Caregiving Questions

1. Can you advise me about how to talk to my grandmother's doctor?

   It's important for you to talk directly to your grandmother's physician and explain your concerns about the effectiveness of her current medication. It sounds as if you're hesitant to interfere with your grandmother's medical treatment, but you'll likely discover that the physician welcomes your feedback...
   1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

2. Does anyone know any group that offers support in the Ft. Worth, TX area for caregivers?

   A really great source for finding services related to caring for the elderly is your local Area Agency on Aging, a government referral program. Click on the link to find out how to contact the agency closest to you. Someone there should be able to help you find support groups. Good luck -- this is an important step to take...
   1 Expert Answer

3. How can I get my mother to clean up after her pets?

   If the litter box is not an issue for your mother, then chances are she is not going to change her behavior. I recommend that you look into some specialized odor control cat litter to help reduce the odors. Some cat litter is flushable, so if the box is located in the bathroom with a scoop and a reminder...
   1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

4. Is it typical to be afraid to be alone?

   Alzheimer's is almost synonymous with "afraid to be alone". Families describe your mother's following you to the bathroom as "shadowing". In essence, you are the person who makes sense of her world, and if she can't see or touch you, she is scared. She becomes your shadow.
   1 Expert Answer

5. Is a 24/7 oxygen considered critical care?

   There is much discussion going on about proper reimbursement for oxygen therapy. Some say that the lobbyist who lobby congress for insurance are not informed enough about the real needs of patients.
   1 Expert Answer

6. My father is getting overwhelmed with mother's care -- what should we do?

   What 'stage' of the disease your mother is in is not the issue; your question is, How long will this go on? How long will she live? Researchers believe that the average length of the course is about 18 years, but that varies wildly from one individual to another...
   1 Expert Answer

7. What is a good book to read if I want to learn more about Alzheimer's disease?

   There are many wonderful resource / support books out there right now. I would check with the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in a town near you - they can offer suggestions on particular topics such as the doctor's perspective on the disease. One of the very best resources is right here at caring...
   1 Expert Answer

8. How can I help my husband recover from a serious arm surgery?

   First, I just want to tell you my thoughts are with you and your husband, because I can imagine this was a scary situation for both of you!
   1 Expert Answer

9. What kinds of caregiving expenses can I deduct from my taxes?

   You can deduct expenses that were paid by you directly to a medical service provider for your mother’s care. Based on the expenses you listed, the medications and sitters (assuming they were assisting your mother) are deductible. In order to claim these deductions, your mother must satisfy the follolowing criteria: 1...
   1 Expert Answer

10. My wifes dad has no patients at all

    This does indeed sound like a frustrating situation, but there may be some simple solutions that will help to improve things.
    1 Expert Answer

11. What do I say to my dying father, from whom I'm estranged?

    You have a long and strained history to overcome when you make this hard call. But you will never be sorry that you did it -- and would surely regret the opportunity you could miss to get what the shrinks sometimes too glibly call "closure." Make the call to your father about him, not about you...
    1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

12. Can my husband and I be reappointed as caregivers?

    In most areas, the resource you mentioned -- Community Options Program Entry System, or COPES, is the single best source of help and information for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Since you have already been part of that program and functioned well within it for a time, it may be worth...
    1 Expert Answer

13. How do we deal with my brother who has taken over our mother's life and finances, convincing her we don't care anymore?

    Sadly, you may be right. But first, it may be worthwhile for the two brothers who feel they’re being shut out to pay a joint visit to mom, not to attempt to convince her that their brother is a meddlesome troublemaker, but to show her they are genuinely concerned and care about her future. Reinforcicing this with the brother may also make him less aggressive...
    1 Expert Answer

14. My husband had a stroke 2 months ago; he only has a few words...

    It appears that you are describing a condition called post-stroke aphasia. In general, this means that a person has language problems caused by damage to the brain. Aphasia may cause trouble speaking, understanding, writing, or reading. There are different types of aphasia as well but let’s stick toto the basics for this answer...
    1 Expert Answer

15. My mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, what should my next steps be?

    I strongly suggest that you get a Neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer's (AD) and the related diseases. Many communities are near a major hospital with a Memory Impairment Unit (or similar title) where it is a good idea to establish a relationship with a physician. Often they are involved in research projects including new AD-specific medications...
    1 Expert Answer

16. How do I get my father to realize he needs help caring for my mother?

    From my professional perspective, I believe that what older adults want most of all is for their lives to continue as they have lived them. Using that as a frame of reference, what you father is saying is that he does not WANT to need help with your mother...
    1 Expert Answer

17. How do we get our aunt and uncle to seek the proper care they need?

    It is difficult when someone you love appears to be making poor decisions. This is the time for you to step back and re-evaluate your place in their lives.
    1 Expert Answer

18. Would a person with Alzheimer's Disease ever hurt their own pet?

    I think your worries are warranted. It sounds as though your client is no longer able to care for her dog. On behalf of the dog, my concerns are twofold: your client may no longer be aware of its needs, i.e. when it needs to go out or what, when and how much to feed it...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

19. How do I help my 47 year old daughter with Alzheimer's who is constantly crying?

    Dear Anonymous:
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

20. FAQ: What Are My Options if I Can't Always Be at the Side of My Loved One With Dementia in the Hospital?

    It's difficult for most caregivers to be continuously at the hospital bedside of someone with dementia, but since having someone close at hand can minimize confusion and improve communication, here are some options:
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer