New to Caregiving? Start Here
If you are a new caregiver, you do not need to read 300 articles. You need the next right step.
I have worked in health care since I was 10 years old, owned my own home care agency for 12 years, and cared for five members of my own family. This page walks you through caregiving in the order it usually happens for families, so you always know what to read next.
Need help today? To find services near your loved one, use the free Eldercare Locator from the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Start with the Caregiver Emergency Plan. If your loved one is in danger, call 911.
1
Your First 30 Days as a New Caregiver
The first month is about getting the basics in place: who is helping, what the doctors said, and what to do in an emergency.
- First Time Caregiver: Your First 30 Days Checklist
- Caregiver Emergency Plan: What Every Family Caregiver Needs
- What Family Caregivers Really Need
Helpful tool: The Caregiver Plan puts medications, appointments, and emergency details in one place. $27. Get the Caregiver Plan
2
Get Organized
Once the dust settles, sort out the paperwork, the money, and who in the family does what.
- Power of Attorney and Guardianship Basics
- Budgeting for Caregivers: A Simple Monthly Plan
- How Siblings Can Divide Caregiving Responsibility
- Free Caregiver Schedule Template
- Medication Management for Seniors
- Getting the Most Out of a Doctor Appointment
- State Family Caregiver Support Programs
Helpful tool: Free caregiver assessments help you see where your loved one needs the most support. Browse the free assessments
3
Learn Daily Care Skills
These are the hands on skills that keep your loved one safe at home, and keep you from getting hurt.
4
When Care Gets More Complex
A new diagnosis, dementia, or a sudden decline changes everything. These guides help you plan the next stage.
- Understanding Dementia Behaviors
- Daily Checklist for Dementia Care
- Understanding Palliative Care
- Home Health Care vs Hospice Care
- When Is It Time for Assisted Living?
- Moving a Parent to Another State
Helpful tool: Facing a hard decision? I can review your situation and send you a written plan within 3 business days, with no calls. See the Snapshot and Plan
Take Care of You
Caregiver burnout builds slowly. Check in on yourself at every step.
Protect Your Income
Caregiving can cost you hours, pay, and savings. You have more options than you think.
Questions New Caregivers Ask
What should a new caregiver do first?
Get the basics in place. Write down your loved one’s medications, doctors, and diagnoses, find out who in the family can help, and make an emergency plan. My first 30 days checklist walks you through it.
How do I find help near me?
Start with your local Area Agency on Aging. The Eldercare Locator connects you to yours by ZIP code. Your state may also have family caregiver support programs.
Can I get paid to care for a family member?
In some states, yes, usually through Medicaid programs or veterans benefits. Rules are different in every state, so read how to get paid to care for a family member and check with your state Medicaid office.
How do I know if I am burning out?
Exhaustion that does not go away with rest, snapping at your loved one, and pulling away from friends are common warning signs. Take the free Caregiver Burnout Quiz to see where you are.
Want all three workbooks? The Complete Family Caregiver System includes the Plan, the Reset, and the Cashflow Plan for $67.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, any time, day or night.