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.

Articles

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Starting hospice care can be a difficult decision, but the benefits for terminally ill patients and their family members are undeniable. A caregiver shares how hospice provided compassionate end-of-life care and pain management for both her parents.

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Expecting a picture-perfect holiday often leaves us feeling disappointed and guilty. Here's how caregivers can move past the fantasy and focus on creating a more enjoyable holiday season for the whole family.

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“Parenting your parent” has become a popular phrase for describing the unique challenges family caregivers experience. The concept seems accurate at first but subscribing to it can affect your ability to infuse respect into the care you provide.

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Grief doesn't just strike once a person dies. In fact, the grieving process can begin when a loved one is first diagnosed with a chronic condition or terminal illness. Learn how to recognize and cope with anticipatory grief.

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The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The national Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very useful staging system to use as a frame of reference when coping with AD.

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Dementia caregivers must frequently choose between correcting their loved ones or validating their distorted perceptions of reality. A family caregiver shares the unique approach she used to interact with her elderly father.

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When I first heard the term “Sandwich Generation,” it didn’t occur to me that I was a member of this commendable group. I survived caring for multiple seniors, raising my children and working all at once.

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Family caregivers often feel guilty about aspects of their role, whether it’s how they cope with dementia behaviors or the desire to prioritize self-care. An elder care expert offers her tips for dealing with caregiver guilt.

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For those who endured abusive and neglectful childhoods, caring for elderly parents can reopen old wounds and cause new trauma. Choosing whether to participate in a parent's care is tough, but you do have options.

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The benefits of adult day care services are twofold. Your aging parent can enjoy social opportunities, activities and added safety, while you are free to work, run errands, attend appointments or savor some respite time.

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If a senior’s abilities have waned, it can be challenging to find ways to adapt or replace the pastimes they once loved. In some cases, there is no encouraging or convincing an elderly loved one to remain active.

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The growing trend of seniors moving closer to family seems like a viable solution to the challenges of long-distance caregiving, but there are drawbacks involved. How do you know if you are making the right decision?

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Is it OK for elderly people in nursing homes to have sex? What happens when your elderly mom or dad falls in love with another senior at the nursing home or assisted living facility? When there's promiscuity in the nursing home, where do staff step in?

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When dealing with the delusions and paranoia that often accompany Alzheimer's disease, caregivers commonly face accusations of theft. An experienced caregiver offers advice on how to deal with a dementia patient who believes others are stealing.

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Exercising the right to vote is an inherently American activity. Many individuals with cognitive impairment are enthusiastic about contributing to the democratic process, but are they mentally capable of casting ballots?

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Sometimes family members come to holiday get-togethers bearing more than just gifts. Learn how to keep the peace and avoid family drama with siblings this year.

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Whether you are brand new to caregiving or you’ve been in the trenches for months, it’s never too late to reevaluate your priorities, set some boundaries to achieve a better balance in your life and repair relationships with the people you care about

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When a sibling begins emphasizing cost reduction and the provision of unpaid care, it usually means they aren’t interested in what’s best for their parents or even what’s fair to the primary caregiver. Instead, they’re more concerned about financial gain.

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Family caregivers face countless barriers to getting the support and guidance they need and deserve. Online support groups are accessible 24/7 for those seeking advice and encouragement.

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Regardless of who moves in with whom, living with aging parents is a serious decision that affects family relationships, careers, finances, and the physical and mental health of all members in the household.

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