Planning for the future
Life changes. Some changes can't be predicted but there are certain identifiable ‘turning points' that can be planned for, like:
- starting school
- finishing school
- starting work
- leaving home
- retiring from the workforce.
Lifelong planning captures these—and other—key moments.
Then there's planning for a future when you—as a carer—are no able to continue your caring role.
There's also transitional planning for carers and families to prepare for how changes can impact on you.
Where do you start?
- Focus on the person for whom you are planning. Who is this person? What are her interests? What are his gifts and talents? What does this person want from life?
- Wherever possible, talk about it together.
- Planning for a good life means considering:
- the qualities that make a good home
- friendships and social connections
- passions and interests
- educational and learning needs
- holiday and leisure times
- safety and security.
What supports may be needed to realise this vision?
With this vision in mind, seek out specific legal and financial advice such as making a will.
Useful resources are also available.
Lifelong planning
Lifelong planning prepares people with a disability, their families and carers for change.
These 3 organisations receive state government funding to help families plan around such transition points:
- Open Minds, serving Redlands and Brisbane South. Phone (07) 3900 3456.
- Red Cross, working in North Brisbane—phone (07) 3367 4736; Jimboomba—phone (07) 3367 4735; Sunshine Coast—phone (07) 5441 3296; and Rockhampton—phone (07) 4922 8056.
- Youth and Family Services Logan, serving Logan and Beenleigh. Phone (07) 3826 1500.
They help people with disability and their families know how to access universal and disability-specific supports and activities within the local community. These groups can help people with disability plan for later moments in life too—like when they stop working.
Planning for the future
These 3 organisations receive state government funding to help families of all ages with a person with a disability plan for the long-term.
- Pave The Way—Mamre Association (telephone 3291 5800 or 1300 554 402)
- CRU—Community Resource Unit (telephone 3844 2211)
- Parent to Parent Association Queensland (telephone 5470 7072 or 1800 777 723)
Transitional planning
Changes—like when a person with a disability moves out—can affect the family left behind. That's another aspect of life that needs planning for. Relationships can change. Financial circumstances may too. These are the types of things considered in transitional planning.
Carers Queensland receives state government funding to provide personalised planning for change for carers and their families, receiving funding through the Department of Communities (Disability and Community Care Services).
Carers Queensland's transitional planning is available in the following locations: Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Ipswich, Mackay, Rockhampton, Roma, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.
Contact Carers Queensland to find out how to apply on 1800 242 363.
Useful resources
Planning for now, tomorrow and the future (PDF, 220KB) outlines a way of thinking about vision and planning for families of all ages. This information is presented in workshops of the same name. Contact Pave the Way for details.
The booklet Planning for the future: people with disability guides families through the maze of issues that need to be considered when planning the ongoing care and support of a family member with a disability.
