Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF
Author, speaker, columnist and eldercare consultant
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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Many long-term care facilities provide regular programs and events, but family members can supplement these offerings with personalized activities that focus on sharing time together. A picnic is a fun, adaptable get-together that everyone will enjoy.
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Why do so many people still underestimate the value of family caregivers?
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Family members are often forced to decide between giving in to what a senior wants (or demands) and doing what is best for them. A veteran caregiver offers her tips for recognizing the difference between helping and enabling a loved one.
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Each caregiver's journey is unique, but most dementia caregivers come to realize there are a handful of principles that guide us while we are caring for our loved ones with cognitive impairment.
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Caregiving is a stressful job even during the best of times. Don't be too hard on yourself if you blow up from time to time but do look for reasons why you are feeling angry or frustrated and learn how to offer a sincere apology.
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Caregiver burnout doesn't happen all at once—it often sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Learn how to recognize the signs of increasing stress, understand your own limits and maintain honest self-awareness throughout the caregiving journey.
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It can be hard to avoid passing judgement on other people whose elder care situations we don't fully understand. Keep these important points in mind before criticizing a fellow caregiver's decisions.
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There’s no getting around it: being a long-term family caregiver is bound to impact how you think and who you are as a person. Discover how to recognize and embrace some of the personality changes caused by caregiving.
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When a spouse becomes a family caregiver for an aging or ill loved one, it can affect the marital relationship. As you brave this adjustment together, use these tips to show your husband or wife what you’re made of and how much your marriage means to you.
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Being a caregiver for an ill loved one is extremely challenging, and many people are torn about accepting this role. Even those who want to help may not have the resources, abilities or desire to provide hands-on care.
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You deserve a break, but how can you avoid spending your respite time worrying about what’s happening at home? Ample planning will ensure your loved one’s needs are met and minimize your anxiety, allowing you to fully disconnect.
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After years of caregiving, it may seem as though stress is the new normal, but there are positive personal changes that arise from taking care of a loved one.
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A popular belief is that professional caregivers aren't as emotionally invested in the well-being of their elderly clients and therefore the care they provide is substandard compared to that of family caregivers. But how true is this assumption?
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Caregivers often face challenging decisions regarding their loved ones’ care. Here are some strategies for maintaining your sanity, even when making the most difficult choices.
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When faced with the challenges of caregiving, sometimes it's necessary to reflect on a positive thought or two that encourages us to keep on doing what we do.
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Elder care is a continual learning process, but a few simple organization techniques can help you minimize caregiver stress and use your time and energy more efficiently.
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Aging adults often develop a preference for sweeter foods, making it challenging for them to get proper nutrition. Use these tips and ideas for delicious desserts that also meet seniors’ dietary needs.
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For dementia patients, “home” is more than just a place where they had once lived. It’s a sense of love and safety that stems from their surroundings.
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Seniors with dementia often live in an altered reality that can sometimes be upsetting. Validating their perceptions and feelings is the kindest, most respectful way to handle confusion, hallucinations and delusions.
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There have been countless advancements in the use of elder care technology to extend seniors’ independence and help ease the burden on family caregivers. A veteran caregiver shares her thoughts on technology’s growing role in caregiving.