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Contributor ⭐
May 26, 2026 12:21 PM UTC

How do you all handle the paperwork side of caring for a parent?

Mom's 82 and lives a few hours away. She's mostly independent so I didn't see this coming, but the admin side of her life has slowly become a part-time job for me.

 

This week alone I've spent an hour on hold with her supplemental insurance about a denied claim I still don't fully understand, two Medicare letters I had to read three times before I could explain them to her, a prescription that ran out because nobody at the pharmacy seemed to know whose job the refill was and a specialist referral that's been sitting in my inbox because I haven't had a clear hour to deal with it.

I don't mind doing it. I just feel constantly behind and keep worrying I'm missing something important.

How do other people manage this? I tried a shared calendar with my brother but it just became another thing I have to update. Genuinely curious what's worked for you.

    15 replies

    SereneSeagull
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    May 26, 2026 3:59 PM UTC

    I’m a list person, and when I needed to deal with a lot of this a spiral appointment calendar helped as well. It’s exhausting and I feel for you.  One day at a time is important as well as taking care of yourself. Seriously, because it can wear you down fast.  

    ~~ Per Jimmy Buffett 🫧🫧 Bubbles Up!
    Contributor ⭐⭐⭐
    May 26, 2026 12:49 PM UTC

    To be honest the paperwork is at times harder than the caring.

    What worked for me is a single, simple, notebook/folder containing all your contacts, meds, logins and appointments in one place, without it would seem impossible to keep track.