Dealing with aging, illness, and the death of a parent or guardian is difficult for anyone, but can be especially challenging for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That is why future planning for adults with disabilities is one of the most important conversations families can have. While it is not always easy to think about long-term care and life after parents or guardians are no longer able to provide daily support, creating a thoughtful plan helps build confidence for everyone involved. At Our House, we believe planning for the future is about more than preparing for what comes next. It is about building a foundation so that every individual can continue to live a meaningful life with the support, relationships, and opportunities they deserve.
Whether your family is just beginning this journey or updating an existing plan, taking proactive steps today can help create greater stability and peace of mind for tomorrow.
The Benefits of Future Planning for Adults with Disabilities
Every family wants to know their loved one will continue to thrive, even as life changes. A well-developed plan creates a roadmap that helps ensure an individual’s needs, preferences, and personal goals continue to be honored for years to come.
Planning ahead can help families:
- Create greater financial security
- Identify future caregivers and decision-makers
- Document important medical and personal information
- Maintain continuity of services and daily routines
- Reduce uncertainty during unexpected life events
- Provide peace of mind for both individuals and their families
Rather than making difficult decisions during a crisis, future planning gives families the opportunity to thoughtfully prepare while exploring the resources available to them.
Building a Strong Support Network
Planning for the future is not something anyone should do alone. One of the most valuable steps families can take is building a trusted network of people who will continue supporting their loved one throughout every stage of life.
That network may include:
- Parents, siblings, or trusted relatives
- Guardians or future guardians
- Friends and community members
- Healthcare providers
- Attorneys and financial professionals
- Disability service organizations like Our House
Having these conversations early allows everyone to understand their responsibilities and helps make future transitions much smoother.
Supporting Independence Every Step of the Way
Preparing for the future also means helping adults with disabilities develop the confidence and skills they need today. Opportunities for learning, socialization, and community involvement help create a stronger foundation for long-term success.
At Our House, we are committed to creating environments where individuals can:
- Build everyday life skills
- Work toward personal goals
- Form meaningful friendships
- Participate in their communities
- Discover new interests and hobbies
- Gain confidence through engaging activities
- Continue growing in a supportive environment
These experiences help alleviate negative outcomes of major life changes by providing a routine and community that support and care for the affected individual while encouraging greater independence for them over time.
Financial Planning for Long-Term Stability
Financial planning is an essential part of protecting a loved one’s future. Every family’s circumstances are unique, making it important to work with qualified legal and financial professionals who understand disability planning.
A comprehensive financial plan often includes reviewing public benefits, identifying available resources, and developing strategies that help preserve eligibility for important programs while supporting long-term financial security.
Understanding Special Needs Trusts
Many families choose to establish a Special Needs Trust as part of their long-term planning. This legal tool may help provide additional financial resources for a person with disabilities while helping protect eligibility for certain government benefits.
Because every family’s situation is different, it is important to work with an attorney who specializes in disability and estate planning to determine the best approach.
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate planning helps parents and guardians prepare for the future by documenting their wishes and establishing legal protections for their loved ones.
Depending on each family’s needs, an estate plan may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal documents that provide clear guidance and help ensure long-term support remains in place.
Taking these steps today can help reduce uncertainty and provide greater confidence for everyone involved.
Including Planned Giving in Your Future Planning
Planning for your loved one’s future often includes thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind. In addition to planning for your family, many people choose to include charitable giving as part of their estate planning through Planned Giving.
Planned Giving allows families and supporters to make a lasting difference by leaving a gift of assets toward a charitable organization that reflects their values. This can be through bequests and wills, a gift of appreciated property, annuities and trusts, or even as a beneficiary in a life insurance or retirement plan.
A planned gift to Our House allows us to continue to provide healthy, stimulating, and inclusive environments for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since our founding in 1980 by Patricia Shillingburg, Our House has continued to encourage community engagement, safety, and purpose in every environment we establish. By supporting Our House through a planned gift, you leave a legacy of commitment to our community of adults with I/DD for generations to come.
To discuss how to start the simple process of making a planned gift or for more information on joining the Our House Legacy Society, please contact Cathy Colford at ccolford@ourhousenj.org. For legal advice, please contact Meri-Beth Robertson at mb@robertsonestateplanning.com. For additional guidance on planning for the future, watch this helpful video featuring Meri-Beth Robertson, where she shares important considerations for families preparing for long-term stability and support.
Creating a Personalized Future Plan
Every individual has unique strengths, goals, and support needs, which means every future plan should be personalized.
As you begin planning, consider questions such as:
- What are my loved one’s long-term goals?
- Who will provide support if circumstances change?
- What services will help them continue growing and thriving?
- Have important medical and personal records been organized?
- Have we spoken with legal and financial professionals about estate planning and Special Needs Trusts?
- Have we considered including charitable giving as part of our family’s legacy?
You do not need every answer immediately. Simply beginning these conversations is an important first step toward long-term stability.
How Our House Helps Families Prepare for the Future
At Our House, we understand that future planning is an ongoing journey. Families are not only thinking about today. They are thinking about where their loved one will be years from now.
That is why we focus on creating welcoming programs where adults with disabilities can continue developing life skills, building friendships, and participating in meaningful community experiences. We are proud to partner with families by providing an environment where every individual is valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Whether someone already participates in our programs or is exploring Our House for the first time, we are here to help families navigate the future with confidence.
Take the Next Step with Our House
Planning today can help create greater security, independence, and opportunity for tomorrow. Whether you are looking for programs that support your loved one’s continued growth, exploring long-term planning resources, or learning how Planned Giving can help strengthen our mission, we are here to help.
We invite you to learn more about our services, connect with our team, and discover how Our House can be part of your family’s future, contact us today!
Future Planning for Adults with Disabilities FAQs
Future planning for adults with disabilities is the process of preparing for long-term care, financial security, support systems, and personal goals to help ensure an individual continues receiving the resources they need throughout life.
Planning early gives families more time to explore options, organize important documents, identify future caregivers, and make informed decisions without the pressure of an emergency.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool that may provide financial support for a person with disabilities while helping preserve eligibility for certain public benefits. Families should consult qualified legal professionals for guidance.
Estate planning helps families document their wishes, establish legal protections, and prepare for future transitions so their loved one’s needs continue to be prioritized.
Planned Giving is a way to include charitable gifts in an estate or financial plan, allowing individuals and families to support causes that are meaningful to them while creating a lasting legacy.
Planned gifts help Our House continue providing quality programs, meaningful experiences, and long-term opportunities for adults with disabilities for years to come.
Our House provides programs that encourage independence, personal growth, social connection, and community engagement while serving as a trusted partner for families planning for the future.
Absolutely. Families who are exploring services for an adult with disabilities are encouraged to contact us to learn more about our programs and how we can support their goals.
Parents, guardians, siblings, trusted family members, healthcare providers, attorneys, financial professionals, and disability service organizations can all play valuable roles in creating a comprehensive future plan.
Visit our Planned Giving page or contact Our House to learn more about our programs and how we can support your family’s future.
