The Arc Kent County Introduces the Assurance Plan for Parents of Children with Special Needs

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Nov. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- The Arc Kent County is introducing the Assurance Plan – a comprehensive lifetime advocacy program for parents of loved ones with special needs.

Designed to oversee the care of loved ones with special needs when parents no longer are able to, the Assurance Plan offers peace of mind to parents – and security to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It is modeled after a program in Southeast Michigan with a 30-year track record of success.

The Assurance Plan is tailored to the specific needs of families. Specialists at The Arc meet with each family to develop an individualized plan that offers consistent follow-up and regular connection with the loved one to ensure needs are met, such as:

·       Bills are paid

·       Doctor appointments are kept

·       Meals are prepared

·       Transportation is arranged

·       Work schedule is maintained

·       Fun activities are scheduled

·       Family members are kept in the loop

“Parents of children with special needs often worry about what will happen to their loved one when they are no longer able to care for them,” said Tammy Finn, executive director of The Arc. “The Assurance Plan give these parents confidence that their loved one will be safe, happy, healthy and living as independently as possible.”

The Assurance Plan offers such fiduciary services as well as trustworthy financial oversight, health monitoring, advocacy, training and support, among many other services.

To enroll in the Assurance Plan, families must join The Arc and reside in Kent County. There is no age requirement for children and parents. The cost of the plan is based on the level of services needed and determined once the individualized plan is developed.

The Arc – in partnership with Legacy Trust, a professional trustee and wealth management company – can also assist families with setting up a special needs trust to cover the costs of the Assurance Plan.

The Arc Kent County

  The Arc began in 1947 when five families in Kent County joined forces to create a child care cooperative for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For the past 70 years, The Arc has worked with other proven organizations in West Michigan to ensure that all people realize their dreams of having employment, education and meaningful relationships while living independently within their community. For more information, visit www.arckent.org and follow us on Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/TheArcKentCounty and Twitter – twitter.com/TheArcKent.