Succession Planning
The critical need for a succession plan
A succession plan is a detailed, written plan or process for the future care of a person(s) with disabilities should their primary caregiver become unable to fulfil their role due to an emergency, illness, or death. For many caregivers, this is a difficult topic to confront and plan for, but having a clear plan in place provides peace of mind and ensures their child’s future is secure.
Why is a care/support plan for your loved one with a disability so crucial?
A solid support plan:
- Provides peace of mind for you.
- Ensures continued financial and personal care for them.
- Honours their life and well-being, even when you can no longer be there.
Who will attend to the affairs of your loved one when you no longer can?
- A Power of Attorney can be useful, but it becomes invalid if the person with a disability loses the mental capacity to make their own decisions.
- A Curatorship is a formal, court-appointed process through the High Court. It is more complex but offers robust legal protection. It involves appointing a Curator Bonis to manage their finances and a Curator Ad Personam to manage their personal affairs.
Do you have a clear, immediate response plan for an emergency?
Your plan should include:
- A list of key contacts who know the daily routines and needs of your loved one.
- A clear record of all medications, dosages, and pharmacy details.
- Information on their medical conditions and preferred healthcare providers.
- A summary of their daily routine, including food preferences, mobility needs, and comfort items.
The best time to plan for the long-term care of your child is today. Don't let uncertainty cloud their future. We've created a simple, essential guide to help you take the first step in Succession Planning for your loved one with a disability.