Caring for Your CDD Child at age 18 and Beyond
The 18th birthday is a critical juncture in the lives of our CDD kids: It changes the way they will access their medical and social services.
From a legal standpoint, the medical system now considers our 18-year-olds to be adults, regardless of their ability to manage their own care, so we no longer have automatic legal rights to view their medical records or talk with their doctors. On the social-services side, different government agencies will now be providing the funding and care that’s so essential to their quality of life.
Fortunately, the previous 18 years have prepared you well for the transition. The advocacy skills you’ve honed up to this point are exactly the skills you will be drawing on now, and the trusted agencies you’re working with now will guide you to the resources you’ll need in the future. But, there are some critical tasks that must be accomplished, as well as essential documentation that must be put in place. The purpose of this guide is to ensure you don’t miss them. The 18th birthday comes much faster than you might expect.
This guide gives you critical information on:
- Medical Powers of Attorney
- State IDs, Guardianship and Social Services
- Banking
- Private Day Programs
- Medicaid and Adult Medical Care
- Financial Planning
In addition to this guide, you will receive the IFCR newsletter.