Why Backup Matters in Legacy Work

When someone spends time and energy preserving their memories—through video messages, photos, voice notes, and letters—it’s essential those files are protected. A lost device, expired subscription, or family miscommunication could mean those precious pieces of legacy are gone.

That’s why creating a digital backup system for memory artefacts is one of the most vital steps in legacy planning.

As recommended by Advance Care Planning Australia, combining legacy tools with secure storage ensures memories last beyond a lifetime.

What Are Memory Artefacts?

Memory artefacts include:

• Video reflections
• Voice memos or audio stories
• Letters and journals
• Photos with captions
• Artwork or creative outputs

Platforms like Evaheld support secure storage and time-released delivery of these assets through Evaheld Legacy Vault.

Building Your Backup Strategy

1. Primary Storage: Evaheld Legacy Vault

A secure, ISO-compliant digital vault designed for legacy content. Protects audio, video, written, and visual files.

2. Cloud Sync

Use secure cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) to mirror your Evaheld content. Password-protect folders and share access with guardians.

3. Physical Backup

Store content on encrypted USBs or external drives, kept in a safe location. Include in your Advance Health Directive or will where these are stored.

4. Emergency Access

Assign a trusted person to hold access credentials and QR emergency codes (where applicable).

Online Will Blog outlines best practices for sharing access without compromising security.

Protecting Emotional Legacy Content

A video message to a grandchild, a voice note explaining life lessons, or a farewell letter should never be lost due to a system failure.

• Store backups in at least two places
• Label files clearly
• Keep a master folder with subfolders (e.g., “Letters to Family,” “Health Preferences,” “Stories About Mum”)

Resources from Family Legacy Series include templates for organising emotional legacy.

For Carers and Power of Attorney Holders

Carers often take on the responsibility of managing memory artefacts. Ensure they:

• Know where files are stored
• Have permission to access and deliver them
• Understand how and when content should be shared

Dementia Support Australia and Nurse Info offer carer-friendly digital literacy guides.

Tips for Sandwich Generation Families

For adults managing multigenerational care:

• Keep digital backups centralised
• Use one cloud account with tiered access
• Schedule regular checks to ensure everything is current

The Evaheld blog provides real-life stories of families who preserved multi-decade legacies through digital systems.

Cultural and Spiritual Artefact Storage

Include backups of:

• Recorded prayers or blessings
• Traditional music or rituals
• Images of sacred spaces or objects

These can be flagged in Advance Care Planning Australia files for inclusion in memorial services.

Securing Legacy for the Future

To ensure long-term access:

• Choose platforms with no expiry timelines
• Renew subscriptions if applicable
• Include login details in your legal documents
• Notify family members in your Advance Health Directive

Final Thoughts

Digital legacy deserves the same level of protection as financial or medical records. A robust backup system means that even if technology fails, your voice and values live on.

Memories are fragile. Let’s keep them safe—because legacy is forever.