Questions About Caregiver Support

1. How do I become a caregiver?

   Question - Most people become caregivers not out of choice but necessity. Becoming a caregiver is not like becoming a nurse; one chooses to become a nurse, and goes to school to learn how. Caregivers, on the other hand, are usually thrust into the role when a loved one is unable to care for himself.
   1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

2. When a good in-home caregiver loses enthusiasm, how can I get her back on board?

   Question - You're doing the right thing by asking your parent's in-home caregiver how she feels. Being honest and direct is the best way to encourage a caregiver to be the same way with you.
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

3. How should I talk to my friend's about my father's Alzheimer's with out being a downer?

   Question - You are so right there is "no happy ending to Alzheimer's". Talking to others about Alzheimer's may even push some of the negative things to the surface. It seems that we, the carepartners, have only two choices when it comes to responding to friends who ask about how our loved ones 'are doing'.
   1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

4. Can my sister write off her caregiving purchases?

   Question - My mother is 84 and in a nursing home. My mother has medicare, medicaid, federal blue cross, blue shield. My sister is paying $500.00 a month for a private room for mom. Mother has many health problems. My sister also pays $80.00 a month to have mother's hair done. Mother also gets a perm every 3 months which is $60...

5. What is an appropriate gift amount to give to a caregiver?

   Question - Gifts for caregivers can be a sensitive subject. Sometimes elders try to get caregivers to work for very low pay with the promise that they will be remembered in the will.
   1 Expert Answer

6. What are my legal responsibilities when caring for a parent who lives with me?

   Question - You could use the web site elderlawanswers.com to ask any legal questions about caring for your parent at home.
   1 Expert Answer

7. How do I make sure Dad gets the breaks he needs while taking care of Mom who has Alzheimer's?

   Question - Gosh it must be so difficult for you to watch your mom progress with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to be concerned about your dad at the same time. It's difficult enough to have an AD parent in your life without the added worry about the caregiver parent. You are not alone. This is one of the most frequently asked questions...
   1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

8. What paperwork is needed for a live-in caregiver?

   Question - There really is no one site source for rules governing an in-home caregiver because, according to Bob King, Esq., a recent presenter at the Private Duty Homecare Association Conference, “it's literally impossible to answer unless you know what state the person is fr...
   1 Expert Answer

9. How do I handle my mother with Alzheimer's when she forgets who I am?

   Question - Hi crystalslaye­r,
   1 Community Answer

10. Mom won't put Dad in a nursing home, but we think she should.

    Question - Your mother’s approach to caring for your dad is steeped in tradition and experience. She can recall having heard or visited nursing homes many years ago when they were often terrible places that warehoused very old and very ill people. She also comes from a time when the marriage vows, including,g...
    1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

11. How should I handle my mother in law trying to take over the caregiving of my husband?

    Question - Having a husband who is ill and may have leukemia must be very tough. My heart goes out to you. The feelings you are having are complex enough and in addition you are dealing with equally complex feelings by your husband and by his mother. This can be a difficult time...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

12. Am I being selfish and self centered by wanting to keep mom with me as long as possible?

    Question - Keeping a loved one at home is often beneficial to both the patient and the caregiver. However, there are several questions you may want to ask yourself to be sure this is the best arrangement for your particular situation. 1. Will you be able to care for your mom as the disease progresses into the final stage...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

13. Where can I get assistance for counseling for myself with out Medi-Cal?

    Question - I'm glad to hear it- you needed the move & your mother is getting the care she needs w/out it all being on you. ;-D
    3 Community Answers

14. Will my mother with Alzheimer's be alright if I hire a caregiver and put her in daycare?

    Question - If you've not gotten some direction since 10/16/11 I suggest the following: 1. Contact the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org - it can provide you with a host of information on adult day care facilities for your mom during the day while you're at work. It also provides caregiver support groups while you're going through this...
    1 Community Answer

15. Is it legal for me to be a caregiver for my elderly neighbor?

    Question - It sounds to me that you are qualified however, where is the family in this picture? If they are around I would have everythig done legally right down to "Caregiver" papers. If they have no family and are mentally and physically sound have them see their own Solicitor to have papers' drawn up stating...
    1 Community Answer

16. The hospital won't update me on my aunt's condition even though I'm her primary caregiver, what can I do?

    Question - The hospital policy of requiring medical reports to one caregiver must feel mean-spirited and wrong to you—but for better or worse, it is not uncommon. Most hospitals have a similar rule: specifying that one person, usually a family member, should be designated to receive medical information about a a patient if there is no medical power of attorney in place...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

17. What books would you reccomend for new family caregivers?

    Question - I care for my 90 year old father. He has congestive heart failure and stage 3 kidney failure. He resently has become very weak and needs help for nearly everything. Does anyone know of any books that could help me learn how to help him from bathing to simply moving him to the wheel chair or into the car...

18. FAQ: Can Delirium Symptoms Be Treated With Medications?

    Question - Yes, delirium symptoms can sometimes (but not always) be treated with medications. For such symptoms of delirium as extra confusion, agitation, or aggression, low doses of antipsychotics may be prescribed. These drugs, such as haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal), and quetiapine (Seroquel),...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

19. Do you think your parents planned you to be their caregiver?

    Question - Hello Anonymous, Thank you for posting your thoughts and caregiving challenges. Consider visiting a few of our other resources, which may be helpful to you in your quest for support:
    6 Community Answers

20. What job would give me a wide range of experience as a professional caregiver?

    Question - I passed my MI State Certification Test last week and have no official previous experience- what is your advice for first job in new field to obtain a wide range of experience. Thank you and have a great day!

21. We don't want to pay our caregiver while our parents are on vacation, but we don't want to lose her as a caregiver either; what should we do?

    Question - My elderly parents are taking a two week trip to visit my sister. About 6 months ago, we finally found a good caregiver through an agency for my parents. The agency cannot guarantee that they will be able to find our caregiver temporary work while my parents are away. She is the sole bread winner for her family and has two little children...

22. How do I help Mom handle her hallucinations, and stop feeling guilty about getting upset with her?

    Question - Your mother’s behavior and imaginings are pretty typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s and most related dementias, aggravated in people who have little stimulation in the way of purposeful activities and social interaction. Loneliness often leads to depression as well as illness. Your mother needs stimulamulation...
    1 Expert Answer

23. Can I be reimbursed for travel expenses as a caregiver?

    Question - My elderly step mother has moderate Alzheimer's. She is an only child with no children. I am the only "relative" to help her. The problem is that I live out of state. I recently moved her out of her home and into an independent living situation (meals are provided and I pay someone to help with meds, etc)...

24. As an in-home caregiver, do I get breaks and lunch breaks?

    Question - Caregiving is a service where a break is so much needed. We shouldn't have to ask, but we often do. What are our rights as employees? Do we get paid caregiver breaks to eat lunch or drink a cup of tea? Fortunately, Arizona now has help. Please call the Arizona Worker Rights Center 602-254-5452...
    1 Expert Answer

25. Should I have conversations about Mom's Alzheimer's disease in front of her?

    Question - Your concern about your mom's fragile emotional state is heartwarming. You are certainly on target concerning her emotions being intact - indeed they are! Having a dialog with your dad about developing strategies to deal with your mom's changing behaviors should not happen in front of her or any...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

26. Should I quit my job and move so I can take care of my mother?

    Question - My mother is 82 years old. We recently learned that she is in Atrial Fibrillation and has a blood clot in her heart. She has started all the necessary medications but suddenly she is very short winded and has very little strength. (Her doctor said she has congestive heart failure now...

27. How can I become a caregiver for my father-in-law?

    Question - Please provide direction on how to determine if I can qualify in the state of Texas for caring for my elderly father-in-law. He lives with my husband and I and is on SSI but not Medicaid. Thank you for your response

28. How and where do you submit paperwork to qualify as a caregiver?

    Question - How and where do you submit paperwork to potentially qualify as a caregiver ... for my special needs sister?

29. If I have a personal care aid certificate in New York, do I need another one for Virginia?

    Question - I got my personal care aid certificate in New York, but I moved to Virgina and I lost my certificate. Do I have to take again the classes for the certificate in Virgina state.

30. Does everyone have a difficult time transitioning to nursing home, or did I just make a bad choice?

    Question - It's very difficult to answer this question without knowing the reason he was sent to a skilled nursing. If he has dementia then this behavior is not necessarily unusual. You just need to keep up on what's going on until things calm down.
    1 Expert Answer

31. Is it wrong to not want to take care of your loved one with Alzheimer's?

    Question - Although there may be family members in our not-so-perfect world who become caregivers in name only and may be doing so for purely selfish reasons, most are well-meaning people wanting to do the care because of a long term relationship and family history that may have been rocky at times...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

32. How can I get paid for caregiving?

    Question - You have a few options if you want to be paid as your mother's official caregiver, but unfortunately none of them will offer you much money or a realistic alternative to your current full-time job.
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

33. Can I Get Paid to Be a Family Caregiver?

    Question - It's possible to get regular payments for providing care for a housebound family member, depending on the family member's income and assets, need for care, and the state he or she lives in. Public assistance programs in many states can provide payment directly to a low-income person who is determined to need in-home care...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 13 Community Answers

34. As a caregiver is there any kind of aid or tax breaks I can...

    Question - If you are caring for a parent or other family member, ask your tax advisor whether you can claim them as a dependent on your taxes. There are some hurdles to qualify for this deduction -- you have to be able to show that you pay at least half of your parent's yearly expenses -- but if you and your parent...
    1 Expert Answer

35. What is the first thing that a caregiver should do when they start working with a client for the first time?

    Question - This is a wonderful question, showing your sensitivity to your client, and interest in getting off to a good start. I'll assume you're discussing your job duties with your client's wife. Make sure you also know your client's likes, dislikes, habits, fears, etc...
    1 Expert Answer

36. I'm starting to feel abused by being a caregiver. What can I do about it?

    Question - It certainly sounds like you need to shake things up with this friend, in terms of expectations and I can understand how tricky this may be. I think it's time for some tough love. You need to tell your friend straight out that you can't be her primary caregiver, you have all kinds of other things going on in your life...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

37. How do I become a paid caregiver for my own family?

    Question - Whether you can get paid to be her caregiver depends on what program, either Medicaid or other state program, is available in the state where you live. Cash and Counseling or similar programs in many states can provide regular payment to family caregivers even if the person being cared for would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid...
    1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

38. My dad with Alzheimer's is becoming increasingly aggressive and agitated, what can I do to protect my mom?

    Question - Your father is at a particularly difficult stage of the disease. He’s aware of his mental shortcomings but also knows that he’s unable to do anything about it. His frustration and subsequent aggression are totally understandable. He’s striking out at your mother probably because she’s the easiest tasiest target...
    1 Expert Answer

39. How can you help convince a caregiver to stop focusing exclusively on caregiving?

    Question - It's not uncommon for caregivers to become totally absorbed in their caregiving duties to the exclusion of everything else. Over time, most caregivers learn to pace themselves and pick up the previous threads of their lives. If they don't, they risk losing relationships, friends, jobs -- and their own health...
    1 Expert Answer

40. How do I become a Medicaid paid caregiver?

    Question - The state can only pay you if it's paying benefits to the woman you're caretaker for. If the woman you take care of gets Medicaid benefits and qualifies for home care, you might be able to receive payments from Medicaid. But you can receive such payments only if you're a certified home care provider...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

41. Where is the best place to start to become a caregiver?

    Question - I'm glad to hear that you had a relationship with your grandmother. So many caregivers have that soft spot for a grandparent. That inspiration might be more important than the offical steps to becoming a professional helper.
    1 Expert Answer

42. At what stage of dementia should I place my wife in a home?

    Question - You are right. Putting your wife in a care home likely will be the hardest thing you will ever do. Unfortunately, there is no easy, right or wrong, answer. My short answer is to follow your gut and allow your self to be with your wife as a husband, not as a caregiver. Unfortunately, this may be at the cost of not living in the same house...
    1 Expert Answer

43. How can we calm an abusive dementia patient?

    Question - There are really many techniques for calming an abusive dementia patient. To calm an agitated person with dementia, most techniques revolve around the caregivers being trained on a) the disease itself, b)how to approach the person prior to speaking or interacting, and c) how to react when there is some belligerence...
    1 Expert Answer, 7 Community Answers

44. What words of support can I offer a friend who's a family caregiver?

    Question - It’s been my experience that caregivers welcome distractions, especially the funny kind, as much as they welcome counsel when the emotional roller coaster ride becomes overwhelming. I happen to think that those who can provide both kinds of support make the best kind of friends. That said, don’t f™t feel pressure to choose one approach with your e-mails...
    1 Expert Answer, 16 Community Answers

45. Are there financial benefits available to a primary caregiver?

    Question - There are two ways you might receive some financial benefits for being a caregiver. In some states, you might be able to get paid as a home care aide if the state Medicaid program is paying home care benefits to the person you're caregiver for. But for you to get such payments, you'd have to be certified by the state as a home care provider...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

46. Is there a program where I get paid to be my mom's caregiver?

    Question - If your mother is on Medicaid or Medicaid eligible, there may be a program where you (or another family member) can get paid to be her home caregiver. These programs vary, state by state. Check out this Caring.com article with more information. You'll need to contact the Medicaid office serving your mom...
    1 Expert Answer

47. Does Medicare compensate a full time family caregiver?

    Question - Medicare does not provide any payment for a family caregiver. However, if the family member you're caring for has low income and few assets (other than a home), he or she might qualify for a state-run program where you live, which can provide some payment directly for care in the home...
    1 Expert Answer

48. Can I get paid to be a caregiver for my wife?

    Question - It's possible, depending on the total amount of your wife's disability benefit plus your retirement income, and on the amount of your assets other than the value of your home. If your joint income and assets are low enough, your wife might qualify for a state-run program where you live, which can provide...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

49. Does Medicare pay for CNA or a caregiver for a day?

    Question - It seems that you're asking two different questions.The first is whether a Medicare HMO will cover home health care for a day. Any Medicare Part C managed care plan (HMO or PPO) will cover home care, provided through a participating home health care agency, if it is prescribed by a doctor...
    1 Expert Answer

50. Does Medicare compensate a full time family caregiver?

    Question - Medicare does not pay anything to a family caregiver. However, if your father has a low income and few assets, he might qualify for Medicaid . If so, a program run by Medicaid in your state might be able to pay your father directly to pay for his home care, which he could then use to pay you...
    1 Expert Answer, 6 Community Answers

51. How can I handle a situation where my father's caregiver is taking advantage of him?

    Question - Oh dear, lots of red flags here. I especially don't like the part about the caregiver borrowing money. At the same time, as you point out, there's not much you can do, at least legally. And it sounds like she hasn't overtly done anything illegal. Is she repaying the money she's borrowing?
    1 Expert Answer

52. If I'm the primary caregiver for my parent with cancer, should I join a caregivers' support group?

    Question - To add to Phyddy's response, you'd be surprised what benefit you can get in attending the support groups in that many have creative, successful solutions to problems that you have; additionally, they may prepare you for challenges that may be forthcoming.
    2 Expert Answers, 1 Community Answer

53. Should an 18 year old be expected to become a full time caregiver?

    Question - Hi:
    1 Expert Answer, 12 Community Answers