Going Home for the Holidays: A Guide + Fill-in Workbook for Grown Children Who Live Far from Aging Parents (Printable PDF)
Instant download: the guide (PDF), a large-print edition, a fill-in workbook, and a Sources & Read More file.
You live hours away. Every call, they say they're fine. Then you get a few days at home for the holidays, and it goes by in a blur.
Going Home for the Holidays is a short guide for the grown son, daughter or in-law who lives far from aging parents. It helps you spend the visit with your parent, set up a few things together, and know what can wait until January.
WHAT'S INSIDE
- Start here: the whole guide on one screen, including when to call 911
- Your 5-day visit at a glance
- Scams and the family safe word (voice-cloning scams, what to do if money already went)
- Changes families notice, and a home safety walk-through
- Talking about hard things: what to say, and what to do if it goes another way
- Who's nearby: siblings, neighbors and local help
- The family emergency plan and a one-page ER sheet
- Helping from far away: bills, tech and a regular call routine
- Driving
- Money, papers and the future: which document does what, Medicare windows, questions for a lawyer
- Doctors and hospitals: inpatient or "under observation", and the discharge checklist
- After the visit, and January
THE WORKBOOK
Everything you fill in together: a "From the parent" page, the safe word card, the ER sheet, a home safety walk-through, a neighbors page, hospital visit notes and more. Fillable on a computer, or print it.
HOW IT WAS MADE
Created by Devanthea House. This guide is built entirely on published research from US government agencies and major nonprofits, including the CDC, Medicare, the National Institute on Aging, the FBI and the FTC. Every fact was checked against its source and is listed in the companion file, Sources & Read More. Compiled with AI assistance.
GOOD TO KNOW
- US Letter PDFs. Instant digital download; nothing is shipped.
- For personal and family use.
- General information, not medical, legal or financial advice. In an emergency, call 911.
