Plan for getting older

Ages 22-40

Start planning for how you can best use the adult health and social services available to you. It is important be prepared and plan ahead.

For parents and caregivers

As parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities age, your planning needs to change. Some issues that become more important as parents age include financial security and social supports for their loved one after parents/supporters pass away, as well as housing needs.

Suggested Resources

ConnectABILITY has a webpage with resources for transition planning into adult services. There is also a series of workshops to prepare for “life after school“.
The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.

For parents and caregivers

Partners for Planning includes a webpage that provides information on the Henson Trust.
Community Living Ontario and PooranLaw Professional Corporation have created an Estate Planning Guide that contains advice from legal, tax and accounting professionals who specialize in supporting people who have a disability and their loved ones.

As you get older you may notice changes with your health and support needs. Make a plan ahead of time so that you can prepare for changes.
It is important to keep track of any changes in your health and support needs.
You can have someone help you keep track of your healthcare appointments and assessments.
One important thing that people with developmental disabilities should screen for is dementia.
You can have someone who cares for you start checking you when you turn 50 years old.
Depending on the developmental disability that you have you may need to start checking for signs of dementia when you turn 40 years old. One example is Down Syndrome.

For parents and caregivers

As parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities age, your planning needs to change. Some issues that become more important as parents age include financial security and social supports for their loved one after parents/supporters pass away, as well as housing needs.

Suggested Resources

ConnectABILITY has a guide with links that can help you plan for the next stages in your life.
The Partners for Planning website includes information on Person Directed Planning. Person Directed Planning is an inclusive process to help you in defining and creating a better future.
The Plan Institute has created a Future Planning Tool that focuses on planning for financial security, building a personal network, housing choices and supported decision-making.
The Early Detection Screening Tool for Dementia can be used if someone is showing early signs of dementia and to keep track of changes.

For parents and caregivers

Partners for Planning Network website has resources to help you navigate each step and life stage and also provides information on the Henson Trust.
Community Living Ontario & PooranLaw Professional Corporation have created an Estate Planning Guide that contains advice from legal, tax and accounting professionals who specialize in supporting people who have a disability and their loved ones.
The Ontario Partnership on Aging and Developmental Disabilities created a transition guide for caregivers to help plan for individuals with a developmental disability as they age.