Lifestyle

Caregiving: what to do when a parent or loved one needs help.

Many retirees find themselves caring for aging parents at the same time they're planning their own retirement. It's one of the most demanding — and least prepared-for — transitions in adult life.

Caregiving Basics

When a Parent Needs Help: A Practical Guide to Getting Started

Most caregiving situations don't start with a crisis. They start with small signs — forgetting appointments, difficulty driving, a home that isn't being maintained. Knowing when and how to step in before a crisis hits is one of the most useful things you can do.

Caregiving Basics

Understanding the Levels of Care: From Home Care to Memory Care

Home care, adult day programs, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing — the terminology is confusing, the costs vary enormously, and the right level of care changes as needs evolve. Here's a clear breakdown of what each option involves.

Free download

Download the free Retirement Readiness Checklist.

See what feels clear, organize your income, healthcare, tax, and family questions, and create your Top 3 Retirement Questions before your next step.

Get the checklist

Caregiving Basics

How to Have the Caregiving Conversation With Your Aging Parent

Most families avoid this conversation until a crisis forces it. Starting it earlier — when your parent is still able to participate — leads to better outcomes for everyone. Here's how to approach it without making anyone defensive.

Caregiving Basics

The Financial Costs of Caregiving — and How to Plan for Them

Family caregivers often spend thousands of dollars out of pocket — on transportation, home modifications, and paid help. And many reduce their own work hours or leave the workforce entirely. Understanding the financial impact is part of planning for it.

Caregiving Basics

Taking Care of Yourself While You're Caring for Someone Else

Caregiver burnout is real, common, and underreported. The physical and emotional demands of caring for a parent or spouse often come at significant personal cost. Here's what the research says about protecting your own health while you're focused on someone else's.

Caregiving Basics resources

Tools relevant to this topic.

Retirement Readiness ChecklistIncludes a caregiving section covering conversations to have and steps to take.Free download

Caregiving Planning GuideAssess a parent's needs and start organizing care options step by step.Coming soon

Family Caregiving Conversation GuideHow to start the conversation with aging parents and other family members.Coming soon

Official government resources

Straight from the source.

Eldercare Locator — ACL.govFind local aging services, caregiver support, and resourcesOfficial Gov Resource
Caregiver Resources — Medicare.govCompare nursing homes, home health agencies, and care providersOfficial Gov Resource
Long-Term Care — USA.govGovernment guide to long-term care options and planningOfficial Gov Resource

Have a question about this topic? Join the discussion in theRetirement Clarity Community on Facebook →

Caregiving: what to do when a parent or loved one needs help.

When a Parent Needs Help: A Practical Guide to Getting Started

Understanding the Levels of Care: From Home Care to Memory Care

How to Have the Caregiving Conversation With Your Aging Parent

The Financial Costs of Caregiving — and How to Plan for Them

Taking Care of Yourself While You're Caring for Someone Else

Tools relevant to this topic.

Straight from the source.

One helpful email, once a month.