When you leave your children with a babysitter or respite provider, you leave a list containing your whereabouts, cell phone numbers, doctors' names, and the like. However, if something happened to you, and you were permanently no longer here for your children, how could you make sure your hopes, dreams, goals, and wishes for your child or adult with special needs were carried out?
The answer is simple: The "Letter of Intent." Diann likes to think of this document as being able to have an angel on the shoulder of the next caregiver in line. As a routine part of the intake process, Diann shares a template to create this document and teaches families how to complete it.
In addition, many parents involve their older children and/or adult dependents who can cognitively participate in this process... since this is a perfect example of person-centered planning.
Once you finish the Letter of Intent, you'll want to make sure you share your vision for the person that you're planning for with your backup guardians and other family members.
How else will your other family members know things like: (1) What a siezure looks like; (2) How to properly lift, transfer, dress, feed, or otherwise care for your loved one with special needs; (3) Your thoughts on issues such as dating, marriage; (4) Any waiting lists you may be on; (5) Professionals to use, and professionals to avoid! (6) Situations to avoid or encourage; (7) Who attends your IEP meetings; (8)...and the list goes on.
Once you review this document with your backup caregivers, you'll know whether or not you have the right person to love, properly care for, and advocate for your son, daughter, or family member with special needs.
If you have not yet written a Letter of Intent for your child or dependent with special needs, please contact Diann Jones at (302)781-1055. She will be happy to schedule a free intake meeting with you to discuss this planning tool and provide you with a template to create one.
