How a Special Needs Trust through Planned Lifetime Assistance Network helps individuals with vision loss

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) is a professional trustee that delivers exceptional fiduciary services to individuals and their families through sound trust administration and compassionate social service support. What sets PLAN apart as a Special Needs Trustee is their unique approach: every beneficiary of a PLAN Special Needs Trust is paired with a dedicated, experienced social worker for the life of the trust, ensuring personalized and compassionate care.

PLAN proudly serves people with disabilities – lifelong or related to illness, injury, or age – helping to preserve assets, to protect access to public benefits, and to live well. Read on to learn how a PLAN Special Needs Trust helped their client, Penny, live an independent and fulfilling life despite her vision loss.

Penny* is a 62-year-old beneficiary who currently resides in a nursing facility. Prior to becoming blind, Penny enjoyed a very active social life, which included going out to dinner with friends and attending many concerts which fulfilled her love of good music.

During Penny’s initial meeting with her PLAN Service Coordinator, who is a Licensed Social Worker, it became apparent that Penny was very isolated and spent a great deal of time in her room at the facility. She seldomly attended activities, and on many days just stayed in bed.

Penny’s PLAN Service Coordinator scheduled frequent meetings with her to discuss the best use of funds in her PLAN Special Needs Trust. Penny agreed with her Service Coordinator’s suggestion to have a companion come twice a week for two hours a day. Penny enjoyed spending time with her companion, and they quickly became close friends. Penny began attending a few of the activities at the facility and now she is a regular attendee at all activities/events. Penny also eats her meals in the dining room with other residents and participates in wonderful conversations with staff and other residents.

Penny’s PLAN Special Needs Trust has been instrumental in enhancing her social engagement within her community. Her Service Coordinator also used funds in her Special Needs Trust to arrange for Penny to attend a concert with her companion and an aide. Penny told her Service Coordinator that going to the concert was just like “Reliving the Good Old Days.”

* Based on real experiences. Name altered to maintain confidentiality.

For more information visit PLAN of MA & RI or call (617) 244-5552.