An older parent plans help with family and a friend.

This month’s care budget

Care costs add up in small pieces: a copay here, a ride there, a refill that wasn’t covered.

One page. Fill it in on screen, or print it.

How to use it

Write down this month’s care costs on one page, even the small ones.
The sheet puts the money set aside for care next to this month’s costs: paid help, medicines and supplies, rides and extra meals.
The last line shows what’s still needed.
Fill it in with your parent, or with whoever handles their money.

Working out what care will cost each month

Paid care has to fit beside rent, food, and the bills your parent already pays. With your parent or the person allowed to handle their money, gather bills, income records, and written prices, then find what is left for added care.

Add up the money available: what your parent has left after usual bills, help others agreed to pay, and approved help not already counted. Then add the care costs: paid care, rides, medicines and supplies, and extra meals. Write $0 for none, mark guesses, and count each bill only once.

If more is needed, check what health insurance or help programs may pay, and ask about lower-cost help. In the U.S., the local office for older adults can help: call 800-677-1116. Do not count help that has not been approved, and you do not have to promise money you cannot spare.

More sheets you can print

Care costs and receiptsWhen family members chip in, small care costs can turn into big misunderstandings.Bills to check and payIf your parent wants help with bills, or you have the legal right to help, one list makes it much harder for a bill to slip through.Where the papers areList where care papers are kept and who may get them.