Planning a Future for Loved Ones with Special Needs

 One of the main concerns for caregivers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) is what will happen to their loved one after they are no longer able to provide care. This question can weigh heavily on caregivers, including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. According to a recent article by NPR, it is essential for caregivers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) to plan for the future in order to address the various challenges that may arise. The article can be found at the following link: https://n.pr/3AUr4sF. Planning for the future of an individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) is a complex task that requires careful consideration of all aspects of their life. If you are a caregiver for someone with I/DD, the Arc's Build Your Plan® tool can be a helpful resource for developing a long-term care plan. The tool guides you through the process step-by-step, covering topics such as housing, finances, daily living needs, employment, and social connections. You can access the tool at the following link: https://bit.ly/3XCzPBH. The Arc is a national advocacy group for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with 600 chapters located throughout the United States. When developing a long-term care plan for an individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), it is important to consider all aspects of their life. This includes their daily routines, needs, and support; finances, including assets, income, trusts, and insurance policies, as well as public benefits; medical history; education history; and employment, leisure activities, religious beliefs, behaviors, interests, friendships, and important relationships. If you are unsure about where your loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) will live in the future, the Build Your Plan® housing tool can be a helpful resource. It helps you create a wish list for a future home and identify any potential challenges. The tool also assists in determining the most appropriate living situation, whether it be independent living, a group home, or an apartment with a roommate, and identifies who can serve as a housing advocate. Here are some key questions to consider when planning for the future of a loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) in bullet point form: Where does your relative want to live in the future and what support will they need in order to live in that setting? Is your relative enrolled in or eligible for any public services or benefits? Could current assets or future financial gifts, such as an inheritance, potentially compromise your loved one's public benefits? How can your relative maintain and build social connections within the community? The Build Your Plan® tool from the Arc also provides tips on selecting lawyers who can offer advice on legal issues related to caring for an individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). After working through the tool, you will have a list of tasks to complete and a clearer vision of the future. While the planning process can be challenging, others have successfully navigated these difficult questions and shared their experiences through videos, which can be found at the following link: https://bit.ly/3FdWZqU.