First steps
Getting Started as a Family Caregiver: What to Do First
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Most family caregivers don't choose the role. It chooses them. A fall, a diagnosis, a phone call from a neighbor. These guides cover what to do in the days, weeks, and first months after you realize someone you love needs more help than they're getting.
Guides in This Section
8 articles covering the early stages of caregiving, from noticing the first warning signs to organizing the first 30 days.
- Signs an aging parent needs help at home: 12 things to look for on a visit
- Talking to a parent who refuses help: What works, and what makes it worse
- After a parent's dementia diagnosis: The first 90 days, in order of urgency
- Dividing caregiving responsibilities among siblings: How to have the conversation that actually sticks
- Long-distance caregiving: What to set up when you cannot be there
- When a parent says they're fine: But you know they're not
- Safety walk-through of a parent's home: A room-by-room guide to what to look for
- First 30 days as a family caregiver: What to settle first, and what can wait
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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family's situation is different. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider, licensed attorney, or certified financial planner for guidance specific to your circumstances.