An older parent talks through some papers with an adult child.

Where the papers are

List where care papers are kept and who may get them.

Affiliate links: if you buy through them, Tiina may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Download the PDF

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

Sheet preview: Where the papers are

How to use it

  1. Find a folder or binder. Make four tabs: Health; Daily care; Money; Wishes.
  2. Put your private health page, medicine list, and doctor notes under Health, and plans for rides, meals, and helpers under Daily care.
  3. Add copies of both sides of insurance cards under Money, and copies of signed care forms under Wishes. Store originals safely, unless the care team asks you to bring one.
  4. Use this page to note where the papers are and who can get them. Check the folder after each visit and put the newest notes at the front.

One care folder, four sections

A care folder keeps facts close at hand when a doctor, lawyer, or helper needs them. First agree with your parent on who may see their care papers. A folder helps you find things; it does not give you the right to make their choices.

Label four tabs: Health, Daily care, Money, and Wishes. Health holds phone numbers, health details, the checked medicine list, and copies of visit notes. Daily care holds the plans for family jobs, meals, rides, and time away. Money holds copies of insurance cards, bills, and the budget. Wishes holds copies of signed care wishes, wills, powers of attorney, and any medical orders.

Keep signed originals somewhere safe, and use this sheet to record where each one is and who may get it. If a paper is missing, write “ask lawyer” or “ask clinic.” After a visit or a new card, file the new copy, date the changed sheet, and mark old copies “OLD.”

More sheets you can print

This month’s care budgetCare costs add up in small pieces: a copay here, a ride there, a refill that wasn’t covered.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.