As women, we are often expected to fill multiple roles: that of loving mother, career woman, supportive wife or partner and for many, a new role ? that of a caregiver to our parents or loved ones. For the last 20 years, I have helped clients plan for their ?golden years? and how they will address the issues of aging and remaining independent.

Here are the five steps that you can take now to get prepared:

Step 1 - Get Organized. Before attempting to discuss financial, tax and estate planning issues with your loved ones, be sure to sit down with a financial advisor and get your own life plan in order.

Step 2 - Initiate ?The Discovery Conversation? with Your Loved Ones. One way to initiate this conversation with your loved ones is to ask them what they would do if something happened to you. Do they know who your advisors are, where your documents are, your doctors, etc? This may help lead the conversation into what your role would be for them. Are you needed as a care giver, a trustee, a personal representative and who else would be involved? Knowing this up front, will help you plan for your own future.

Step 3 - Start Planning as Early as Possible. Don't wait until the unexpected happens. It's never too early to start planning for the unexpected. Meeting with an attorney, financial planner and insurance agent to create the proper planning may be all it takes to make sure your needs are met. Planning early when your have the most options makes sense ? being proactive rather than reactive.

Step 4 - Consider Purchasing Long Term Care Insurance Start the conversation when your parents or loved ones are young and healthy and then suggest that they apply for long term care insurance as early as possible. We are living much longer and the need for healthcare and related services is exploding. In fact, seriously consider purchasing your own policy now while YOU are still healthy and the premiums are affordable!

Step 5 - Create a Team of Trusted Advisors. This is not the time for-do-it-yourself-planning. Find a ?key advisor? who is an eldercare expert and have this individual manage the team with you based on your loved ones goals, values and objectives. The final product should enable your loved ones to maintain their dignity, lifestyle and assets. It should also meet the needs of the caregiver. The end result; everyone involved should be able to sleep better at night knowing all concerns have been addressed and that a team and a plan is in place to meet the unexpected.