What Is a Plan of Care?

Where is your adult child going to live when they can no longer live with you? Will they move in with a sibling or group home? Who will make the decision and monitor the care they receive? A plan of care ensures arrangements are in place for your special needs child when you are no longer able to be there for them.

Getting Help to Create a Plan of Care

In some cases, it can ease the transition for all concerned if the child moves to the new living arrangement while their parents can still help with the process. In many parts of the country, non-profit organizations and private consultants can help set up the plan, research available options, and assist in the move.

Additional Caregiver Instruction

It will help everyone involved if the parents create a written statement of their wishes for their child's care. They know their child better than anyone else and can explain what helps, what hurts, what scares their child, and what reassures them. When the parents are gone, their knowledge will go with them unless they pass it on.

This plan of care, often called a "Memorandum of Intent," should also include all the basic information caregivers taking over from the parents should have, such as the name and contact information for the child's doctor and information on any medications they take. This document should be updated on at least an annual basis.

More Resources

Learn more about how to get started and what is involved in special needs planning. There are many ways to set aside funds for your child while protecting their government benefits. Then locate a special needs planner near you to get your care plan started.