Free Resources
Helpful Checklists and Guides — Free to Download and Print
Navigating elder care, estate planning, and senior benefits can feel overwhelming. That is why we created these free checklists and guides — to give you a simple, practical starting point for some of life’s most important decisions.
Every resource on this page is free to download and print. No sign-up required.
📋 Estate Planning Checklist
Make sure your affairs are in order — and nothing important is overlooked.
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your family. But knowing where to start is often the hardest part. This checklist walks you through the essential steps — from creating a will and naming beneficiaries to setting up a power of attorney and organizing your important documents.
This checklist covers:
- Wills and trusts basics
- Power of attorney and healthcare directives
- Beneficiary designations
- Document organization
- Key contacts to notify
Best for: Anyone beginning the estate planning process, or families helping a senior loved one get organized.
⬇ Download the Estate Planning Checklist
🏥 Nursing Home Evaluation Checklist
Ask the right questions before choosing a nursing home for yourself or a loved one.
Choosing a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions a family can face. This checklist helps you evaluate and compare facilities so you can make a more confident, informed choice. Bring it with you when you tour a facility.
This checklist covers:
- Staffing and care quality
- Safety and cleanliness
- Activities and social programs
- Costs and contract terms
- Questions to ask the administrator
Best for: Families researching nursing homes or preparing for a facility tour.
⬇ Download the Nursing Home Evaluation Checklist
💊 Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
Make the most of Medicare Open Enrollment — and make sure you have the right coverage.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs every year from October 15 through December 7. This is your annual opportunity to review and change your Medicare coverage. Missing this window can mean being locked into the wrong plan for another year. This checklist helps you prepare.
This checklist covers:
- Reviewing your current plan
- Comparing Part D drug coverage
- Evaluating Medicare Advantage options
- Deadlines and key dates
- Questions to ask your insurance counselor
Best for: Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment, and family members helping a senior review their coverage.
⬇ Download the Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
🤝 Family Caregiver Resource Guide
Practical support and resources for family caregivers.
Caring for an aging parent or loved one is one of the most meaningful things you can do — and one of the most demanding. This guide is designed to help family caregivers find support, understand available resources, and avoid burnout.
This guide covers:
- Local and national caregiver support resources
- Respite care options
- Financial assistance programs
- Emotional health and self-care tips
- Key contacts and helplines
Best for: Family members who are actively caregiving or preparing to take on a caregiving role.
⬇ Download the Family Caregiver Resource Guide
More Resources Coming Soon
We are regularly adding new checklists, guides, and planning tools to this page. Check back often or browse our full library of articles for more plain-English guidance on elder care, estate planning, Medicare, and veterans benefits.