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

How do I include siblings that were out of the caregiving picture for many years and now want to be in charge?


Discuss with them their strengths and the specific needs of the care receiver. Everyone needs to be realistic. If they are now willing to... see more

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My father recently passed and now my mother wants me, a 47 year old single mother, and my 17 year old daughter...


Think very carefully about this. You will have problems reversing the situation if it doesn't work. You need to consider your daughter.... see more

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Is anyone familiar with the Medicaid Asset Protection Plan, MAPP?


Please listen to Cat and don't go with anything out there that promises to "save your assets from Medicaid." There are tons... see more

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What can I do if my mother has started to throw things at me from across the room?


You are right on SecretSister. Florence, you are a wonderful, caring person who has put up with too much. You need to walk away from abuse... see more

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My Mother is in Assisted Living and fights every day with the Nurses about taking her pills, because she has t...


Good to hear from you, Drugman. Too often people forget that their elders' pharmacist may be the best person to ask when it comes to... see more

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What can be done about the abuse of family members by caregivers? I was blindsided by a caregiver who I suspec...


Always get second opinions when someone tells you funds are protected from Medicaid. They will usually allow a certain amount for funerals,... see more

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Can I force my 94 year old mother to live with us? She lives on her own but is suffering from dementia.


Assited living is good for healthy people, if it's a good center. Many people love it. She'd have opportunities to make friends,... see more

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Where can I find an advocacy agency to assist me with dealing with elder exploitation, abuse and neglect?


https://www.agingcare.com/articles/what-to-do-if-you-suspect-abuse-in-your-parent-s-retirement-community-133867.htm I tried this and it... see more


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Can I force my 94 year old mother to live with us? She lives on her own but is suffering from dementia.


Sigh! Not uncommon, unfortuantely. She's fine - everyone else has the problem, right? Is there anything else she takes meds for? Like... see more

Question

Where can I find an advocacy agency to assist me with dealing with elder exploitation, abuse and neglect?


You can go to your state's ombudsman. The ombudsman is independent of any facility and is there to help you. You may want to read this... see more

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Can I force my 94 year old mother to live with us? She lives on her own but is suffering from dementia.


There are medications that can help your mother's paranoia, which is, unfortunately, a "normal" phase of many dementias. She... see more

Question

What can I do if my mother has started to throw things at me from across the room?


Has your mother been to a doctor? She needs to have her medications checked and she needs to be evaluated by a psychiatrist who will test... see more

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What do you do when caregivers disagree?


Very common problem. You will probably need a third party to listen to you. If it's not too serious, a pastor or Rabbi may do.... see more

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


Try the Medicaid Waver in your state and see if you can get him on Medicaid. Also, contact your aging services people on your state's... 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...


Austin, writing an obituary is tough duty. Thank God you have the help and support of our family through this time. Sometimes it's... 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...


Very interesting post about this disorder. Thanks for the input and please keep us posted and you travel this road.
Carol

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How can we get my father's license taken away from him before he harms himself or someone else?


You need third party help, even if you must call the police. Start with the doctor. Try the dirvier's license people. Get the car away.... 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...


I think this is a disorder that often goes diagnosed for years, as these people are just considered "difficult." Walking on egg... see more

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


Sharon, about your question, unless the doctor has some medical help, Depends and other brands of protection seem to be the best answer. I... see more

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