As the new year begins, it’s important to reassess and update your loved one’s care plan to reflect any changes in health or routine. Make sure medications are reviewed and organized, with refills scheduled ahead of time. Ensure that medical appointments, including annual checkups and specialist visits, are on the calendar. Refresh emergency contacts and care documents, keeping them easily accessible. Lastly, take time to check in with yourself as a caregiver—your well-being is just as essential to providing quality care.
Medical & Health Care
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☐ Review all medical appointments and schedule annual checkups.
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☐ Update medication list (including dosages, times, and side effects).
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☐ Check expiration dates on all medications and supplements.
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☐ Refill prescriptions and set up reminders for ongoing medications.
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☐ Review any changes in physical or mental health with healthcare providers.
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☐ Ensure all vaccinations are up to date (e.g., flu, COVID-19, pneumonia).
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☐ Update medical history and share with relevant providers.
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☐ Reevaluate any mobility or assistive devices (walker, wheelchair, hearing aids).
📁 Legal & Financial Planning
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☐ Review and update legal documents (Power of Attorney, Living Will, etc.).
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☐ Reassess financial plans, budgets, and long-term care costs.
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☐ Confirm or update insurance policies (health, long-term care, life).
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☐ Organize and securely store legal and financial documents.
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☐ Consider meeting with a financial advisor or elder law attorney.
🧠 Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
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☐ Schedule regular mental health check-ins (for caregiver and loved one).
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☐ Make time for social connection and companionship activities.
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☐ Plan meaningful engagement (music, art, hobbies, puzzles, etc.).
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☐ Look into adult day programs or support services for social stimulation.
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☐ Practice gratitude, journaling, or other stress-reducing habits.
🏡 Home Safety & Comfort
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☐ Do a full home safety assessment (remove tripping hazards, test smoke alarms).
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☐ Check for proper lighting in all rooms and hallways.
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☐ Review emergency contacts and ensure they’re easily accessible.
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☐ Prepare or restock an emergency kit (flashlights, medications, batteries, etc.).
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☐ Organize living spaces for comfort and accessibility.
🧾 Caregiving Systems & Support
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☐ Reevaluate your caregiving schedule—adjust as needed.
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☐ Identify areas where you need help and delegate tasks.
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☐ Research local resources (respite care, home health, transportation).
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☐ Join or reconnect with a caregiver support group.
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☐ Use a caregiving journal or app to track tasks, symptoms, and progress.
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☐ Take time to reflect on last year’s challenges and wins.
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☐ Set 2–3 realistic caregiving goals for the new year (e.g., more self-care, asking for help, improving nutrition).