Overwhelmed with where to begin? You’re not alone…
Starting the journey to find care for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. Questions, uncertainty, and emotions all swirl together, and it’s normal to feel unsure about the first step. The good news is you don’t have to figure this out by yourself—we’re here to help guide you through every part of the process.
Why It Helps to Plan Early
Many families wait until a crisis — a fall, a hospital stay, or a sudden change in health — before considering care. While understandable, planning ahead allows you to make informed decisions without pressure.
Why early planning matters:
More choice and flexibility: You can explore all available care options before urgency limits decisions.
Clarity around personal wishes: Your loved one has time to express their preferences about care, lifestyle, and future plans.
Reduced family stress: Avoid misunderstandings and rushed choices during emotional moments.
Financial and legal readiness: Organize important documents and understand costs early.
A stronger support network: Identify trusted providers, resources, and local services before they’re urgently needed.
First Steps Checklist
Not sure where to begin? You're not alone.
When a loved one starts needing more support, it can be hard to know what to do first. Our First Steps Checklist is a simple, practical guide to help you get organised — from starting important conversations to sorting paperwork and exploring care options.
This one-page checklist covers:
What to talk about with your loved one and family
Key legal and medical documents to gather
Safety checks and daily living needs
Care support and emergency contact info
[Download the First Steps Checklist]
It’s a great starting point whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a recent change. Keep it handy and check things off as you go.
Talking Tips
One of the most common challenges families face is knowing how to start the conversation. It can feel awkward, emotional, or even overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created a dedicated guide to help.
Need help starting the conversation? Read our full article:
How to Talk to Your Parent About Accepting Help
