Use this checklist before making a decision

Identify isolation risks, rebuild regular contact, find accessible community activities, and connect social needs with health and transportation support. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • List current contacts, frequency, transportation, accessibility, and barriers.
  • Schedule recurring calls, visits, meals, classes, faith activities, volunteering, or support groups.
  • Ask the Area Agency on Aging or 211 about senior centers, friendly-caller programs, meals, transportation, and caregiver support.
  • Address hearing, vision, mobility, pain, depression, and digital barriers.
  • Create a check-in plan for severe weather and emergencies.
  • Seek professional help when isolation is accompanied by depression, substance use, self-neglect, or safety concerns.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Mental Health, Grief, Substance Use, and Crisis Help, Accessible Transportation and Medical Travel, Internet Access, Digital Skills, Privacy, and Cybersecurity.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.