Where can I find tools or guides for the caregiver that addresses how to identify potential problems that may need medical attention?

Regarding when to seek medical attention. Since every situation and person is different, it is hard to generalize and have a check off list of when to consult medical care and when not to. YOu do after years of caregiving, learn to spot certain things but it still is hard to tell whether someone is having a stroke or heart attack when symptoms first start vs just not feeling well for something less serious. I think the same standards for elderly as to when to seek medical care apply as to everyone else, maybe more so, since a health problem will affect them more than a younger or healthier person. If the person is in pain, bleeding, obviously they need care also, acting differently, changes in eating, bowel, urination, has fallen, etc you should get them checked out.

Try

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniorshealth.html

you can search this site for info on specific symptoms, etc.

From my experience, it is important to find good doctors that will take time to respond and that your parent likes before a crisis arises. A doctor that will return phone calls and will work with the patient and family. Also preventive care, keeping them from becoming depressed, or sedentary, from becoming dehydrated, from not eating properly. Make sure they address health issues before they become worse, montitor side effects of medications. Watch for symptoms of urinary infections, vitamin B12 or D deficiencies and not having regular bowel movements because these problems can cause all kinds of problems in behavior and health. Get them regular dental care and keep their ears cleaned of wax. Make sure they are able to do things like bathing safely. The above are all things I never thought to monitor as my family member aged. Suddenly you have a health crisis and have to learn all the above the hard way.