Free tool
Family care decision worksheet
This free worksheet can help your family think through care options with less stress. Guiding Hearth is a free matching service, not a care provider, and we help families compare choices calmly.
This tool is free and private. It asks only general questions — never a diagnosis, medical records, or medications.
How this worksheet can help
When a parent starts needing more support, it can be hard to know what to do next. This worksheet gives your family a simple way to compare home care, assisted living, and memory care without rushing.
It is not medical advice or legal advice. It is just a practical guide for talking together, noticing what matters most, and writing down what each option might mean for daily life.
If your family speaks a language other than English at home, that matters too. Many communities offer care in the family’s own language and with familiar cultural routines, and that can make a real difference in comfort and trust.
Step 1: Start with the person, not just the place
Before comparing buildings or prices, pause and think about your parent as a whole person. What helps them feel calm, respected, and at home? What kind of day feels familiar to them?
You may want to write down a few simple notes: where they feel safest, what time of day is hardest, whether they enjoy quiet or activity, and what kind of help they need with meals, dressing, bathing, or reminders.
This is not about taking away independence. It is about finding the right level of support so they can keep as much dignity and choice as possible.
Step 2: Compare the main care options
Home care usually means help comes to the person at home. It can be a good fit if the home is safe, the needed support is part-time or flexible, and family can help fill in the gaps.
Assisted living is often for people who want a more social setting and need help with daily tasks, meals, and supervision, but do not need the more structured support of memory care.
Memory care is designed for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s who need a more secure setting, more cueing and supervision, and staff who understand memory loss. If you want to learn more, see our care guides.
Step 3: Weigh cost, location, and daily life
Cost matters, and so does the day-to-day experience. In the US, prices vary by state, city, and level of care, and what is included can differ from one community to another. Ask what the monthly price covers, what costs extra, and how needs that change over time are handled.
Location matters too. Some families want to stay close to home, while others look for a community near relatives, a house of worship, or neighbors who speak the same language. Those details can help a parent feel more settled.
If you are trying to understand what is realistic in your area, get matched with guidance that is free for families and built around your situation.
Questions to ask together
A calm family conversation can make a hard choice feel more manageable. Try to answer these questions one at a time, and let different family members share what they notice.
You do not need a perfect answer. You only need enough clarity to narrow the choices and keep moving gently forward.
- What kind of help does our parent need day to day?
- Is the home still safe and manageable?
- Would more social time, meals, or supervision help?
- Would memory care feel more supportive than assisted living?
- What monthly budget feels possible for our family?
- Do we want a place that speaks our language or reflects our culture?
- Who will help with visits, paperwork, and the next steps?
How Guiding Hearth works
Guiding Hearth is a free matching service, not a care provider. We help families understand options and connect with senior living communities that may fit their needs, budget, location, and language preferences.
We do not ask for medical records. We only ask general details like who needs care, the city, the type of care you are exploring, and how to reach you. That helps keep the process simple and respectful.
If you want a gentler starting point, you can use this worksheet first and then reach out for help through our how it works page or our care overview.
Common questions
Do we need a diagnosis to use this worksheet or get help?
No. You do not need to share medical records or detailed health history. We only use general information to help you understand care options and possible matches.
Is Guiding Hearth free for families?
Yes. Guiding Hearth is a free matching service for families, not a care provider. Participating care communities pay us a flat fee.
What if our family is not ready to choose today?
That is completely okay. This is a no-rush decision, and the worksheet is meant to help you think clearly at your own pace.
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