You’ve come to the right place. Begin by downloading a couple free guides, such as the Master Checklist, Key People and Documents Worksheet, Personal Care Plan Worksheet and sitting down with your loved one. This will help them lay out their wishes and priorities. Next, download the Comprehensive Caregiving Checklist to keep yourself organized and focused. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed—these tools give you a clear starting point.

Having your legal documents is a strong foundation. The next step is ensuring everyone understands them. Read the chapter on family relationship dynamics and use the Family Care Meeting Guide and discuss Key Roles to bring loved ones into the conversation. Alignment is just as important as paperwork.

Download the Key People and Documents Worksheet. Create one central binder or digital file where everything is stored. Share access with your caregiver or executor so they aren’t left searching in a crisis. You can also order our complete binder.

Family conflict is common, especially around caregiving. I often help mediate these discussions. Using the Family Care Meeting Guide creates structure so emotions don’t derail important choices. In some cases, having a neutral advisor in the room makes all the difference.

Start small. Ask about their hopes, values, and what matters most. Sometimes leading with love and curiosity is more effective than legal documents. Gifting the book or binder is a passive way to show you care without having to lead the whole conversation.

Act quickly. Start with the guide on Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The sooner you document preferences, the more empowered they feel. Involve doctors and attorneys now, while your loved one can still participate. Tools like the Personal Care Plan Worksheet help guide these sensitive conversations. You’ll need additional resources beyond the scope of my work.

In the Army, I learned the value of preparation, strategy, and owning the outcome. Those same principles guide my planning approach today. Families deserve more than numbers and documents—they deserve clarity, direction, and peace of mind when it matters most.