, how do you cope?


Kathy gave you some wonderful advice. Old rivalries between siblings have a way of returning during parent caring time. The only way to... see more

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How can I help my husband cope?


I'd suggest that your husband find the time to learn more about dementia. In his case, it's doubly hard, because his mom (by the... see more

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Are there centers where a person w/ Parkinson's & Dementia can go to socialize,etc. while I do errands or appo...


That's what adult day care centers are for. They are a marvelous option for people with needs like you have, and as you say, your... see more

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What kind of POA do I need to cover it all?


You'd need separate POAs for financial decisions and for medical. Sometimes the POA for health is called a health directive and that... see more

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Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a couple years ago. Days aren't to bad but he has Sundowners and wakes up a...


There are many good in-home care agencies. Most of them work around the hours you need. Some are franchises (such as Home Instead and... see more

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Does Medicaid take your home after you the caretaker dies in repayment of the cost of care given?


States have varying rules. First of all, if you won't need a nursing home for five years, and you deed the home to your family now,... see more

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