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The FMLA & Workplace Leave Toolkit

For HR Teams

Most Popular

When an employee's parent has a medical crisis, you have about 5 minutes to get it right. This toolkit gives you everything you need in that moment: the Day 1 script, five email templates, and a printable employee one-pager. Built by an HR leave specialist who's been on both sides of this conversation.

đź“ť The Day 1 HR Script

Word-for-word guidance including what NOT to say and a same-day checklist.

📧 Five Email Templates

Ready to customize for designation, manager notification, check-in, return prep, and compassionate denial.

đź“„ The Employee One-Pager

Print and hand over with FMLA paperwork. Written for someone whose brain is offline.

Get the Toolkit — $39

Instant download. No account required. Not legal advice.

Free Resources for Adult Children in Crisis

You don't need to figure everything out. Just start here. These free tools are designed to give you structure and clarity when your brain is offline and panic is taking over.

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The First 72 Hours

A clear, step-by-step checklist of what to do right now. When your brain is offline and panic is taking over, this gives you exactly what to do—no decisions, no guessing.

View Checklist
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Scripts & Language

What to say when you don't know what to say. Ready-to-use words for conversations that feel impossible.

Read Scripts
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Practical Guides

Guides on paperwork, communication, decisions, and the logistics nobody tells you about.

Explore Guides

Everything here is free. There's no paywall. No "get more" upsell hiding behind these resources. You have everything you need to start right now.

You're not alone in this. Let's help you navigate it clearly.

External Resources & Support

These are vetted organizations and resources that handle the specialized areas you'll need—medical info, legal help, financial guidance, crisis support, and workplace rights. Use them alongside Parent Down.

You don't have to know everything. These people do. That's what they're here for.

Crisis Support

  • National Hospice & Palliative Care:
    nhpco.org
    Information about end-of-life care and comfort-focused decisions.
  • Crisis Text Line:
    Text HOME to 741741
    For when you're overwhelmed and need to talk to someone.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
    nami.org
    Caregiver support groups and mental health resources.

Medical Information

  • Medline Plus:
    medlineplus.gov
    Clear, plain-language medical information from the National Library of Medicine.
  • Mayo Clinic:
    mayoclinic.org
    Trusted patient education and condition guides.
  • Patient Advocate Foundation:
    patientadvocate.org
    Help navigating insurance, financial, and medical issues.

Legal & Financial

  • Legal Aid:
    lawhelp.org
    Free or low-cost legal help in your state.
  • Family Caregiver Alliance:
    caregiver.org
    Practical guides on finances, legal documents, and caregiver support.
  • Benefits.gov:
    benefits.gov
    Check if your parent qualifies for Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs.

Caregiver Support

  • The Caregiver Action Network:
    caregiveraction.org
    Resources, support groups, and practical advice for caregivers.
  • AARP Caregiving:
    aarp.org/caregiving
    Guides and tools for managing caregiving responsibilities.
  • Grief Support:
    Check with local hospitals and hospices for grief counseling and support groups.

Workplace & HR Resources

  • U.S. Department of Labor - FMLA:
    dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
    Official Family and Medical Leave Act information and employer requirements.
  • State Leave Laws (Find Yours):
    shrm.org - State Leave Laws
    Comprehensive guide to paid and unpaid leave options by state.
  • Disability.gov:
    disability.gov
    Information on benefits, accommodations, and state resources.

Important Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988 (call or text, available 24/7)

For you or anyone struggling emotionally during this crisis.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 (24/7)

If crisis care includes unsafe family dynamics.

Medicare Helpline

1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)

Questions about coverage, bills, or benefits.

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222 (24/7)

For accidental medication or substance issues.