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

Any ideas about what might be happening? My mom lives in my home and over the last two weeks has started wande...


An infection is a possibility, especially a urinary tract infection (UTI). Medication issues could cause this behavior, as well. Of course,... see more

Question

Can my parents obtain Part D coverage during the upcoming open enrollment period?


Yes. If they are happy with their Part B provider, it's quite likely they can just call that provider and ask about Part D. They may... see more

Question

Where are the caregiver support groups in my area?


Call the Alzheimer's organization in your area. Even if you don't need support for dementia caregiving, they will likely have a... see more

Question

How much will it cost with hospice and without Medicare help for facility?


Most insurance covers hospice. I hope you have some kind of insurance. Medicaid covers hospice, if he qualifies for that. If he's too... see more

Question

What can I do if my mom dies at home?


I agree. Call 9-1-1. They will know how to handle everything. Your mom is 91 and could still live a long time, but you are right to be... see more

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My 92 yr. old uncle seems to have lost his sense of taste and smell. Should I be concerned?


This does sound quite normal, as our sense of taste and smell can become less acute as we age. However, loss of the ability to smell can be... see more

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My ex mother in law is a caregiver and conviced her pt to sign over all assets and accounts to her. Is that le...


This does not sound at all legal. The daughter must be told what is happening and she can take it from there.
Take care,
Carol

Question

I care for my Mom whom have dementia. will medicaid or medicare pay me for taking car of her?


If your mom is on Medicaid, they may pay for some hours of care. Check with your state Medicaid people. Medicare would only pay for skilled... see more

Question

How can I find two female roommates, needing assisted living, for my Mom in a lovely 4 bedroom home?


I'd check with local churches and see if they will put up a notice. You may want to see if your local community center will do the... see more

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My mom is in a rehab center and they say the Medicaid beds are full and there is a waiting list. Can they make...


That's a common and frustrating problem in some states. Many skilled nursing homes limit the number of Medicaid beds. It's easier... see more

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Should I get a neurologist to evaluate my mother even though she has already had negative mris and cts of the...


Yes, she should see a neurologist. There's obviously something wrong. Since she's been tested for a UTI, that may be ruled out.... see more

Question

How do I make peace with parents' poor choices?


We suffer, sometimes, as we watch our parents make, what seems to us, poor choices. However, unless they are cognitively disabled, they... see more

Question

Should I move to where my mother lives?


You can't physically take care of your mother. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty (especially yourself). I'd follow your... see more

Question

How can I find a support group to help me learn how to communicate effectively with my 'not so elder' mother?


Try the Florida state website and look under "aging". You should find their National Family Caregivers Support Program. You could... see more

Question

Where do I go to find government assisted living facilities?


Are you on Medicaid? Whether you are now or need to be in the future, you'll need to do the paperwork for your new state. Also, as... see more

Question

Help for frustrated parent.


It's going to be hard to do anything legally unless he becomes abusive. You may want to document his behavior if your believe it could... see more

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My dad is already receiving Medicare and Medicaid in Illinois. If I moved him to California would he be covere...


He would have to re-apply for Medicaid, since that is handled by individual states. His basic Medicare A should stay the same though they... see more

Question

Why is my grandmother taking so many nitroglycerin pills?


Hi Shaun, I hope you can find a good doctor that will help her. The Xanax should help with anxiety, some, if that's what's going... see more

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Is it normal behavior for a dementia patient to just want to stay in bed and doze all day and the next day be...


This doesn't sound like normal behavior to me, for a dementia patient or anyone. I'd have a doctor give her a full physical and see... see more

Question

Why is my grandmother taking so many nitroglycerin pills?


If her heart is "fine" I'd question the doctor who prescribes the medication he or she keeps refilling it. My dad was treated... see more

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