Thinking Ahead: supporting families to plan for the future

1. Making decisions

Information to help you understand the legislation and practice that relates to decision-making.

2. Making plans for the future in a person-centred way

An introduction to how person-centred planning can help you to think about what options might work well for your relative.

3. Building friendships and support networks

A network of friends and family is especially important to people with learning disabilities who may outlive their parents or other close family.

4. Talking about difficult subjects

Talking about sensitive subjects with offspring can be uncomfortable for any parents, and it can be even harder if your son/daughter has learning disabilities.

5. Making financial plans

Making decisions about leaving your money and possessions is an important part of planning for the future.

6. Housing and support

This section guides you through the different housing and support options.

7. Making a plan for emergencies

An emergency plan sets out the best way of supporting your relative in case of an emergency.

8. Keeping an eye on things

This section gives additional information about what to look out for when your relative is moving from the family home.

9. Making a plan for the future

This checklist can be used to help you plan which areas you want to do further work on, either now or in the future.

Thinking Ahead report

The Thinking Ahead Report summarises the work done in a project which aimed to raise awareness of the issue of future planning for people with learning disabilities and their famillies.

The report summarises:

• key findings from a survey of families affected by these issues
...

Glossary

This section of the guide includes a glossary and information on useful organisations.

Templates

Templates to help you work with your relative to make plans for the future.