First 30 Days Caring for a Parent at Home: A Checklist

Caregiver Essentials · Getting started · 6 min

Short answer: In the first month, focus on four things: understand their health, make the home safer, set up simple routines, and get help for yourself. Take them one week at a time. The National Institute on Aging's advice for new caregivers is to start with one task at a time.

Week 1 — Understand the situation

• Sit down with your parent and list diagnoses, doctors and medicines.
• Ask (gently) what they find hardest day to day. NIA notes parents may hold back health details so they don't worry you.
• Put emergency contacts and the medicine list on the fridge.

Week 2 — Make the home safer

• Bathroom: shower seat, grab bars, non-slip mats.
• Clear walkways and add night lights.
• Decide how your parent will call for help from bed or the bathroom.

Week 3 — Build routines

• Set up a two-week pill organizer and a refill schedule with one pharmacy.
• Put a clear day-and-date clock where they sit most.
• Plan regular contact: a daily photo, a set call time.

Week 4 — Support for you

• Share tasks with siblings or friends, even from far away.
• Call the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) to find local help such as meals, transport and in-home care.
• Book one regular break for yourself.

Picks from our store for the first month

Sources: National Institute on Aging — Getting Started as a Family Caregiver

This article is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your parent's doctor about their specific needs.

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