People
Who knows the person well? Who could make calls, coordinate care, provide companionship, manage money or step in temporarily? Do not assume one successor has to do everything.
FUTURE PLANNING
Who helps when I can’t do this forever?
Future planning is not one legal document. It is people, relationships, funding, housing, knowledge and a plan that reflects the person's own preferences.
Decision support
Document how the person makes decisions and where they want support. Learn about supported decision-making and less-restrictive alternatives before assuming guardianship is required.
Housing & daily support
What living arrangement does the person want? What help is needed with meals, home, medication, money, transportation, safety and community participation?
Benefits & funding
Keep SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, waiver/DD services, ABLE, housing and other benefit information organized. Use qualified legal/benefits professionals for individual decisions.
Financial & estate planning
Families may want to discuss ABLE, special-needs trusts, beneficiary designations, wills and estate planning with qualified professionals who understand disability benefits.
Letter of Intent
Write the things formal records rarely capture: communication, personality, routines, relationships, preferences, hopes, what creates distress, what helps and what a good life looks like.
Documents
Keep a Care Binder index for diagnoses/evaluations, benefits, insurance, legal documents, medication lists and key contacts.
Practice the future
Build relationships with successor supporters now. Practice backup care, community routines, transportation and short periods of alternate support before an emergency forces the transition.
Legal and financial planning is individual. NeuroCoach can help organize questions and records, but guardianship, trusts, estate planning, benefits and healthcare authority should be reviewed with qualified professionals in your jurisdiction.