At VanderVeen Elder and Special Needs Law, we know that caring for a loved one with a disability comes with both profound joy and deep responsibility. Families across Indiana and Michigan turn to us when they want to ensure their loved one’s future is protected, not just for today, but for years to come. 

Special needs planning is a proactive step that provides peace of mind. It helps ensure that your loved one continues to receive the care and support they need, while also maintaining eligibility for vital public benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Without a plan, well-meaning gifts or inheritances can unintentionally disqualify someone from the very benefits that keep them safe and supported. A properly drafted Special Needs Trust allows families to provide for a loved one without jeopardizing access to these critical resources. 

Planning also allows you to designate who will advocate for your loved one if you are unable. Guardianship arrangements, powers of attorney, and health care authorizations are all important tools that ensure continuity of care and decision-making. 

Beyond the legal tools, special needs planning creates structure. It defines a trusted network of support, outlines care priorities, and allows families to plan for housing, education, and enrichment, ensuring quality of life, not just legal compliance. 

At VanderVeen Elder and Special Needs Law, we guide families through every aspect of this process with clarity and compassion. We know the law, but more importantly, we understand what is at stake. Your loved one’s quality of life, dignity, and security are at the heart of every plan we create. 

This May, as we celebrate Older Americans Month and National Elder Law Month, we encourage families to start the conversation. Planning now gives your family, and your loved one, the future they deserve.