Carolyn Rosenblatt
RN, B.S.N., attorney
Carolyn Rosenblatt has 40 years of combined experience in nursing and law. She is the author of "The Boomer's Guide to Aging Parents,” which offers practical solutions to legal and health care issues that adult children of aging parents face. She writes about healthy aging, family conflict and mediation of disputes related to aging.
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Question
Mom with dementia doesn't understand why she has to pay bills. Any advice?
Families of loved ones with dementia sometimes feel compelled to give explanations or justifications. None of these are going to work... Families of loved ones with dementia sometimes feel compelled to give explanations or justifications. None of these are going to work because the part of the brain that processes logic and reasoning is destroyed by dementia. It sort of kind of seems to work partly but don't count on it. You can change the subject, make something up, put it off, and give a soothing non-answer (hugs are great, and the responses about "your mind is just tired" are also great). I tell all my clients who have an aging loved one with dementia this: you are hereby excused from telling the actual truth. Truth is for those who can process it. Your loved one can't. Skip "true" explanations altogether. Do whatever you can and say whatever you want to help mom or dad stay calm. Give yourself permission and never try to reason with someone whose reasoning ability has been demolished by brain disease. Carolyn Rosenblatt, RN, Attorney see more
Question
Can I legally file for guardianship of my elderly parent with Alzheimer's without hiring an attorney?
You ask if you can file for guardianship without an attorney. It is possible to represent yourself in court, but I don't recommend it.... You ask if you can file for guardianship without an attorney. It is possible to represent yourself in court, but I don't recommend it. The laws of guardianship can be quite complex. It can be costly and embarrassing to try to handle a legal matter with which you have no experience or skill all by yourself. It is far better to get legal advice. One can't replace legal education and experience when it comes to protecting the rights of a vulnerable elder. If you haven't retained an attorney because you believe you can't afford one, seek low cost legal services through your local bar association, through Legal Aid, or through community-based legal services for elders. Search the resources available in your area. If you don't know where to begin, try your Area Agency on Aging and ask for legal resources for low income persons. Please do all you can to get an attorney to advise you. see more
Anyone have advice on choosing a Home Health Care Service/Agency specifically in the Central NJ area or in gen...