Use this checklist before making a decision

Recognize concerning changes, prepare for medical evaluation, support daily safety, reduce caregiver strain, and plan while the person can participate. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Document examples, timing, progression, medication changes, sleep, mood, illness, falls, and functional changes.
  • Bring a complete medication and medical history to evaluation.
  • Address immediate risks involving driving, wandering, cooking, firearms, scams, falls, and medication management.
  • Use respectful communication and include the person in planning to the greatest extent possible.
  • Complete legal, financial, healthcare, and emergency planning early.
  • Create caregiver backup and respite plans.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Family Caregiver Support, Respite, and Training, Long-Term Care, Home Care, Hospice, and Facility Quality, Advance Directives, Hospice, Funeral, and Estate Planning.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.