Your First Call: A Caregiver's Starter Checklist

You don't need to solve everything today. You just need one clear next step. This 15-minute checklist will get you there. Before you dial: write down one sentence about why you're calling — for example, "My mother lives alone in Deerfield Beach and I'm worried she can't manage meals." Have paper and a pen. Not your phone notes — a real pen. You'll want to write down who you spoke with and what they said. Know your ZIP code and the ZIP where your loved one lives. Nothing else — no Social Security, no insurance numbers. Pick a quiet spot and a time when you can talk for 10 minutes without interruption. Three questions to ask every agency: Do you serve my ZIP code? What would a first visit look like — in person, on the phone, or a home visit? Is there a wait list, and how do I get on it today? After the call: write down the name of the person you spoke to, the date, and the next step they promised. If they said they'd call back, put a reminder on your calendar for the day after. You did the hard part. Making the first call is often the biggest step. You don't have to solve everything today. One call. One next step. That's enough.