The Problem:
For aging family caregivers of people with developmental disabilities (DD), planning for the future can be complex and overwhelming. Traditional retirement and financial planning strategies can sometimes cause people with DD to lose eligibility for important benefits and supports. Without proper planning, individuals may lose protections, services, or even face unnecessary placement in residential settings when family caregivers can no longer provide care.
Action:
This project provided education and outreach to people with DD and their family caregivers to help them plan for future financial and support needs. Led by Family to Family Network in Houston, the project connected families with MassMutual financial advisors to discuss long-term financial planning. Participants also built support networks through Texas Parent to Parent, giving families ongoing access to information, peer support, and resources.
Results:
Participants increased their knowledge about financial planning and future supports. Trainings covered topics such as Medicaid benefits, ABLE savings accounts, and legal alternatives to guardianship. More than half of participants opened ABLE accounts or established special needs trusts. Several families also implemented alternatives to guardianship. One parent reported that the training helped her support her teenage son in developing his Individualized Education Program (IEP). During the process, her son shared his goal of attending college after high school.
Unique Role of the Council:
The Council brought personal experience in future planning and strong connections with aging agencies, public systems, and nonprofit organizations that support people with DD and family caregivers. These partnerships helped ensure families received accurate information and ongoing support.