New to Caregiving

Learn how to discuss long-term care planning, form an elder care team, create a printable daily care plan, and find the support you need to implement a successful caregiving strategy.

An elder care plan can be a scheduling tool, an informal agreement with an aging loved one, or a formal contract used to coordinate payment for care services. Learn how to create a plan of care that will help you stay focused and organized.

Assessing basic ADLs and instrumental ADLs helps determine the level of care a senior needs and what programs and benefits they may be eligible for.

If you’re looking for a new perspective on aging, tips for communicating with elders, advice on setting boundaries or valuable insights on dementia care, pick up one of these acclaimed books about caregiving.

Many of us dive into caregiving with full hearts and little forethought. Doing some honest soul searching can help you sort out your priorities, set goals for your loved one’s care and establish your own boundaries.

Whether caregiving has slowly crept into your daily life or you’re suddenly facing difficult decisions following a serious health scare, use these pointers as a guide for caring for an elderly parent.

Seniors and their caregivers are prone to many unique legal challenges. Learn about the most common elder law issues families face and why it's important to enlist the help of an elder law attorney in a senior's care planning.

When becoming a new caregiver for an aging parent it can be difficult to know where to start. A comprehensive health assessment can help you make care decisions moving forward.

Having all information regarding a senior's health, diseases, doctors and medications in one place ensures everything is easily accessible when you need it most. Use this Medical Information Checklist to help you stay organized.

Even If your elderly parents do not live close by, you are still concerned for their care. Make caregiving from a distance more manageable to ensure that your elderly parent is safe and well cared for.

Federal, state and local governments offer many services and benefits for seniors and their caregivers, but few people know these resources exist or how to access them. This is your go-to guide for elderly assistance programs.

Use this list of useful organizations for seniors and their caregivers to find the support and resources you need to help you care for your aging loved one.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) help seniors locate community resources that can assist them in remaining independent and safely aging in place. Find federal, state and local elder care services by contacting the Area Agency on Aging near you.

Family caregivers, especially those with medical power of attorney (POA), should assemble a folder containing these 9 important medical details that can be easily handed off to nurses, doctors and first responders when seniors need emergency health care.

Unlike basic activities of daily living (ADLs) that relate to personal care and are central to day-to-day function, IADLs are more complex tasks that are necessary for truly independent living.

Once a geriatric care plan has been established, it should be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its continued effectiveness for the senior, their primary caregiver, and other members of the care team.

When your aging Mom or Dad needs help, the role of family caregiver can seem overwhelming. Use this five-step plan to ensure you’re prepared to care for an aging parent.

Most seniors and their adult children avoid talking about aging and long-term care planning, but sidestepping the issue can be risky. Use these 10 tips to get the conversation started and ensure your family is prepared for whatever may lie ahead.

Those who are caring for a loved one, including home health aides, registered nurses and social workers, witness some of the patient's most vulnerable moments. These are a few essential points professionals may see that could easily fly under the radar for family members, friends or even a routine checkup.

Caring for a senior who lives far away presents many unique challenges. Use these six pointers to stay organized and informed while caregiving from a distance.