tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-517088 2009-07-12T04:24:01-05:00 **** Support For ++++ Caregivers ++++ The Sandwich Generation ++++ Boomers ++++ By Carol Bradley Bursack **** Caregiving Expert **** Author Speaker Columnist TypePad tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c7d1753ef011571038d8d970c 2009-07-12T04:24:01-05:00 2009-07-12T04:24:01-05:00

Dear Carol: My dad had prostate surgery and as a result he is sometimes incontinent. The doctor says this may improve, but meanwhile he’s humiliated by the accidents. He’s very proud,

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/07/sensitive-issue-frustrates-caregiver.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c7d1753ef011570f18cf1970c 2009-07-11T01:01:00-05:00 2009-07-11T01:01:00-05:00

Over thirty years ago, when I was pregnant with my first son, there were dire warnings for pregnant women to avoid caffeine. Coffee was particularly a "no no." I was told my children could be born with multiple sets of fingers if I indulged in caffeinated beverages, particularly coffee.

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/07/study-shows-caffeine-reverses-alzheimers-in-rats.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c7d1753ef011570debef1970c 2009-07-09T01:01:00-05:00 2009-07-09T01:01:00-05:00

For some families, siblings who never got along as kids and have had little to do with each other as adults being thrown together to make touchy decisions is disastrous. For most families, the journey through the mine of elder care decisions falls somewhere between the two extremes.

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/07/elder-parent-care-can-bring-out-the-worst-in-siblings.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c7d1753ef011571af0cc3970b 2009-07-07T01:01:00-05:00 2009-07-07T01:01:00-05:00

For most of us, caregiving sneaks up gradually. We start helping our elders a little here and a little there. However, as illness and frailness of age drain vitality from our elders they need more care. This is when the adult child often has to make some touchy decisions.

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/07/decision-points-when-do-you-call-in-professional-caregiving-help-and-what-kind-do-you-get.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c7d1753ef011570caac06970c 2009-07-05T05:47:38-05:00 2009-07-05T05:47:38-05:00

Dear Carol: My husband is in his 40s and his father had Alzheimer’s. Now my husband is obsessed with the fact that he may get it, too. He took a test online, and he says it looks like he may have a problem. How can I help him?

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/07/dont-get-stressed-over-memory-test.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c7d1753ef011570b07534970c 2009-07-03T01:01:00-05:00 2009-07-03T13:58:02-05:00

I find this information interesting enough to pass along. Direct deposit seems much safer than paper checks, and people don't have to wait for the mail or worry about a holiday slowing things down.

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/07/department-of-treasury-survey-says-direct-deposit-the-way-to-go.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-68456397 2009-07-01T01:01:00-05:00 2009-07-01T01:01:00-05:00

I'll never forget Hazel. She lived at Rosewood when my uncle was there, and was still there when my dad, mom and mother-in-law, one at a time, became residents. Hazel would often sleep during the day, but at night she would walk. And walk. And walk.

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/07/night-care-one-more-care-option-to-consider.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-68451127 2009-06-29T01:01:00-05:00 2009-06-29T01:01:00-05:00

Written by Zina Karmer, and illlustrated by Dave Messings, this charming book tells the story of a little girl and her relationship with her grandmother. Grandma was once a wonderful playmate and delightful to be around. Then things change, and eventually grandma doesn't even recognize her little granddaughter.

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/06/hugging-grandma-helps-grandchildren-handle-dementia.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c7d1753ef01157084d766970c 2009-06-28T05:26:14-05:00 2009-06-28T05:26:14-05:00

Dear Ted: Caregiving has a way of sneaking up on people. Often, it starts out with an emergency like your dad’s stroke or your mom’s heart attack. But, since aging folks generally have at least

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/06/dont-allow-caregiving-to-take-over-your-life.html tag:typepad.com,2003:post-68404785 2009-06-26T01:01:00-05:00 2009-06-26T01:01:00-05:00

For decades, the mini-mental state examination has been the gold standard of "quick exams" given by mental health professionls. This test is one that is generally part of an examination given when diagnosing dementia. While the test alone isn't conclusive

Carol Bradley Bursack http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/2009/06/test-your-memory-self-test-but-should-be-professionally-evaluated.html