Aging: A Family Process
It’s Never Too Early: Planning for Life and Health Crises Before They Happen
When we think about planning for life’s big events, we often focus on joyful milestones—graduations, weddings, new jobs, planning for babies, retirement. But some of the most important planning we can do involves preparing for the unexpected—especially when it comes to health and wellbeing for ourselves and the people we love.
At Golden Agreements, we believe in empowerment through preparation. Whether you're 18 or 75, taking time to create a clear plan for your health and personal affairs is one of the most loving and responsible gifts you can give your future self—and those who care about you.
Why Planning Early Matters
Emergencies don't follow a schedule. Accidents, sudden illnesses, or other life-changing events can happen at any age. In these moments, decision-making often falls to loved ones who may already be overwhelmed with emotion, confusion, or urgency.
Once children turn 18, parental rights are no longer valid in the same way. Having the right legal and medical documents in place ahead of time lifts a huge burden. It allows your voice to be heard, even when you can't speak for yourself, and ensures that your values and preferences are respected.
Essential Documents Everyone Should Have
1. Advance Healthcare Directive (or Living Will)
An advance directive lets you outline your preferences for medical treatment if you're unable to make decisions for yourself. This includes your wishes regarding resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, organ donation, and more.
Why it matters:
Without a directive, your loved ones may be forced to guess—or worse, disagree—about what care you would want. With one in place, your healthcare team has clear guidance and your family has peace of mind.
2. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
This document allows you to appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. Often paired with the advance directive, it ensures someone who knows you and your values is legally empowered to speak for you.
Pro Tip: Choose someone you trust implicitly and talk openly with them about your wishes before a crisis arises.
3. Durable Financial Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney authorizes someone to manage your finances if you’re unable to. This includes paying bills, handling insurance, and managing investments or property.
Why it matters:
Health crises can disrupt every part of life—not just your body, but your bank account too. Having this document ready ensures your affairs stay in order while you recover (or while someone else manages them on your behalf).
4. HIPAA Release Form
Even family members can be denied access to your medical information without your written permission. A HIPAA release form allows your chosen individuals to speak with your doctors and access important health information.
Consider: Without this, even your spouse or adult child may be left in the dark about your condition or care.
5. Emergency Contacts and Medical Info Sheet
Keep a one-page summary that includes your emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, medications, and primary care providers. Store it in your wallet, phone, and with your healthcare proxy. For easy access, we recommend you keep it as a share note on your phone with close family members most likely to get a call from an emergency responder.
Quick Tip: Emergency responders often check for this kind of information first—it can save time and lives.
Who Needs These Documents?
Everyone.
Seriously—everyone. Whether you're a college student heading off to campus, a new parent, a caregiver, or a retiree, these documents are for you. Age doesn’t determine vulnerability, and crisis planning isn't just for the elderly—it's for the wise.
Talk Now, So You Don’t Have to Guess Later
Creating these documents isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about conversations. Talk to your loved ones about what matters to you. Ask them about their wishes too. Planning together creates clarity, relieves anxiety, and builds trust.
At Golden Agreements, we guide individuals and families through this process with compassion and clarity. We believe planning ahead doesn't take away from living in the moment—it enhances it, knowing you're secure no matter what comes your way.
Start Today
If you don’t have these documents in place, start now. Talk to your family, consult an attorney or healthcare provider, and take that first step toward peace of mind. There are several online services where you can instantly fill and download the forms. Here are two we trust.
https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com
And if you do have them—review them regularly. Life changes, and your documents should reflect your current wishes.
Golden Agreements is here to support your planning journey. Because the most golden gift you can give your loved ones isn’t just your presence—it’s your preparation.
Explore our resources at www.goldenagreements.com and start your plan today.