You know what to expect when searching for resources (from Episode 16). Now, how do you actually find them?

In this episode, I walk you through a step-by-step guide: search strategies that work, 12 key resource types to look for, bonus methods (Facebook groups, YouTube, nonprofits), and how to evaluate whether a resource is a good fit.

You'll also learn: How to search • What to look for on websites and reviews • What questions to ask when you call • How to visit facilities in person • Practical next steps once you find options.

Key Takeaway: Pick 2-3 resource types this week and search for them in your area. Start building your own local resource list.

This episode gives you the tools to find help one step at a time.

Finding caregiving resources sounds straightforward, but it's actually one of the most frustrating parts of caregiving.

In this episode, I share how I first learned about resources (through hospital social workers during discharge), the challenges I faced, and what I wish someone had told me upfront.

The 6 challenges I faced:

• Not understanding each resource individually
• Getting situational resources, not holistic guidance
• Assuming the provided resources are "the best."
• Not knowing how to evaluate or choose
• The gap between qualified and compassionate care
• The emotional toll of seeking outside help.

You'll learn: What to expect when searching for resources:

• Why "being provided resources" doesn't mean you're set
• How to prepare emotionally and practically
• Why you need to do your own due diligence

Key Takeaway: Before you start searching, clarify what you actually need. Use the vocabulary from Episode 14 when talking to professionals.

This episode isn't meant to scare you; it's intended to equip you.

How do you know when your loved one needs help?

It's rarely one dramatic moment. More often, it's a series of small changes you notice over time—a hesitation where there used to be confidence, a struggle with something that used to be easy, a shift in who they are.

In this episode, I share my experience recognizing when my parents needed help across different seasons of caregiving. From my dad's stroke when I was young to the slower decline that came with aging, I walk through what it looked like to notice need—and how to tell the difference between normal aging and signs that warrant attention.

What You'll Learn:

• Why there's rarely just one moment when you realize someone needs help
• How to recognize changes against their baseline (not a generic standard)
• The three types of help to watch for: medical, daily living, and safety support
• Signs to look for: physical changes, cognitive shifts, daily living struggles, safety concerns, and emotional withdrawal
• What to do when you notice something (document, talk to their doctor, start conversations, research options)
• Why recognizing need isn't failure—it's love