SilverBeacon · Family caregivers

What family caregivers need to know

You may not call yourself a caregiver. But if you drive Mom to appointments, keep track of Dad's medications, pay their bills or check in every day, you are one. Here is what helps most, in plain language.

63 millionAmericans are family caregivers, nearly 50% more than in 2015
27 hoursa week is the average time caregivers spend on care
11%of caregivers received any formal training for the care they give

Source: AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, Caregiving in the US 2025.

First stepsLegal authorityMoney and benefitsWork and leaveCaring for yourselfWhen things changeWhere to find help

Your first steps

When you realize you have become the person everyone relies on

1. Talk with your parent

Ask what matters most to them and what kind of help they want. Lead with their goals, not your worries. Our conversation guide has words to start with.

2. Get the right to help

Without the right documents, doctors and banks may not talk to you. See Legal authority below.

3. Make a one-page sheet

Medications, doctors, insurance, allergies and key contacts on a single page. Keep a copy on your phone and one at their home.

4. Share the load

Write down what needs doing each week and who will do it. Siblings far away can still handle bills, calls or research.

Legal authority, in plain English

The documents that let you act when your parent can't
  • Durable financial power of attorney: lets someone your parent chooses pay bills and manage accounts if they can't.
  • Healthcare proxy and advance directive: names who speaks for your parent medically and records what they would want.
  • HIPAA authorization: lets doctors and hospitals share information with you.
  • Will or living trust: says where their assets go.

Why it matters now: these documents must be signed while your parent can still understand them. If they lose that ability first, families may need to go to court for a conservatorship, which takes time and money. An elder law or estate planning attorney can usually prepare all of them together. Rules vary by state.

Money and benefits

What pays for care, and what doesn't

The surprise most families hit: Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care, the everyday help with bathing, dressing and meals, unless medical care is also needed. Most families pay for it themselves, or through Medicaid or long-term care insurance.

  • Check benefits your parent may qualify for at BenefitsCheckUp.org, run by the National Council on Aging.
  • Medicaid can cover long-term care for people with limited income and assets. Rules differ by state; in California it is called Medi-Cal.
  • Some programs pay family caregivers. In California, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can pay a family member to provide care for an eligible person.
  • Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA benefits that help pay for care.
  • Track what you spend on your parent's care. Some costs may matter for taxes or for sharing costs fairly among siblings.

Work and caregiving

Most working caregivers are juggling both
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year to care for a parent with a serious health condition. You generally qualify if you have worked 12 months and 1,250 hours for an employer with 50 or more employees nearby.
  • California Paid Family Leave: provides up to 8 weeks of partial pay to care for a seriously ill family member. Apply through the state Employment Development Department (EDD).
  • Talk to HR early. Ask about flexible hours, remote work and your Employee Assistance Program, which often includes free counseling and eldercare referrals.

Caring for yourself

You can't pour from an empty cup

Signs you're running on empty

  • Exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix
  • Short temper or tearfulness
  • Pulling away from friends
  • Getting sick more often

What helps

  • Ask for specific help: "Can you take Tuesday's appointment?"
  • Use respite care, even a few hours a week
  • Join a caregiver support group, in person or online
  • Keep one thing each week that is just for you

If you are feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time.

When things change

Step-by-step guides for the big transitions

Caregiving often starts, or gets harder, with a single event. Our Transitions guides walk through the first 72 hours, week and month of each:

Where to find help

Free national resources worth saving
Eldercare LocatorConnects you to local aging services, including your Area Agency on Aging. Call 1-800-677-1116.
Family Caregiver AllianceGuides, fact sheets and state-by-state services for caregivers at caregiver.org.
Alzheimer's Association Helpline24/7 support for anyone affected by dementia. Call 800-272-3900.
BenefitsCheckUpFinds benefits your parent may qualify for at benefitscheckup.org.
988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 any time.

Free SilverBeacon tools: the Transition Readiness Check, Starting the Conversation and the Coming Home care checklist.

You shouldn't have to figure it out alone

SilverBeacon is building tools that take work off caregivers' plates: clear next steps when something changes, and activities your parent will actually enjoy. Join early access to try them first.

Join early access

This page provides general information only. It is not legal, financial or medical advice, and benefit rules change. Check with the agency or a qualified professional about your situation. Sources: AARP/NAC Caregiving in the US 2025; Medicare.gov, Long-term care; U.S. Department of Labor, FMLA; California EDD, Paid Family Leave; Eldercare Locator. See our Disclaimer & Privacy Statement.