Planning for the Unexpected: Why Every Family Needs a Senior Care Plan By: LaRita Booker-Carneal, Founder of Golden Rule Senior Support Services

The Wake-Up Call

We don’t like to think about it—our strong, independent parents needing care one day. It’s easy to put it off, to assume there’s time. Until there isn’t.

One fall.

One diagnosis.

One slow, quiet decline.

And suddenly, you’re juggling doctor appointments, medications, and financial decisions you never saw coming. You’re exhausted, scared, and trying to make the best choices in the middle of a crisis. I’ve been there. That’s why I believe every family needs a plan—before the unexpected becomes your new reality.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

When families have open conversations and a clear plan in place, they protect more than just finances. They preserve relationships, reduce guilt, and minimize chaos. A plan means:

• Less scrambling when an emergency happens

• Clear roles and responsibilities for siblings or other caregivers

• Peace of mind for your aging parent knowing their wishes are known and respected

• Better financial decisions made with clarity instead of panic

What Should Be in Your Plan?

Every family is different, but common areas to cover include:

• Healthcare preferences: Advance directives, power of attorney, and end-of-life wishes

• Living arrangements: Can they age in place? Will modifications be needed?

• Financial strategy: Insurance, long-term care, savings, and access to benefits

• Caregiver support: Who steps in? What outside help is needed? What happens when the caregiver needs care?

Start the Conversation Early

It’s not an easy talk. But waiting until a parent is no longer able to participate robs them of their voice and adds strain to an already painful situation.

Start with love. Start with curiosity. Ask:

“What do you want your later years to look like?” “What matters most to you if your health declines?”

You don’t need all the answers right away. Just start.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

At Golden Rule Senior Support Services, we help families navigate these decisions with support, empathy, and resources. Whether you’re preparing ahead or already in crisis, know that you're not alone.

It’s never too early—or too late—to honor the journey with a plan.

Let’s honor the journey, not just react to it.

Let’s plan—because love is proactive.