When a parent or loved one begins to need more support, the shift can feel overwhelming. You may suddenly find yourself managing medical appointments, navigating memory changes, fielding calls from concerned neighbors, or handling legal and financial responsibilities. It’s natural to feel lost.
At Institute on Aging, we often hear people say, “I don’t know where to start.” Whether you’re an adult child, guardian, or trusted friend stepping into a new caregiving role, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
This guide walks through common first questions and introduces the supportive pathways available through IOA.
You’re Not Alone—You Just Need a Starting Point
Caring for an older adult often starts with subtle signs:
- They’re forgetting appointments or repeating stories.
- They’re less social or more withdrawn.
- They’ve fallen recently or seem unsteady.
- You’re starting to worry when they’re alone.
“Families often come to us carrying worry and uncertainty. They want their loved one to stay safe, stay independent, and stay connected to the life they know. My role is to listen with care and to guide them toward support that brings comfort and stability. You do not need every answer to begin. You only need a place where you feel understood.”
– May Sirhan, Support at Home Client Services Manager
The problem? There’s no single roadmap for elder care. Every family is different. But there is a smart way to begin: start with the real-life challenges your loved one is facing, and then seek services that address those needs directly.
4 Common Challenges Families Face—and How IOA Can Help
When you’re stepping into a caregiving role, it’s helpful to begin with the real-life challenges your loved one is facing, and then identify services that offer the right kind of support.
Here are four common situations—and how Institute on Aging can help:
1. “My loved one needs help at home.”
This often means your parent can’t manage meals, hygiene, or medication alone.
IOA Support at Home offers licensed, personalized in-home care tailored to your loved one’s personality and daily routine.
2. “I’m caring for someone with dementia.”
If memory loss, confusion, or behavioral shifts are showing up, support is essential—for both of you.
Explore Compania, our suite of dementia services including in-home care, caregiver coaching, and meaningful daily engagement.
3. “We’re feeling isolated or disconnected.”
Loneliness has real health risks for older adults. IOA offers friendly caller programs, social day programs, and activities that help people reconnect with others and their community.
4. “We need help coordinating care.”
When you’re juggling appointments, insurance, or discharge planning after a hospital stay, IOA’s Care Management team can step in to help make sense of the system and create a support plan that works.
It’s Okay Not to Have All the Answers
No one is born knowing how to navigate elder care. What matters is finding people who do. IOA’s decades of experience means we’ve seen almost every scenario—and we’re here to guide you through yours.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what kind of support your loved one really needs, reach out. You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Sometimes, a short conversation is all it takes to start building clarity and momentum.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Tell us what you’re noticing—whether it’s a decline in memory, a hospital discharge, or a growing sense that your loved one needs more help. IOA is here to listen, guide, and support you with services tailored to your unique situation.
Because the hardest part of caregiving isn’t always the care itself—it’s figuring out where to begin.
