Future Planning

Watch our "Future Planning" Video

"As parents of a child with special needs, we all worry about the future. One of the things that we wonder about is who's going to take care of our kids … " Brenda Darrol, Family Advocate, The Arc Network

Long before losing a parent or other crisis happens, it's important for families who have a loved one with a disability to have a plan in place.

• Begin planning when your child is identified as having a disability and revise your plan as your child grows into adulthood.
  

• The individual with a disability should share in developing the plan, and it should reflect what that person would like for his or her life.
  

• Your child will become an emancipated adult at age 18. Many people with developmental disabilities just need informal assistance and guidance from others, but in other cases, there may be a need to establish legal guardianship.
  
  
• It is important to ensure your son or daughter is financially secure when you can no longer provide help. In addition to applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which can provide your child with a limited income, you may want to consider establishing a special needs trust. A special needs trust helps families provide for the financial future of their loved one without affecting eligibility for government benefits. Government programs are limited to basics like food, shelter and medical care. A special needs trust can pay for items not covered by government benefits. One option is the The Arc of Indiana Master Trust, founded in 1988.
  
  
• You will also want to plan for your child's health care coverage and for where your child will live when you can no longer provide care – or when he or she is ready to be more independent.

Medicaid can provide health care coverage to low-income individuals with disabilities. Medicaid also funds long term care services in Medicaid funded facilities, and home and community-based services through Medicaid waivers.

Medicaid waivers provide services that support families in caring for a loved one at home, supports to allow adults with disabilities to live in their own home or small, community-based residential program, and supports to help people move out of nursing homes or other large facilities.

In most cases, there are long waiting lists to get services from a Medicaid waiver. Regardless of your loved one's age or situation, do not wait to apply for the Medicaid waiver program.

• Take steps to help your child become more independent. Connect with other families and local, state, and national organizations that can offer you information and support.

We hope that information on programs, services and resources in "Help for Families" will help you plan for your loved one's future.

Please with any questions you may have. We're Here to Help.