Carers & future planning · England
Planning your future support
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This guide is for adults and their supporters in England.
Planning ahead can help when support changes.
Start with what matters to you.
Think about your home, friends and things you enjoy.
People who support you may become older or ill.
Talk about who could help if things change.
Use the communication that works for you.
You can ask someone you trust to support the conversation.
Ask people what help they can agree to give.
Do not assume that a relative will provide all your care.
Ask the council to help plan future support.
Make a backup plan for emergencies too.
Being a relative does not automatically give someone legal power to decide for you.
Ask for advice about decision-making arrangements.
Get expert advice about wills and inheritance.
Receiving money can affect some benefits.
Write down what has been agreed.
Check the plan when your life or support changes.
What you can do next
Choose someone you trust to help.
Begin with your wishes and one change you want to plan for.
Start a future planning conversation Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- SCIE: Big Plans Web page
Activities to involve people with learning disabilities, including people who do not use speech, in their plans.
- Mencap: wills and trusts information Web page
Guides and information sessions about planning an inheritance.
- MoneyHelper: using a solicitor to write your will Web page
When professional advice is important, including inheritance for a disabled beneficiary.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Planning future support with family and friends
Start conversations about a good future before illness, ageing or a change in family support causes a crisis.
Adults and their supporters · England
Begin before a crisis
A future plan can develop gradually. Discuss what should happen if a parent or other supporter becomes ill, needs their own care or dies. Ask the council to review support rather than waiting for an emergency. Name someone to coordinate agreed actions and arrange another conversation when circumstances change.
Keep the person at the centre
Explore where the person wants to live, important relationships, meaningful activities and hopes for the future. Use pictures, objects, communication aids or familiar supporters as needed. People who do not use speech still have preferences. Record what has been understood, how it was communicated and where further exploration is needed.
Build a wider support network
Discuss which friends, relatives and services are willing and able to help. Agree specific roles rather than assuming a sibling will take over. Arrange opportunities to get to know new supporters gradually. Include an immediate backup plan, longer-term housing discussions and continuity of health care, communication support and valued activities.
Clarify who can make decisions
Being a relative or “next of kin” does not automatically give someone authority over another adult’s money or care. Support the person to make each decision wherever possible. Ask a qualified adviser about lasting powers of attorney or Court of Protection arrangements when relevant; these have different requirements and limits.
Get advice about money and inheritance
A will can explain what should happen to someone’s estate after death. Inheritance can affect means-tested benefits, so consult a solicitor experienced in disability planning and get benefits advice. Trusts have specific legal and tax rules. No trust automatically protects every benefit or care-funding entitlement; suitability depends on its terms and circumstances.
Make the plan usable
Identify where current care plans, important documents and professional contacts are held securely. Distinguish preferences from arrangements that services have actually agreed to provide. Ask for accessible copies and clear actions, costs and timescales. Review the plan with the person, keeping everyday opportunities and relationships as important as future practical arrangements.
Words you could use
“We want to plan before support changes. Please help us agree a future support plan with the person and record responsibilities.”
More useful links
- SCIE: Big Plans Web page
Activities to involve people with learning disabilities, including people who do not use speech, in their plans.
- Mencap: wills and trusts information Web page
Guides and information sessions about planning an inheritance.
- MoneyHelper: using a solicitor to write your will Web page
When professional advice is important, including inheritance for a disabled beneficiary.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- NICE NG96: care and support of people growing older with learning disabilities Web page
Planning ahead with the person and their supporters, and recognising changing needs.
- SCIE: Big Plans Web page
Activities to involve people with learning disabilities, including people who do not use speech, in their plans.
- MoneyHelper: using a solicitor to write your will Web page
When professional advice is important, including inheritance for a disabled beneficiary.
- MoneyHelper: savings, lump sums and benefits Web page
How capital can affect means-tested benefits and why advice matters.
- NHS: the Mental Capacity Act Web pageFuller information
Decision-specific capacity, support to decide, best interests and legal decision-making arrangements.
- GOV.UK: trusts for vulnerable people Web page
Specific tax rules for certain trusts; this does not promise benefit protection.