January To- Do: Your Letter of Intent
"Well, I've been afraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm getting older, too"-
- Landslide, Lyrics by Stevie Nicks
It is not surprising, with day to day life as busy as it is, time sneaks up on all of us, especially parents. All of a sudden, it is time to think about what will happen when you are unable to do all you do to care for your child. We call this planning A Team to Carry On.
A Team to Carry On and the Letter of Intent
A Team To Carry On is a plan, encompassing both the people and the money needed, to carry forward your vision for the care and well-being of your family member with a disability as you age, and ultimately, when you are gone. While we often think of the legal documents assigning roles and responsibilities, but it is also important for parents to communicate their vision and the personal details that make a difference to their Team to Carry On. The Letter of Intent is the document that gets this job done.
What exactly is a Letter of Intent?
Although not legally binding, a Letter of Intent communicates your desires and concerns to future caregivers. It covers vital statistics, your child's financial picture, details about what works well or not so well for your child, suggestions about what changes might be needed for the future, a list of all pertinent documents and records, and individuals that are important in your child's life- your Team to Carry On.
You may download a free, fillable PDF version of the Letter of Intent by clicking on the Heart below. And don't forget to share the Letter of Intent with the key members of your Team to Carry On!
