Use this checklist before making a decision

Recognize when support is needed, find appropriate care, plan for grief and isolation, and know when urgent help is required. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Describe the change: mood, sleep, appetite, memory, pain, substance use, functioning, safety, and how long it has lasted.
  • Review medications, recent illness, loss, housing stress, finances, caregiving, and isolation with a clinician.
  • Check insurance coverage, provider licensing, telehealth rules, accessibility, and appointment availability.
  • Create a written safety plan and identify people who can help.
  • Remove or secure immediate hazards when advised by a qualified professional.
  • Use emergency services or 988 when there is immediate concern about suicide or crisis.

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: Loneliness, Social Connection, and Purpose, Family Caregiver Support, Respite, and Training, Memory Loss, Dementia, Cognitive Health, and Safety.

Last reviewed

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