Guides for families and caregivers
Plain-language articles written to help you make good decisions about care at home. They are general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.
Aging in Place: A Practical Planning Guide for Families
What it really takes to grow older at home: health, the house itself, money, daily help and a plan for when needs change.
Home Care vs. Home Health vs. Assisted Living: What Is the Difference?
Three terms that are often confused. Here is what each one means, who provides it, how it is usually paid for, and how to decide.
The First Day With a New Caregiver: How to Prepare Everyone
A smooth first visit sets the tone for everything that follows. Here is how to prepare your loved one, your home and the caregiver.
Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Help When You Live Far Away
Practical ways to stay involved, organized and reassured when an aging parent lives hours away.
How to Choose a Caregiver for an Aging Parent: A Step-by-Step Guide
A calm, practical process for finding the right in-home caregiver: defining needs, comparing options, interviewing, checking references and...
How Much Does In-Home Care Cost? Rates, Budgets and Ways to Pay
National benchmarks for hourly in-home care, how to estimate a monthly budget, and the programs that may help pay for non-medical care.
10 Signs Your Parent May Need More Help at Home
Small changes often come first. Here are ten signs worth noticing, and how to start the conversation with kindness.
A Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist for Aging in Place
Simple, affordable changes that reduce falls and make everyday life easier for older adults who want to stay at home.
Building Calm Daily Routines for Someone Living With Dementia
Why routine matters in dementia care, how to build one that works, and what to do on difficult days.
Caregiver Burnout: How to Recognize It and What Actually Helps
Caring for a loved one is meaningful and exhausting. Learn the warning signs of burnout and practical steps to protect your own health.
Background Checks for In-Home Caregivers: What Families Should Know
What a caregiver background check can and cannot tell you, the consent rules under the FCRA, and how to combine checks with interviews and r...
For Caregivers: How to Write a Profile Families Trust
Practical advice for caregivers on photos, introductions, rates and availability, so the right families find you and reach out.