Caregiver Resource Library
Guides for families caring from near and far
Practical, honest help for the everyday questions of caring for an aging parent. Free to read, print and share.
- 13 practical guides
- Printable checklists
- 4 free planning tools
- Free to read and share
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How to check in on an aging parent who lives alone
A practical, gentle guide for adult children: how often to call, what to ask without it feeling like an interrogation, and a printable daily rhythm checklist.
Printable daily rhythm checklist
- Call at our agreed time
- Ask one open question about yesterday
- Ask about sleep and plans for today
- Listen for anything that sounds different
- Write a one-line note
Browse by topic
Find the guide for where your family is today.
Every guide in the library — start with the question on your mind today.
Caring from a distance
How to check in on an aging parent who lives alone
A practical, gentle guide for adult children: how often to call, what to ask without it feeling like an interrogation, and a printable daily rhythm checklist.
Read guideFamily coordination
A sibling guide to sharing daily check-ins
How brothers and sisters can share check-ins on a parent fairly, avoid the “who talked to Dad last?” scramble, and keep everyone informed without burnout.
Read guideDignity & privacy
What to do when a parent refuses a wearable or camera
Why many older adults push back on monitoring devices, how to respect their independence, and gentler ways for the family to stay connected.
Read guideComparisons
Daily check-in calls vs. medical alert systems
An honest look at how daily check-in calls and medical alert pendants differ, what each is designed for, and when families use both.
Read guideComparisons
Porchlight Calls vs. Etta
A fair comparison of Porchlight Calls and Etta — two warm daily check-in call services — to help families choose the one that fits.
Read guideCaring from a distance
Long-distance caregiving: a practical guide for adult children
How to stay involved in an aging parent's daily life when you live hours away: a local support map, a call rhythm, and a plan for the days you can't get there.
Read guideCaring from a distance
Loneliness in older adults: signs to notice and ways to help
Everyday signs that a parent may be feeling lonely or isolated, gentle ways to bring it up, and simple habits that add more connection to the week.
Read guideFamily coordination
Caregiver burnout: how families share the load before it breaks
Recognize the early signs of caregiver burnout, split the work among siblings and friends, and take back time without feeling like you're letting a parent down.
Read guideFamily coordination
A caregiver checklist for the first conversation with your siblings
What to cover the first time brothers and sisters sit down to plan a parent's care: roles, money, communication and a printable meeting agenda.
Read guideDignity & privacy
When an elderly parent refuses help: how to talk about it
Why aging parents often say no to help, how to have the conversation without a power struggle, and small first steps they're more likely to accept.
Read guideDignity & privacy
How to talk to aging parents about staying independent
Conversation starters and a gentle framework for talking with aging parents about living on their own, before a crisis makes the decision for everyone.
Read guideComparisons
Daily check-in calls for seniors: what they are and how to choose one
How daily check-in and reassurance call services work, the main types available, and the questions to ask before choosing one for a parent.
Read guideComparisons
Medication reminder options for older adults: calls, apps and pill boxes compared
A plain comparison of pill organizers, phone apps, automatic dispensers and reminder calls, so families can choose what fits a parent's routine.
Read guideFree caregiver tools
Plan the week in a few minutes.
Printable, private and free. Nothing is saved unless you email a plan to yourself.
Check-In Rhythm Builder
Pick days, a time and topics — get a printable weekly check-in schedule.
Use the toolSibling Care Rotation Planner
Enter who's helping and split the week fairly in seconds.
Use the toolCaregiver Load Check
Six quick questions to see how heavy your caregiving load is right now.
Use the toolDaily Reminder Planner
List daily reminders — meds, water, appointments — on one printable sheet.
Use the toolHow families use these guides
- Step 1
Read
Pick the question on your mind and get a clear, plain answer in a few minutes.
- Step 2
Print the checklist
Take the practical part with you, or share it with siblings and your parent.
- Step 3
Make a plan
Turn what you read into a free, personalized 7-day check-in plan.
Honest by design
Not medical advice
Everyday guidance. Health concerns go to a doctor; emergencies to 911.
No affiliation claims
Comparisons use public details and never imply endorsement.
Dated and sourced
Every comparison says when it was last checked.
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