CHECKLIST
Your first week as a caregiver
If you've just been thrust into caring for a parent, breathe. You don't have to solve everything this week. Here's a calm order of operations.
Stabilize
- Make sure your parent is safe and not in immediate medical need If they are, call your local emergency number first.
- Find and note their current medications (photograph the bottles)
- Locate a list of their doctors and pharmacies
Get oriented
- Ask one trusted person to be your second set of hands this week
- Start a single notebook or note on your phone for everything
- Take our Care Needs Check to see where help is needed It's a conversation guide, not a diagnosis.
Reach out
- Call the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) for local services A free public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
- Tell your parent's doctor what's changed and ask what they recommend
- Give yourself permission to rest — this is a marathon, not a sprint
This checklist is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your parent's doctor about their specific situation.