Playbooks
When something just happened. Tap the one that fits — we'll walk you through the next decisions and the right phrases to use.
If this is a medical emergency right now, call 911.
These playbooks help you think clearly under pressure — they don't replace emergency services or your parent's clinical, legal, or financial professionals.
The Cost To YOU — Caregiver Financial Survival
Caregiving will, over time, almost certainly cost you money. Often a lot of it. Most caregivers don't see it until it's well underway. This walks you through where the cost comes from, what the law actually offers, the tax angles to claim, and when you can legitimately get paid for the work.
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They Just Died — What To Do Right Now
Your parent has just died. You're standing in the room or holding the phone and your mind is blank. This is the playbook for the next few hours.
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The Guilt You're Feeling — Read This
Almost every caregiver feels it, and almost no one names it. The persistent background hum of guilt — not enough, not patient enough, not good enough — that follows you through this whole season of life.
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Parent Fell, Refuses to Go to the ER
Mom or Dad has fallen. They're conscious, talking, and refusing the ER. You're trying to decide what's safe and what's stubborn.
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First Signs of Dementia — What Now
You're noticing things that worry you. Repeated questions. Lost objects. New paranoia. You're not sure if it's normal aging or something more.
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The Doctor Mentioned Hospice
Someone — a doctor, a discharge planner, a relative — has used the word 'hospice'. You're not sure what it means, whether to agree, or how to talk about it with the family.
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Setting Up Wills, Trusts, and Power of Attorney
You realize there's no POA. Or no will. Or no advance directive. You don't know what's been signed, what hasn't, and how to broach the conversation.
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When It's Time to Take Away the Keys
You're worried about your parent driving. They've had a near-miss, gotten lost, sideswiped something, or you just know.
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Medication Mix-Ups and Polypharmacy
Your parent is on a lot of medications. Doses are getting missed, doubled, or you suspect interactions. Multiple doctors prescribed without coordination.
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Coming next: Hospital discharge planning, Sundowning, Wandering and elopement, Suspected financial exploitation.