As caregivers, most of our “life hacks” are just ways to keep the day from falling apart.

I kept a small command center—one binder or folder plus a wall calendar—with meds, appointments, insurance info, emergency contacts, and a running notes page. If someone else has to step in, they can find everything in one place. I learned that hack from someone else and used some from my teacher days.

Medications were labeled and sorted the same way every week. I use a pill organizer, color-coded bottles or stickers for morning vs. evening, and a master list on my phone (plus a printed copy). I used phone alarms in the classroom and used them as a caregiver. Reminders with Siri and Alexa meant I didn’t have to keep it all in my head. Alexa was great for that.

Predictability and routines were paramount for calmer days. My parents were already on a routine before I started caring for them. I didn’t change it if I could help it.

I used a phone cord to tether the remote so it wouldn’t get misplaced. I tethered my phone and always had my watch charged and on my wrist.

The hack I learned the hard way was self-care. I used to treat it like extra credit—finish everyone else’s list first, then maybe sit down. That only works until it doesn’t.

What helped was making self-care as ordinary as the pill organizer:

• Eat something before the next crisis, not after.

• Sit down on purpose, even if it’s ten minutes.

• Keep one appointment that is actually yours.

• Ask for a hand before you are running on empty.

• Let the house be good enough some days.

The binder, the alarms, and the tethered remote keep the day standing. Self-care is what keeps you standing with it.

If this helps, share it with another caregiver who is holding a lot right now.

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