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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How far should a caregiver go in supporting the wants and needs of a beloved spouse or parent – or even their child – when the requested support may hasten death?
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Family caregivers often find that their social circles shrink over time, but these friends who become scarce are not necessarily “bad people.” More than likely, they simply don't know how to help a caregiver.
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As caregivers, how much do we owe our aging mothers? Learning to appreciate those who mothered us during our formative years and finding forgiveness in our hearts for those who faltered in these duties can help us come to terms with these relationships.
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Even when family caregivers have access to help, many still come up with excuses to turn it down. Learning to accept support and assistance will ensure you can have a life apart from the needs of your care receiver.
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There are personal, professional, ethical and legal aspects to consider when deciding whether to use so-called “granny cams” to monitor the care seniors receive in their own homes and in long-term care facilities.
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Just as many caregivers agonize over what to do about an older adult’s unsafe driving, more families are facing another serious dilemma: taking guns from elderly parents. An experienced caregiver weighs in on concerns about senior gun owners.
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Companies are creating robots that can complete household and caregiver tasks, provide comfort in the shape of a cat, as well as call 9-1-1 in an emergency. But where do we draw the line?
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I recently toured a veteran's home in a midsize Minnesota town. The facility was beautifully designed and superbly run. The only thing that struck me as unusual was that I didn't notice any women.
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What would you like to accomplish with your care recipient before your journey together ends? A veteran caregiver shares her suggestions for creating and executing a bucket list with an aging or ill loved one.
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This Grandparents Day, we honor older generations, acknowledge the contributions they have made over the years, and celebrate how much they still have to offer their families and communities.
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The Alzheimer's Buddy Program allows patients and medical students to bond with and educate each other.
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Animals make wonderful companions for aging individuals. Use these pointers to ensure a senior is up for pet ownership in order to match them with the perfect new furry friend.
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Sharing a kitchen with another cook can be trying for some people. Sharing a kitchen with a person who has dementia can be more than trying; it can be unsafe.
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Healthy aging expert, Dr. Bruce Daggy shares his thoughts on using diet and exercise to delay the negative effects of aging.
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There are legitimate uses for narcotic pain relievers, but these drugs can easily, unintentionally be abused. To keep your loved one safe, it's important to be aware of the dangers of narcotic painkillers.
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As caregivers, how do we beat feelings of holiday blues so that we can get through the next few weeks with our sanity in tact?
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Research makes a strong connection between poor oral health and impaired health overall. Oral care tends to fall by the wayside for seniors, but it should remain a top priority for everyone.
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Becoming the primary caregiver for a spouse in chronic pain goes beyond what might be easily imaginable. Asking for help, staying social, and using humor are just a few of the many valuable suggestions for this difficult task.
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Many caregivers tend to lose sight of their value during long, difficult stints of providing care for those they love. Learn how to break out of this damaging mindset and assert your worth with these dos and don’ts.
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Visual impairment can greatly affect one’s day-to-day function, physical health and mental wellbeing. Fortunately, there are many products and techniques that can help blind seniors and those with low vision lead safe, active lives.