Happy Monday! If you're like me, you can't wait for tomorrow's Amazon Prime day. My philosophy is that no one should ever have to pay full price, whether you're buying jean shorts (on my list) or healthcare essentials.

In that spirit, I've compiled WNTU's Essential Caregiver's Checklist: 50 Items You Need to Get Started*, all available on Amazon. Stepping into the realities of caregiving is like stepping into a new world — one I had absolutely no idea about 15 years ago. I've also documented the top 10 things I wish I knew before becoming a caregiver on this week's WNTU podcast, so give it a listen and be sure to share with caregivers in your life.

Back to the caregiving checklist. Just four months after Bryan was diagnosed and started his first round of chemotherapy and radiation, our lives went from completely normal to one where medication organizers, pill cutters, radiation balms, grippy socks, and shower chairs reigned supreme.

My 80 year-old grandparents lent Bryan their extra walkers and wheelchair after radiation took his ability to walk, and a bedside urinal was his "bathroom"... one that I had to dump and wash every day. To this day, he laments about having to actually walk to the bathroom every night instead of just peeing bedside. Living the dream, I know.

The thing is, it doesn't matter if you're caring for a partner with a chronic illness, an aging parent, or a child with special needs, you're going to need to be prepared.

My "caregiver essentials" list is carefully curated based on my life experience and countless conversations with fellow caregivers. I've broken down the toolkit into manageable categories, each designed to address a specific aspect of caregiving. Remember, while every item here can be valuable, your unique situation may call for different priorities. Use this list as a starting point, and feel free to adapt it to your specific needs.

Even if you're not a caregiver, I guarantee you know someone who is. Please share this list with them; it will show you're thinking about them and may inspire something they haven't thought of before.

If you received this from a friend, I truly hope it helps you and would love if you subscribed.

The Essential Caregiver's Checklist:

50 Items You Need to Get Started

1. Organization and Documentation

In the whirlwind of caregiving, staying organized is your secret weapon. These items will help you keep track of crucial information, appointments, and medications, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

1. Notebook or journal for medical notes 

2. Filing system for medical documents

3. Medication organizer

4. Dry erase calendar for scheduling

5. Label maker for organizing supplies

When Bryan was diagnosed, every single one of these things was a lifesaver. We also got a bright orange velcro binder (we still have it) with clear business card sleeves for all the doctors/specialists we were seeing, and added loose leaf notebook paper to take notes on every single doctor's visit, left space to add questions I wanted to ask at future appointments, etc. Everything in this list will help you get and stay organized.

2. Personal Care

Maintaining dignity and comfort in personal care routines is essential. These products will help make daily hygiene tasks easier and more comfortable for both you and your loved one.

1. No-rinse body wash

2. Disposable rinse free bathing wipes

3. Bed wedge pillow

4. Slip-resistant socks

5. Bedside urinal for men and women

If you're caring for someone whose mobility is severely compromised, you're very quickly going to want to figure out how to bathe and clean them. No-rinse body wash wasn't a thing 15 years ago and my goodness, how I wish it was. Between those and bath wipes, you're covered. Also, slip resistant socks aren't just for the yoga or pilates set... they're a game changer when it comes to someone who's wobbly on their feet.

3. Mobility Aids

Enhancing mobility can significantly improve quality of life. These tools are designed to provide support, prevent falls, and increase independence.

1. Walker with a seat

2. Grabber reacher tool

3. Foldable cane with seat

4. Non-slip bath mat

5. Shower chair

Below are a few that we've used either in our house, out in the world, or when Bryan was at in-patient therapy at Cedars. He certainly didn't mind sitting in the shower chair while a beautiful, kind neuro oncology nurse washed him. :)

4. Comfort and Pain Management

Enhancing mobility can significantly improve quality of life. These tools are designed to provide support, prevent falls, and increase independence.

1. Heating pad

2. Ice pack wraps

3. Massage roller

4. Compression socks

5. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Below are a few favorites. We've used the heating pad and ice packs ad nauseam, and Bryan wears the compression socks on planes as some of his medication make him at higher risk for blood clots. If you're caring for someone who's elderly, consider arthritis cream to help their aching joints.

5. Nutrition & Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for health and recovery. These tools make it easier to meet dietary needs and manage medications.

1. Insulated water bottle with a straw

2. Easy-grip utensils

3. Non-slip placemats

4. Kate Farms Nutritional supplement drinks

5. Pill crusher and splitter

Below are a few examples. Kate Farms' chocolate protein drinks are Bryan's favorite. He has one every day, while other days he blends the vanilla flavor with extra protein powder, bananas, peanut butter and ice.

6. Safety & Fall Prevention

Creating a safe environment is a top priority. These items help reduce the risk of accidents and provide peace of mind.

1. Motion sensor night lights

2. Toilet safety rails

3. Bed rails

4. Anti-slip tape

5. Medical alert system

Below are a few examples and honestly, I wish we had some of these in the earliest days. I just didn't know any better and probably would have assumed that all of these were for "old" people. Reality check: Bryan and has been sicker than most "old people" we know, and the toilet and bed protector would have really made a difference as there have been times where his legs haven't been strong enough to get him out of bed without falling. Same goes for the bathroom. If any of these make you uncomfortable, I'd gently recommend you let any preciousness go and get the equipment that your loved one needs.

7. Infection Control

In today's world, protecting against infections is more important than ever. These products help maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

1. Hand sanitizer

2. Disposable gloves

3. Face masks

4. Disinfectant wipes

5. Touchless trash can

Whether you're the parent to young ones that bring home tons of germs, or have these leftover from the heavy days of Covid, preventing infections and illness in the home is a top priority for many of us. This is especially true for caregivers tasked with keeping an immunocompromised loved one safe. Here are a few favorites in our house:

8. Entertainment & Mental Stimulation

Caregiving isn't just about physical needs—mental well-being is equally important. These items provide engagement, entertainment, and cognitive stimulation.

1. Apple iPad

2. Adult coloring books and colored pencils

3. Playing cards and kids card games

4. Amazon Echo

5. Amazon Kindle

Having a tablet was a Godsend when Bryan couldn't get out of bed. Same goes for playing cards when he was in the hospital. To this day, we keep playing cards in our bags whenever we go... really anywhere. Tessa's in on the action as well, beating us every chance she gets.

9. Caregiver Self-Care

Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. These self-care items are essential for maintaining your own well-being as you care for others.

1. Stress relief tea

2. Aromatherapy candles

3. Self-care journal 

4. Massage gun

5. Sleep mask

I regularly use all of these, including these lavender epsom bath salts my best friend gave to me in a "caregiver care package." I'd never used them before and they really help take the aches and pains out of your stressed out body (the massage gun gets whatever's left over). Finally, these silk sleep masks go everywhere with us. Bryan, Tessa and I sleep with them every night and I can't tell you how many people I've gifted them to, who now swear by them for a good night's sleep.

10. Miscellaneous Items That Also Help

These additional items cover a range of needs that can arise in various caregiving situations, as well as emergency situations overall.

1. Portable phone charger

2. Flashlight

3. First aid kit

4. Potty pads

5. Waterproof mattress protector

Do yourself a favor: Don't ever buy "human" potty pads. They're way too expensive and the EXACT SAME THING as pet potty pads.

*WNTU earns a small commission on each Amazon purchase made. Thank you so much for your support!