Question 1

Who are Golden Agreements for?

Accepted Answer

Golden Agreements are for everyone who plans to move into the aging process with the support of the family and friends who love them.

Question 2

Do I need Golden Agreements if I already have a Living Will and/or Trust?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Living Wills and Trust documents address many layers of issues that require legal compliance to terms and agreements.  Golden Agreements address the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of aging within the family and friends "unit".  The Agreements introduces the conversations that go beyond the legal and documents and creates video specific to the intentions and desires that went into the legal agreements as well as many other issues that are central to a supportive aging process.  
For example, a Living Will will designate a financial Power of Attorney that the designee feels reluctant to use.  Golden Agreements will address when would a Golden Client be willing to add the financial Power of Attorney to their accounts and what expectations are there within the family unit for the person given this responsibility to communicate back to the family once they step in.

Question 3

Who initiates the Golden Agreement Service?

Accepted Answer

The initiation of Golden Agreements can be the Golden Client—but also can be their family members and friends. This mission of Golden Agreements is to create a collaborative approach, essential for creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels heard and respected.
Those who care for the aging loved one can initiate the process to help build the future they envision participating in through meaningful and compassionate conversations. By engaging all stakeholders, Golden Agreements offer a structured roadmap that helps acknowledge the needs and desires of the aging person while fostering open dialogue among family members and friends.

Question 4

What if the Golden Client doesn't have the capacity, or I'm not sure of their capacity, to meaningfully participate in the process.

Accepted Answer

In situations where the aging loved one may not have the capacity to participate, concerned family members can still initiate Golden Agreements. This ensures that their values and wishes are honored, allowing for a peaceful and loving aging process that embraces the input and support of everyone involved. Together, through Golden Agreements, families can build a future that promotes well-being and independence, while also easing life’s transitions.
In rare situations, Golden Agreements has a psychiatrist consultant who can provide professional guidance for assessing capacity for legal reasons.

Question 5

Are Golden Agreements legally binding contracts?

Accepted Answer

No, the Golden Agreements are the framework from which legally binding contracts can be built, if necessary.  Through the process, there will be decisions made that are best codified through legal documents and necessary information to be included in those documents will be part of the final package of Golden Agreements.  A good example is the Healthcare Power of Attorney.  The decision for who will have that power, and what responsibilities come with that designation may be done with Golden Agreements.  That information requires signed documentation to become legally effective.
Many of the Agreements focus on intentions and wishes of the Golden Client and a safe environment to discuss the expectations of those who love them and the impact it will have on those who will be a supporter of those visions.
For example, we will cover the terms and conditions under which the Golden Client is willing to stop driving (aka Give Up The Keys).  As a supportive and understanding community, the group will define and pre-establish an agreement that will be codified in the Golden Agreements and supported with video to help the Golden Client live up to the agreements.

Question 6

How do Golden Agreements save money?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there are too many examples of how discord among familly members leads to costly resolutions,  Everything including hiring the wrong support, family arguments, litigation, and elder abuse can arise from the lack of planning for the aging process.  Many of these issues can be avoided by having the written and video statements from the aging parent or friend to be used as guidelines in future decision making.
It also saves potentially massive expenses that can occur when dangerous conditions are not avoided; such as driving beyond safety and hospital bills from the wrong service providers.

Question 7

Does Golden Agreements need to view private information, such as Trust documents, to provide the Golden Agreements service?

Accepted Answer

Families retain full control over personal documents and they are not required to be shared with Golden Agreements.
If requested to do so, Golden Agreements will review provided documents related to the scope of services of Golden Agreements within the Aging Blueprint package.  The main goal would be to inform those mentioned in the documents, educate the meaning of those places where the person is identified, and create group agreements to support the future role of the identified person(s).  All original documents will simply be reviewed but not retained by Golden Agreements for alignment with the conversations. Golden Agreement faciliators are not providing legal advice in the meetings.

Individualized Plans: Collaboratively developed roadmaps created with family and loved ones, centered entirely on the "Golden Client’s" wishes.

Professional Outreach: Formal letters that clearly explain your family’s agreements to doctors, lawyers, and other aging professionals.

Legacy Recordings: Audio and video documentation of specific wishes, ensuring a voice for "Substituted Judgment" if a loved one can no longer speak for themselves.

Golden Agreements Consultation

Golden Agreements On Your Own

Legacy Vault

Frequently asked questions