Senior centers, places of worship, libraries, getting around without a license, safety basics, and keeping them busy while you work.
Parents often come to help, but long quiet days while you work can feel lonely. A little planning in the first week helps a lot.
Places to meet people
Senior centers: community centers for older adults with meals, exercise classes, games, trips and talks. Many are free or cheap. Find one with the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116.
Temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras: many have daytime programs, language groups and shared meals.
Public libraries: free, with books and films in many languages, newspapers, computer help and English conversation groups. Visitors can often get a card with proof of your address; rules differ by library.
Parks and walking trails: early morning walking groups are common.
Community and cultural associations from your home country.
Getting around without a driver's license
Public transit: under federal rules, transit systems that receive certain federal money offer reduced fares (often half price) to older people at least during off-peak hours. Ask your local transit agency what proof of age they need; a passport often works.
Uber and Lyft: set up the app on their phone with your payment card, or book rides for them from your app.
Walking: show them the safe route to nearby shops and crossings.
Most visitors may drive with their home license for a short time in many states, but rules differ, and insurance is a must. This differs by state; see In your state below.
Safety basics
1
Write your address, your phone number and 911 on a card they keep in their pocket.
2
Teach them how to call 911 and say "I need an ambulance" and your address.
3
Show them how to lock doors, use the stove, heater and smoke alarm.
4
Warn about scam calls: no real agency asks for money by phone or gift cards.
5
Share their location on the phone with you.
Daily comfort
Set up a phone plan or eSIM so they can call you and family at home.
Find the nearest grocery with food from home.
Plan one outing each weekend: a national or state park, a museum, a temple festival.
Give them a role: cooking, gardening, reading to grandchildren. Many parents like feeling useful.
Weather and health
Winters can be very cold and summers very hot. Buy proper coats or plan indoor days.
Keep their medicines organized and know the nearest urgent care.
Common mistakes
Leaving parents home alone all day with no phone plan.
Letting them accept paid babysitting or work for neighbors. It breaks visitor rules.