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 do you deal with the stigma attached to dementia? When a loved one with dementia "acts out" in public, it can draw a great deal of unwanted attention. Dementia caregivers need to make care the priority and try not worry about what others think.
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You know that Mom and Dad could benefit from the social interaction, safety measures, and hands-on help that assisted living provides, but how do you get stubborn aging parents to move to an assisted living community?
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When one sibling does all the caregiving for aging parents, it often breeds tension and resentment. Take an objective look at your siblings’ reasons for staying at arm’s length and learn how you can get everyone on the same page.
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Whether you're providing hands-on care or managing care decisions, setting boundaries with difficult elderly parents enables family caregivers to provide care while safeguarding their own mental health.
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It’s hard to find the time and energy to date while being a caregiver. If your goal is to live a more balanced life, dating can be a step in that direction. Ensure your parents are well cared for and then enjoy spending time pursuing a new relationship.
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Use this guide to recognize and prevent Alzheimer’s caregiver burnout, learn about alternative dementia care options, and minimize caregiver stress levels.
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Negative thoughts are a normal reaction to stressful situations. Instead of feeling guilty, caregivers must acknowledge these difficult feelings and seek out solutions to achieve a better care experience for themselves and their loved ones.
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Being a family caregiver isn’t always easy, but a new year presents the opportunity for a new beginning. Consider these realistic resolutions for a fresh start in 2022.
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Caring for aging family members throws many challenges our way. Explore strategies for helping an aging loved one with toileting, bathing, dining out, and navigating public outings as they become part of your regular care routine.
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Watching an aging parent or spouse progress through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease can be a heartbreaking experience. The loss of cognitive abilities becomes especially painful when mom or dad no longer recognizes their own family.
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Memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but neurological damage can also cause patients to make up hurtful stories and level false accusations toward their caregivers.
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Caregivers must carefully manage their time in order to care for their loved ones and themselves. A veteran caregiver offers her tips for prioritizing tasks, keeping expectations realistic and rolling with the punches.
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Whether you believe mom was right or wrong as you were growing up, reflecting on childhood memories can be therapeutic as you face the fact that she is getting older.
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Differing opinions exist as to whether people are aware of people and their surroundings during the last stages of Alzheimer's disease. As abilities and communication decline, loved ones are left to wonder if their care efforts are worthwhile.
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Can’t get Mom to wear adult diapers? Addressing incontinence issues requires patience, understanding and a commitment to upholding a senior’s dignity. A caregiving expert shares her best tips for handling this delicate topic.
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One sign of the aging brain is repeating stories and questions more often. While there is no quick fix, a change in attitude and some proven strategies can help you keep your cool and preserve your loved one’s dignity.
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Helping an aging loved one look and feel their best can be an unexpected challenge. Use these tips from a caregiver to make washing and styling hair easier for both of you.
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Can caregivers get pay from Medicare? Need help navigating the Medicare maze? A new website by Medicare.gov helps caregivers find the information they need to help them care for their elderly loved one.
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Caregivers often turn to food as a source of comfort in times of stress. Use these steps to create a less stressful caregiving experience and stop emotional eating.
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Whether caregiving has slowly crept into your daily life or you’re suddenly facing difficult decisions following a serious health scare, use these pointers as a guide for caring for an elderly parent.