The phone call comes.
Everything stops.
In one moment you’re now “the caregiver” — and you have no idea what to do first while your heart is still breaking.
I’ve been exactly where you are.
Here are the five things I wish someone had handed me on Day 1 — simple, doable, and in the right order.
- Gather the Must-Know Information Right Now
Ask the doctor or care team these questions today (write the answers down):
- What is the main concern we’re facing right now?
- What is the most urgent need?
- What signs or changes should I watch for?
- What support will be needed at home?
These answers become your grounded starting point.
- Notice Your Loved One’s Daily Reality
Spend a quiet hour observing (no fixing yet):
- Meals – can they prepare/eat independently?
- Bathing, dressing, toileting
- Medications – who manages them now?
- Mobility and safety
- Mood and emotional well-being
This list is gold — it shows you exactly where help is needed first.
- Have “The First Care Conversation” With Family (Keep It Short)
You don’t need every answer today. Just get everyone in the same room (or Zoom) and cover:
- What I’ve noticed so far…
- What each person can realistically do this week
- Who will handle doctor visits, paperwork, finances
- Quick decisions that can’t wait
- When we’ll talk again (put it in calendars now)
Shared effort makes the load feel human again.
- Grab Your Free Caregiver Go-Bag Toolkit
One downloadable guide that organizes medical info, routines, contacts, and hospital essentials so you’re never scrambling.
Download [the free Caregiver’s Go-Bag here – LINK to Go-Bag Email Capture Page] (email required – we never sell it and you can unsubscribe anytime)
- Protect Your Own Health From Day One
Caregiving needs your kindness, energy, and steady strength — and that starts with caring for you. The biggest threat isn’t the diagnosis; it’s the slow burnout that happens when we forget we matter too.
A glimpse into my own Day 1…
I was running a thriving business when Mom needed full-time care. I stepped away, moved cities, and lost the identity I loved. At first caregiving felt like loss.
Then God gently showed me it was love taking deeper root — connection growing stronger, and Him carrying me in ways I never expected.
If you’re wondering how to stay healthy, renewed, and even joyful on this road, read the rest of my story here: [Blog #3-LINK: Because Caring for Them Begins With Caring for You]
You don’t have to figure it all out today.
Just the next gentle step.
You’ve got this — and you’re not alone.
