Guides
Practical guides for each stage of caring for a parent. There's no set order. Start with what's happening now.
5 guides live · 5 on the way
Stage 1
Something's changing
Missed pills, a fall, bills piling up. You're noticing, and not sure what it means yet.
Stage 2
Helping, near or far
Appointments, medications, and bills, sometimes from another city.
Getting medications under controlOne list, one pharmacy, one review a year, and keeping your parent in charge.Read the guide →· 10 min read
Coming soon
Your role at their appointmentsStage 3
Care at home, theirs or yours
Paid help a few hours a week, a family rotation, or moving in together.
Coming soon
Hiring an in-home caregiverComing soon
Moving a parent in: what to settle firstStage 4
After a hospital stay
Rehab, home health, or straight home. What Medicare pays for, and what happens when it stops.
Coming soon
Questions to ask before dischargeStage 5
When home stops working
More help, assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home. And how to pay for it.
Coming soon
Comparing long-term care optionsGet The Parent File
New guides most weeks, plus The Parent File: one place for their doctors, medications, insurance, money and wishes. Free.