Your Long-Term Care Planning Worksheet
Carroll Golden - Retirement Strategist
Planning Ahead: A Simple First Step Toward Future Care
Talking about long-term care isn’t easy. For many people, just hearing the phrase brings up discomfort, fear, or the feeling that “it’s too soon” to think about that.
But here’s what we’ve learned after working with hundreds of families:
Waiting doesn’t make it easier.
Planning does.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, thoughtful worksheet to help you start the conversation—with yourself, with your loved ones, and when you’re ready, with your advisor.
What This Worksheet Helps You Do
This isn’t a form to fill out for us.
It’s a space for you to reflect on questions like:
Who would you want helping with decisions if your health changed suddenly?
What does quality of life mean to you in your later years?
How would you want to receive care—and where?
Are your preferences known, documented, and funded?
The worksheet also includes a few practical checklists—because preparing for care isn’t just emotional. It’s financial, medical, and relational.
Who Should Use This?
Anyone who’s thinking ahead—no matter your age or health status.
It’s especially helpful if:
You’re caring for a loved one and starting to think, “What about me someday?”
You’re updating your estate plan or retirement strategy
You want your family to feel informed—not overwhelmed—if something changes
How to Use It
You can complete it in one sitting or take your time. Some clients review it with a spouse, a friend, or an adult child. Others prefer to walk through it with us during a planning meeting.
No pressure. Just progress.
The goal isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to start asking the right questions while you still have the clarity and calm to answer them well.
Download Your Free Worksheet
Click here to download the Long-Term Care Planning Worksheet
(Printable, fillable, and judgment-free.) See worksheet below for easy access
You deserve a care plan that reflects your wishes—not someone else’s best guess in a stressful moment. This is how you start building that plan—on your terms.
If you have questions or want to talk through your answers, we’re here when you’re ready.
Questions to Start Your Long-Term Care Planning
Long-term care planning isn’t just about money—it’s about choices, dignity, and peace of mind. Use this worksheet to start meaningful conversations with your family, loved ones, and financial advisor.
1. Your Vision for Care
☐ If your health changed tomorrow, who would you want involved in decisions about your care?
☐ What does 'quality of life' mean to you in later years?
☐ Would you prefer to age at home, in a community setting, or with family?
☐ What types of daily activities would you want help with—if needed?
2. Financial Preparation
☐ Have you estimated how much long-term care could cost in your area?
☐ Do you have savings, insurance, or other resources allocated for potential care needs?
☐ Have you spoken to a financial professional about options like long-term care insurance or hybrid policies?
3. Legal & Medical Decisions
☐ Do you have a healthcare proxy or power of attorney in place?
☐ Have you completed an advance healthcare directive or living will?
☐ Does your family know your preferences for care in the event of serious illness or incapacity?
4. Support System
☐ Who do you trust to advocate for you, if needed?
☐ Have you talked to them about your wishes and expectations?
☐ Are there resources (support groups, home care providers, specialists) you’d like to explore together?
5. Your Next Steps
☐ What is one conversation you can initiate this week about your future care?
☐ Which part of this worksheet felt hardest to answer—and why?
☐ Would you like help reviewing or formalizing your plan with an advisor?
📘 This blog builds on themes from my book, Leading in a New Retirement Era: How to Lead, Adapt, and Win in an AI-Driven World. It’s not about creating a one-size-fits-all retirement—it’s about understanding your influences, your finances, and your future so your plan is truly yours.
Disclaimer: This material does not constitute tax, legal, investment, or accounting advice and is not intended for use by a taxpayer for the purposes of avoiding any IRS penalty. Comments on taxation are based on tax law current as of the time this article was produced.
