If you are a parent with a child who has special needs, you already know the emotional, physical and financial costs that are associated. You would also be aware that these difficulties increase with the age of your child and that, as elderly parents, you may still find yourself taking care of your child well after you have retired.

Looking after your children at home means you usually provide all the day to day care and comfort yourself, as well as providing nursing, feeding, cleaning etc. And this care may need to continue even after you die. While relatives may be willing to take over the care, the financial implications may be prohibitive.

In these circumstances, it is essential that you have an estate plan in place. Assuming you have the necessary funding, a good estate plan, will ensure that there is sufficient cash available for your child to enter into good quality care, or sufficient funds to assist a relative who is providing the care. You may also like to consider if you want the money paid directly to the proposed carer, or into a trust for the benefit of your child.