25 free caregiver tools

A little less to hold in your head.

Download calm, practical printables created to help family caregivers keep important details close at hand—from an emergency go-sheet to the small preferences that help someone feel known.

Browse the free library Get the Lighthouse App

The resource library

Start with what would help today.

Use one page or build a caregiver binder over time. Every tool has its own guide, printable PDF, and a plain-language explanation of what to include.

7 free tools

Emergency & read-first essentials

The pages to complete first, keep easy to find, and hand to someone stepping in.

Free printable · 1 page

Emergency Information Card

Give a trusted helper or emergency responder one clear place to find the details that can be hardest to remember under pressure.

Important contacts and care-team information
Conditions, allergies, and current medicines
Mobility needs and communication tips
A small emergency section to cut out and carry

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: A completed card may contain sensitive health and contact information. Store it securely and share it only with people you choose.

Preview of the one-page Lighthouse Medical Information for EMS refrigerator sheet

Free printable · 1 page

Medical Information for EMS Fridge Sheet

Place at-a-glance emergency information on the refrigerator, where many responders know to look, with fuller details stored securely in the caregiver binder.

Allergies, health conditions, and communication needs
Key or high-risk medicines and the binder location
Advance directive, POLST, or DNR form locations
Caregiver, emergency contacts, doctor, and preferred hospital

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: This sheet is designed for a visible location and may contain sensitive health information. Include only what is appropriate and keep the fuller binder secure.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Hospital and ER Go-Sheet

Free printable · 2 pages

Hospital & ER Go-Sheet

Prepare the information, packing reminders, triage notes, and discharge questions that can make an unexpected hospital visit less chaotic.

What to grab and where the go-bag is kept
Usual baseline, recent changes, allergies, and medicines
Communication needs and who can speak with doctors
Discharge questions, warning signs, equipment, and follow-up

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

An emergency note: For immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Follow the hospital care team’s instructions.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Contacts and Care Team printable

Free printable · 2 pages

Contacts & Care Team

Keep family contacts, clinicians, pharmacies, agencies, helpers, and key support numbers together in the order they may be needed.

Family and emergency contacts in call order
Doctors, specialists, therapists, and pharmacies
Home care, transportation, equipment, and community services
Health care agents and helpful national numbers

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: Record names and phone numbers only. Do not add Social Security, insurance member, or financial account numbers.

Free printable · 2 pages

Communication Needs

Capture how the person communicates, what their signals may mean, what helps, and how to speak with patience and dignity.

Language, hearing, vision, speech, and communication tools
What common signals or behaviors may mean
Conversation tips, comforting words, and topics to avoid
Ways the person may show pain or discomfort

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A dignity note: Speak to the person you support, not about them, and allow time for them to respond.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Triggers and Warning Signs caregiver printable

Free printable · 2 pages

Triggers & Warning Signs

Help caregivers recognize what may cause distress, what calming approaches work, what is usual, and which changes need medical attention.

Common triggers and early signs of distress
Calming approaches, phrases, music, and activities
Usual mood, sleep, memory, mobility, and behavior
Gradual changes to report and serious changes requiring 911

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A safety note: Follow the current care plan. Call the care team about concerning changes and call 911 for sudden or serious symptoms.

Free printable · 2 pages

Caregiver’s Own Page

Make sure responders and trusted helpers know that someone depends on you and who should step in if you are suddenly unavailable.

The caregiver’s own emergency health details
Who to call to take over care
Immediate medicines, meals, safety, and routine needs
Pet care, veterinarian, and emergency backup

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: This page contains private information about both the caregiver and the person receiving support. Store it securely.

5 free tools

Medical information & appointments

Clear records for medicines, health history, changing symptoms, and medical visits.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Medication and Allergy List

Free printable · 2 pages

Medication & Allergy List

Keep prescriptions, as-needed medicines, supplements, allergies, and recent changes together for appointments and pharmacy visits.

Allergies and the reactions they cause
Current medicines, doses, schedules, and prescribers
As-needed medicines and exact use instructions
Supplements, recently stopped medicines, and care-team notes

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: A completed list contains private health information. Store it securely and bring an updated copy to visits.

Free printable · 2 pages

Medical History Summary

Gather diagnoses, procedures, hospital stays, devices, vaccinations, sensory needs, and family history for new clinicians and backup caregivers.

Current diagnoses and treating doctors
Surgeries, procedures, hospital stays, and ER visits
Implanted devices and device-card locations
Vaccinations, vision, hearing, dental, and family history

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A records note: Copy from medical records or the patient portal when possible. Leave a blank or write “unsure” rather than guessing.

Preview of the two-page landscape Lighthouse Daily Care Log and Symptom Tracker

Free printable · 2 pages

Daily Care Log / Symptom Tracker

Track sleep, mood, pain, bowel and bladder changes, falls, requested vital signs, and notes so patterns are easier to explain.

Usual baseline at the top of the log
One line per day for sleep, mood, pain, and toileting
Falls and vital signs requested by the care team
Notes showing what changed and when it began

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A medical note: Track vital signs only when the care team asks. Report concerning changes and call 911 for emergency symptoms.

Free printable · 1 page

Doctor Visit Prep Sheet

Walk into the appointment with the most important changes, questions, and next steps gathered in one place.

Your top three questions or concerns
Changes in memory, mood, sleep, appetite, falls, pain, and more
Medicine changes, side effects, and refills
Visit notes, follow-up tasks, and the next appointment

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: A completed sheet may contain sensitive health information. Store it securely and share it only with people you choose.

Free printable · 2 pages

Appointment Log

Keep upcoming appointments, preparation details, transportation, visit outcomes, medicine changes, tests, and follow-up together.

Upcoming dates, locations, purposes, and transportation
What to bring or prepare before each visit
Visit findings, medicine changes, and tests
Follow-up dates, next questions, and after-visit summaries

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A records note: Ask for the after-visit summary and update the Medication & Allergy List whenever medicines change.

3 free tools

Documents, bills & benefits

Simple locators for important papers, recurring responsibilities, and sources of support.

4 free tools

Daily routines & shared help

Practical handoffs for meals, mobility, routines, and the people sharing the work.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Backup Caregiver Handoff and Daily Routine printable

Free printable · 2 pages

Backup Caregiver Handoff & Daily Routine

Help a backup caregiver step in with the rhythms, preferences, contacts, and calming strategies that make the day go more smoothly.

Daily routine, medicines, meals, activities, and rest
Mobility, personal-care, and toileting needs
Communication tips, triggers, and what brings comfort
Emergency contacts and “things I wish you knew”

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: This handoff may contain sensitive health and personal information. Store it securely and share it only with people helping with care.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Meals and Hydration printable

Free printable · 2 pages

Meals & Hydration

Give helpers a clear guide to food safety, eating support, the usual meal schedule, hydration needs, and changes to report.

Food allergies, intolerances, and prescribed diet orders
Favorite foods, foods to avoid, and eating support
Usual meals, snacks, hydration goals, and helpful tips
A daily food-and-drink log with warning signs

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A privacy note: A completed sheet may contain private health information. Store it securely and follow the current care plan.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Mobility and Personal Care printable

Free printable · 2 pages

Mobility & Personal Care

Share how to assist safely with walking, transfers, falls, daily personal care, devices, and changes that need attention.

Walking support, aids, and weight-bearing instructions
Transfer steps, equipment, and fall precautions
Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and skin care
Sensory devices, communication tips, and warning signs

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A safety note: Follow the current care plan or therapist’s instructions. Do not attempt a lift or transfer unless trained.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Helper Schedule caregiver printable

Free printable · 2 pages

Helper Schedule: Who’s Doing What

Show who covers each part of the week, who handles rides and errands, which offers of help are available, and whom to call as backup.

Morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight coverage
Appointment rides, pharmacy pickups, groceries, and errands
Specific offers of help and the best time to ask
Backup contacts, respite, agencies, and handoff locations

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A planning note: Confirm each assignment with the helper and keep the backup plan current when schedules change.

4 free tools

Who the person is

Person-centered pages that preserve preferences, comfort, dignity, and life story.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Comforts or Calms caregiver printable

Free printable · 2 pages

What Comforts or Calms the Person I Support

Share the music, foods, objects, activities, people, sensory comforts, words, routines, and memories that help the person feel at ease.

Favorite music, foods, drinks, activities, people, and places
Comfort objects and where they are kept
Sensory preferences, reassuring approaches, and welcomed touch
Best times of day, settling routines, laughter, and familiar joys

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A person-centered note: Preferences can change. Watch for what the person welcomes today and update the sheet when something no longer helps.

Free printable · 2 pages

Things I Wish You Knew

Write the personal details a substitute caregiver needs to understand the person, protect their dignity, and know what matters when you are away.

Who the person is and what helpers should know first
Small details that make a large difference
What is normal, what they can still do, and how they show needs
Dignity, privacy, caregiver worries, and whom to call

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A dignity note: Write in your own voice, center the person’s abilities, and share only with people involved in their care.

Free printable · 2 pages

Care Preferences

Record what matters to the person about comfort, privacy, personal care, culture, routines, visitors, hospital stays, and daily quality of life.

Health care agent and legal-document locations
What matters most in the person’s own words
Personal care, dignity, preferred care setting, and visitors
Faith, culture, food, routines, hospital comfort, and things to avoid

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A legal note: This is not a legal or medical-order document and does not replace an advance directive, POLST or MOLST, power of attorney, or DNR.

Preview of the two-page Lighthouse Personal History and Memory Book printable

Free printable · 2 pages

Personal History / Memory Book

Create a life-story snapshot that helps family, friends, and caregivers connect through memories, interests, people, places, traditions, and accomplishments.

Preferred name, nicknames, hometown, and family
Work, accomplishments, military service, and spiritual life
Hobbies, talents, travels, traditions, music, and culture
Favorite stories, joyful topics, gentle prompts, and sensitive topics

Download the free PDF Learn more

US Letter · Color or grayscale · Fill in by hand

A connection note: Use these memories to invite conversation, not to test recall. If the person tells the story differently, follow their lead.

2 free tools

Home, safety & supplies

Information helpers may need to keep the home safer and essential equipment ready.

Use with care

Helpful organization, not professional advice.

These tools support personal organization. They do not replace medical, legal, financial, or emergency advice, official advance-directive documents, or instructions from qualified professionals.

Update completed copies whenever information changes.
Follow your care team’s instructions.
Call emergency services when immediate help is needed.

One page at a time

Build the binder that fits your family.

You do not have to complete all 25 printables at once. Begin with the emergency pages, then add the medical, routine, document, and person-centered guides that make life easier for your circle of care.