When a guardian anticipates being unable to care for a child, either temporarily or permanently, they may appoint someone to act as guardian of the child in their place. No matter the age or health of a guardian, it's always a good idea to think about who might be able to look after the child in the event you die or become to too ill to do so, and then record those arrangements in a will or in a Appointment of Standby or Testamentary Guardian form.