Sound familiar?
Somehow, it always
falls to a Jeanie.
Forty years later, Ferris Bueller’s sister Jeanie is still the responsible sibling.
Only now, she isn’t chasing Ferris around Chicago. She’s keeping track of Mom and Dad’s appointments. Picking up prescriptions. Handling groceries. Checking in. Fixing whatever needs fixing. And wondering why her brother always seems to be somewhere else.
For a lot of families, that dynamic is very real. One person gradually becomes the one everyone counts on.
“Because if I stop, nothing gets done.”
A Giving Tuesday opportunity
Nominate a Jeanie.
Every family has one–the person who remembers the appointments. Picks up what Mom needs. Checks in with Dad. And somehow still shows up for everyone else.
This Giving Tuesday, nominate the “Jeanie” in your life for a chance to win one of several prizes designed to help them take a little time back for herself.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. See official rules for entry periods, eligibility, and prize details.
in partnership with hilarity for charity
Meet a real Jeanie.
Brett's mother needed more care than he could give on his own. A Hilarity for Charity Caregiver Respite Grant helped bring in support at home—giving him a little of his life back. Caregiving isn't about who you are in the family. It's about who shows up. Brett's story is proof it can be anyone.
The holidays have a way of making everything—and everyone’s role in the family—a little easier to see.
Helping your parents doesn’t have to mean taking everything on yourself.
Sometimes it happens so gradually, you don’t realize how much you’re doing. Does any of the following sound familiar?
- You’re the person everyone calls when something happens.
- You’re checking in more often to make sure everything is okay.
- Work, kids and your parents’ needs are competing for your time.
- You’re managing appointments, prescriptions or paperwork.
- Family members want to help, but you’re still coordinating everything.
- You’re starting to wonder how long you can keep doing all of it.
- You’re doing more of the grocery shopping, cooking, or errands.
- Your visits increasingly revolve around things that need to get done.
It doesn’t have to be you. At least, not all of it.
Every family is different. Home Instead starts by learning about yours—what Mom or Dad needs, what they want to keep doing, where you could use support and what matters most to everyone involved.
Home Instead has more than 30 years of experience helping older adults. Your local Home Instead team can listen, answer your questions and help you understand what support could look like.
You don’t need to know exactly what kind of care your family needs before reaching out.
Holidays bring everyday routines into focus
A little time together can help you see what’s changed.
You don’t have to carry everything. What could you take off your list?
Home Instead can create a personalized care plan around what would make everyday life easier for your parent/loved one–and for you.
Meals & everyday tasks
Meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and help with daily routines.
Personal care
Support with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
Short-term support
Help after a hospital stay or surgery, or respite care when you need time to recharge.
Getting around
Transportation to appointments, activities, shopping and other places Mom or Dad needs to go.
Companionship
Conversation, connection and time spent doing more of what they enjoy.
More complex needs
Personalized support for memory loss, chronic conditions, or more complex care needs, including 24-hour care.
Trusted by families across the country
Libby S.
My aunt didn't want to leave her home and Ann made it possible for her to remain safely in her home until her passing. Ann is a beautiful soul...and brought so much joy to my aunt's final year.
Mary D.
Our caregiver, Elizabeth, has transformed my mother-in-law. She is happier. She calls Elizabeth her 'bestie.' They are good friends, and she looks forward to her arrival every time.
Brittney T.
Bryanna, his caregiver, has been amazing at helping my dad adapt to using different assistive devices and making his apartment more of a safe environment to get around. Our family is so grateful for her.
Wendy W.
I cannot begin to tell you how much Home Instead has changed our lives. Glenn, ANNA, and Mandy, have become like family. My husband is doing better because we have a strong support system within Home Instead.
Carie S.
They selected Safia, who quickly won the heart of my mom. She was very kind, attentive, and enabled my mom to do activities she was unable to do on her own.
Christy C.
Paula, Tessa, Carrie, and Shane allowed us to keep my dad at home for his last two years. I will forever be grateful to them for that.
Heidi Z.
Home Instead...helped us have mom home with us longer. The care she received was outstanding. The one on one attention, and the care to get to know who she is and was, showed in how much mom loved the care she received.
Bill P.
She helps her perform various tasks...that give her a sense of accomplishment and independence. She has become a trusted friend to our family.
Sra E.
Maria...showed patience, compassion and experience in managing a difficult situation with our sister...at the second meeting developed a rapport with her and set up a daily plan which is currently in place.
John S.
We recently enlisted the services of Home Instead for in home care support after my wife had knee replacement surgery...Home Instead could not have matched us with a more compassionate, intuitive, professional worker.
Whatever you notice, you don’t have to figure it all out over holiday dinner.
Start the conversation
Talking about changing needs isn’t always easy. Find questions and conversation starters to help you listen, understand what Mom or Dad wants, and begin planning together.
Notice the signs for support at home
Changes in routines, the home or everyday activities can be signs that more support could help. Learn what to look for—and what you can do next.
Explore the options
From a little help with everyday routines to more ongoing care, learn about home care options and how to find support that fits your family.
Find a Home Instead office near you
Find the location nearest you and request your free, no-obligation consultation.
Not sure if it’s time for home care? Start here:
There isn’t one moment when a family suddenly “needs” home care. It may be worth exploring when everyday tasks are becoming more difficult, you’re providing more help than you used to, or your family could simply benefit from an extra set of hands.
Yes. Home care doesn’t have to begin with significant care needs. Some families start with help around the house, transportation, meals or companionship and adjust support as needs change.
Depending on individual needs and locally available services, Care Pros can assist with personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, companionship, mobility support and everyday routines.
Yes. Respite care can provide support while a family caregiver works, travels, manages other responsibilities or simply takes time to recharge.
Starting the conversation doesn’t mean committing to care. A local Home Instead team can help you understand available options so your family can discuss what might make life easier now and as needs change.
Schedules depend on individual needs and services available through the local Home Instead office. Support may range from occasional care visits to 24-hour home care.
Costs vary based on location, the type of support needed and the care schedule. Your local Home Instead team can talk through your needs and explain available options and pricing.
Enter your ZIP code to connect with a local Home Instead office and learn about services available in your area.
A “Jeanie” is the person in the family who always seems to show up—the one checking in, keeping track and making sure things get done. This Giving Tuesday, we’re inviting you to nominate the “Jeanie” in your life for a chance to win several prizes designed to give someone who gives so much of their time a little time back.