Getting Started with Caregiving: A First-Time Guide

Becoming a caregiver for an aging parent is one of the most meaningful—and overwhelming—roles you'll ever take on. Here's how to get started on the right foot.

Start with the Basics: Organize Information

The first step is getting organized. You'll need to gather and centralize critical information that's probably scattered across multiple places: medical records, insurance cards, medication lists, doctor contact information, and legal documents.

Create a central information hub. Whether it's a binder, a digital folder, or a tool like Sagebeam, having one place where everything lives is essential. Start with these basics:

• Medical history and current conditions
• List of all medications (including dosages and schedules)
• Contact information for all healthcare providers
• Insurance information and policy numbers
• Legal documents (power of attorney, advance directives, will)
• Financial account information (if you're helping manage finances)

Build Your Support System

Caregiving is not a solo journey. Early on, identify who can help and how. This might include:

• Other family members who can share responsibilities
• Friends or neighbors who can check in
• Professional caregivers or home health aides
• Support groups (in-person or online)
• Your parent's healthcare team

Communication is key. Set up regular check-ins with family members, establish clear roles, and use tools that help everyone stay on the same page. The goal is to prevent the "I thought you were handling that" moments that create stress and missed tasks.

Establish Routines and Systems

Consistency reduces stress for both you and your parent. Create routines for:

• Medication management
• Medical appointments
• Meal planning and preparation
• Household tasks
• Social activities and check-ins

Use reminders and calendars to track everything. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating systems that help you stay ahead of what needs attention.

Take Care of Yourself

This might be the most important tip: you can't care for someone else if you're burned out. Caregiver burnout is real, and it affects your ability to provide quality care.

Schedule time for yourself. Accept help when it's offered. Don't try to do everything alone. Remember: taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential.