Creating a Forever Home: Planning for Your Child’s Future

Author: Valerie Arbeau
Published: Wed 19 Mar 2025
Episode Link: None

Welcome to Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities! I’m Valerie, a mom, life coach, and author passionate about helping parents create secure futures for their children with disabilities.

Key Topics:

1. Understanding Your Child’s Needs

Conduct a needs assessment covering physical, emotional, and social needs.
Maintain a Comprehensive Child Profile to ensure consistent care.
Visualize their future in 5, 10, and 20 years.

2. Financial Planning

Budget for daily expenses, home modifications, and long-term care.
Leverage government benefits (SSI, Medicaid, AISH, PDD, RDSP).
Secure private funding (trusts, grants, ABLE accounts).
Protect your family with life, health, and disability insurance.
Financial Vision Statement Example:
“Our goal is to build a secure financial foundation for [child’s name]’s lifelong care and opportunities.”

3. Legal Considerations

Set up a Special Needs Trust (US) / Henson Trust (Canada) to maintain benefits.
Identify key legal roles: Trustee, Financial & Healthcare POA, Guardianship.

Real-Life Housing Models: Our Experience

Eden House (Supported Living Arrangement): Family-owned, personalized support, community integration.
Legal Suite Model: Independent living with oversight, future rental income potential.

Take Action & Dream Big!