Printable checklists
Use these on paper or on your screen. Check boxes as you go. Take them to appointments.
Questions to ask a home health agency
- Are you Medicare-certified? What is your quality star rating?
- Which services can you provide at my address / ZIP code?
- How soon can care start after a doctor’s order?
- Who do I call after hours or on weekends?
- Will the same nurse or therapist visit most days?
- How do you train and supervise staff?
- What will Medicare cover, and what might I pay?
- Can family be present and taught how to help safely?
- What happens if a visit is missed?
Hospital discharge – bring / ask
- Updated medication list (names, doses, times)
- Follow-up appointments written down
- Home health or therapy orders (if any)
- Warning signs that mean “call the doctor” or “go to ER”
- Equipment needed at home (walker, oxygen, bed)
- Who to call with questions after discharge
- Transportation home arranged
- Food and help for the first few days at home
Weekly caregiver checklist
- Medications filled and organized for the week
- Doctor / therapy appointments confirmed
- Groceries and easy meals planned
- Bills or mail that need attention
- Home safety glance (rugs, lighting, grab bars)
- Time for the caregiver to rest or ask for help
- Note any new pain, confusion, or falls for the doctor
- One kind or fun moment (call, photo, short walk, prayer)
Doctor visit bag
- Photo ID and insurance / Medicare cards
- Full medication list (or bottles)
- List of allergies
- Questions written down (pain, sleep, appetite, falls)
- Recent test results or hospital papers
- Glasses, hearing aids, cane/walker
- Notebook and pen
- Snack and water if wait may be long
- Ride home arranged
Weekly medication grid (copy or print)
- Sunday — Morning: ____ Noon: ____ Evening: ____ Night: ____
- Monday — Morning: ____ Noon: ____ Evening: ____ Night: ____
- Tuesday — Morning: ____ Noon: ____ Evening: ____ Night: ____
- Wednesday — Morning: ____ Noon: ____ Evening: ____ Night: ____
- Thursday — Morning: ____ Noon: ____ Evening: ____ Night: ____
- Friday — Morning: ____ Noon: ____ Evening: ____ Night: ____
- Saturday — Morning: ____ Noon: ____ Evening: ____ Night: ____
- Pharmacy phone: ____________ Doctor phone: ____________
Family meeting agenda
- Who is the main contact for doctors?
- Who handles rides this month?
- Who pays bills / tracks money?
- Who checks on them mid-week?
- What is the backup plan if the main caregiver is sick?
- Is the house safe enough? (see Aging in Place)
- Any legal papers still needed? (POA, healthcare directives)
- Next meeting date: ____________
Wallet / purse card (write small)
- My name: ____________
- Emergency contact: ____________ Phone: ____________
- Doctor: ____________ Phone: ____________
- Allergies: ____________
- Main medications: ____________
- PurePath: purepath-ai.com
Winter safety
- Heat working; space heaters at least 3 feet from curtains
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors tested
- Salt / sand for steps; sturdy shoes with grip
- Someone checks on you during cold snaps
- Emergency kit: blankets, water, flashlight, meds
- Know warming centers — dial 211
Summer / heat safety
- Drink water even if not thirsty
- AC or fan; know a cool place to go
- Limit outdoor time mid-day
- Check on neighbors in heat waves
- Medicines stored away from hot cars
Community meals & church help
- Call 211 for senior dining sites near you
- Ask your church about meals, rides, or visitation
- Meals on Wheels — see Food & Delivery page
- Senior center lunch programs