Planning for a Lifetime of Care: A Strategic Guide for UHNW Families Navigating Adult Special Needs

Introduction: The Emotional & Financial Stakes For parents of adult children with special needs, the planning never stops. "How do we ensure the care aligns with our values, our resources, and our child’s unique needs—for a lifetime?"

Legal Tools: Guardianship, Conservatorship & Power of Attorney Establishing legal authority to act on behalf of an adult child is a critical step. For many families, this includes choosing between guardianship, conservatorship, or a well-structured power of attorney. Each offers different levels of control and protection. Working with an attorney who understands both special needs law and wealth structuring is essential.

Financial Planning: Special Needs Trusts, Asset Protection & Family Office Coordination Specialized instruments help preserve eligibility for government benefits while allowing supplemental care funded by family wealth. Asset protection strategies—particularly for families with multigenerational estates—should involve the family office in coordination with our staff private wealth advisor to ensure seamless integration.

Housing Strategies: Group Homes, Supported Living, & Private Residences Housing decisions shape quality of life. Depending on the individual’s functional abilities, you may choose between:

• Group homes with medical oversight

• Supported independent living with aides

• Private residential arrangements staffed by care teams

Planning must balance independence, safety, and family legacy.

Coordinated Care: Medical, Behavioral & Life Planning Services True support extends beyond finances and housing. A well-designed care plan should include:

• Primary and psychiatric medical care

• Behavioral therapy and counseling

• Life skills training and vocational support

Working with an integrative care team ensures continuity and reduces stress on aging parents.

Case Study: A Family’s Journey from Overwhelm to Confidence One UHNW family approached us after their 27-year-old son with schizophrenia was experiencing frequent psychiatric hospitalizations and had no consistent care structure. The parents were exhausted from years of reactive crisis management, unsure how to create a long-term solution.

Through Paramount Integrative’s planning process, they:

• Established legal guardianship and HIPAA authorizations

• Funded a tailored Special Needs Trust coordinated through their family office

• Secured supported residential housing with 24/7 therapeutic support

• Built a care team that included psychiatric oversight, behavioral therapists, and a life coach

Today, their son lives in a structured, private residence, engages in a vocational skills program, and has not required hospitalization in over a year. His parents have peace of mind knowing a comprehensive care plan is in place. We see an overall picture of increased quality of life and peace of mind for the son and the entire family.

Checklist: Your Next 5 Moves

1. Assess legal status

2. Meet with our special needs financial planner

3. Evaluate housing options over the next 10–20+ years

4. Build a care team and centralize documentation

5. Schedule a strategy session to map the full plan

Invitation: Confidential Strategy Session with Paramount Integrative Your child’s future deserves more than hope—it deserves a plan. We invite you to book a confidential 30-minute strategy call with our team to begin the conversation.