Must do: Put it all on autopilot

Explore some of the apps and websites that can help you keep track of your caregiving duties.

You've got enough on your mind. Streamline your mental load.

From paying bills to cleaning gutters, routine tasks are easy enough to put off when it's your own household. When you're caring for someone else's, it's essential to put systems into place so they won't be overlooked.

Set up an electronic calendar.

It can be a great spot to keep track of everything in one spot. Make a list of necessary maintenance (search online for “home maintenance checklist” if you're not sure).

Start scheduling to-dos.

Plug in the dates that you want to be prompted to schedule that dryer vent cleaning, change the furnace air filter or bake some cookies for the neighbor who offered to shovel your mom’s sidewalk.

Incorporate financial tasks.

Put everything on the same calendar. As much as you can, set up automatic deposits, withdrawals and bill pays. Then note when those payments are expected to come or go.

And don't forget to make sure the accounts are all reflected in your master list of digital assets.