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 Mother (89) has bone on bone arthritis in her shoulder. Any advice?


Unfortunately, there are fewer options so far with shoulders than knees and hips. Surgery can help some shoulder issues, but when the bones... see more

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How do I know which is better for my Mom - spend down or pooled trust fund?


I'm glad that your wrote and I hope that people more educated in Medicaid law than I am will chime in. All I can suggest is that you... see more

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I am concerned that my Father may have Alzheimer's/Dementia, where do I start looking for doctor's or informat...


Good advice from everyone here. Learn all that you can about Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Ask your mother to journal about... see more

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My husband has COPD and he's in hospice. What can I expect?


I'm sorry. As much as we know that we'll all die, it's never easy to go through it with someone we love. Work closely with... see more

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How do I stand this? He can be so regressed. When is it time for a nursing home?


I agree with the wisdom on this thread. You've done enough and it's time for you to have a life. You say he's a good man. You... see more

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My partially disable husband refuses to go to nursing home. Advice?


Pam has the medical background so I'm going with her on this. He will likely find himself hospitalized and then you can get help from... see more

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I'm the one needing care and husband divorcing me. Any advice?


imamess , I'm so sorry about your situation. As the others have suggested, you need to find a family law or related type of attorney.... see more

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I can't get over my husband thinking he is in the stuff that is on TV programs. What stage is this?


College, as was mentioned, nearly everyone here can understand your frustration and pain. In my opinion, stages are "guesses" at... see more

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The assisted living center my aunt is in wants to move her to the memory care unit. What advice?


I agree that being with your aunt for the change is important. Try to have a positive attitude because any reservations that you have will... see more

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My Father (77) has prostrate, bone and spinal cancer. The doctor told us that he was not a candidate for chemo...


Jerrye, the message is hard but from what you said I believe the doctor is saying that it's time to focus on making the time left the... see more

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My eyes feel dry and burn all the time. Can anyone help?


Dry eyes can occur at any age but are common as we get older. Ask your pharmacist for over -the-counter long lasting eye drops for now but... see more

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My friend lives several hundred miles from her family. She asked me to help her. How do I make this happen for...


I agree with the others in that without legal papers you will only be able to do so much. However, as both Pam and ADcaregivers said, you... see more

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Father-in-law constant negativity. What to do?


There are so many terrific answers here from this wonderful group. Your little family comes first. I know what it's like to have a... see more

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Why won't she help herself?


Dragonbait, you made me smile. You're right that often suggestions comes from adult children's anxiety and worry. Sometimes, they... see more

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Does a husband need a will to pass his possessions on to his wife or can this happen without a will in an info...


It's nearly always easier if there is a will. As has been mentioned, state laws vary. Generally, the spouse gets everything that was... see more

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Are there programs in Illinois that will pay me to take care of both elderly parents?


It depends on many things. Some states offer stipends for family members if the the elder is on Medicaid. Go to www.aging.gov and find your... see more

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How to deal with MCI diagnosis?


Sorry, Tammy - I should have clarified that right away. MCi is mild cognitive impairment. Many people, as they age, fall into this... see more

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How can I help my Mother get over the loss of her beloved pet?


That is a terrible way to lose a pet. Death is hard enough, but to not know what happened to the dog has to be terrible. As suggested,... see more

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How to deal with MCI diagnosis?


Your husband could be having nutritional problems because of the weight loss surgery. Nutritional deficiencies, especially with viatamin... see more

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How do I get my Mom to move out when she gets part SSI?


You could ask about family mediation. Some family service non-profits have mediators who help people through these situations. Were was she... see more

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