What do I do first?

Ask what the diagnosis means this week, which medicines to watch, and when to come back. Write down what they say, even if it feels obvious at the time.

Type your zip on our home page, open Free government help, and call your Area Agency on Aging or Elder Helpline. They can point you to local programs and a person who can talk you through next steps.

Tell them what happened and ask for one clear job, such as sitting with your loved one while you make the other calls. You do not have to do this week alone.

Keep this list in your bag and on the fridge. If you go to the hospital, bring it with you. Our care information sheet can hold this for you.

Look for a health care power of attorney, a living will, or financial papers. Note where they are kept. You do not have to get new papers this week if these already exist.

Look at loose rugs, dark stairs, and doors if wandering is a worry. Small changes now can prevent a scare later.

Include 911, the doctor, and two people to call. You can also print our one-page fridge sheet from the care information page.

Ask what means go to the emergency room, and when they want to see you again. Put that visit on the calendar.

You matter too. A short nap, a walk, or asking someone to sit for an hour is not giving up. It is how you keep going.

Bring the medicine list and any questions that came up at home. Ask again if something is still unclear.

You do not have to move anyone this month. A few hours of help, or a daytime program, can take pressure off while you learn more.

If there have been close calls, new dents, or getting lost, bring it up with the doctor. Plan rides before you need to take the keys.

This gives a sitter, a sibling, or a hospital a clear picture of medicines, contacts, and what calms your loved one.

Write down income and care costs as you learn them. Use the benefits checklist when you call your Area Agency on Aging. No worksheet can say who qualifies.

Give one person a ride, a meal, or two hours on a Saturday. People often want to help and do not know what to offer.

A health care power of attorney, a living will or advance directive, and a financial power of attorney matter most while your loved one can still take part. An elder law attorney can help. This is not legal advice.

Visit two or three places, not ten. Use our tour checklists, write down the full price, and sleep on it. You can change the plan later.

Your Area Agency on Aging can often point you to support groups, training, or a short break. Asking for help is not giving up.

What felt fine last month may not feel fine now. Look again at doors, lighting, the stove, and wandering.

Write down who would step in, even for a day or two, and leave the care sheet where they can find it.