Carry On and Succeed Family Services, LLC

Creating a Special Needs Trust (SNT) appears to be the best long-term solution for my child's financial security. Similar to discussions about wills, establishing an SNT requires thoughtful consideration and transparent conversations with trusted individuals who would serve as trustees. Selecting someone responsible and reliable is vital because trustees manage financial distributions without compromising the beneficiary’s eligibility for crucial benefits like Medicaid and SSI....

Establishing a Special Needs Trust for Financial Security Creating a Special Needs Trust (SNT) appears to be the best long-term solution for my child’s financial security. Similar to discussions about wills, establishing an SNT requires thoughtful c…

Opening an ABLE Account for Your Special Needs Loved One It wasn't until this past summer that I first heard about ABLE accounts. After researching, I've discovered these accounts could be highly beneficial. They allow families to save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for critical government benefits like Medicaid and SSI. While ABLE accounts do have specific eligibility requirements and usage restrictions (funds must cover qualified disability expenses such as education, housing, transportation, assistive technology, and healthcare), they represent a significant opportunity for financial empowerment and independence....

Benefits of ABLE Accounts for Special Needs Families Opening an ABLE Account for Your Special Needs Loved One It wasn’t until this past summer that I first heard about ABLE accounts. After researching, I’ve discovered these accounts could…

As my daughter approaches adulthood, I'm considering the critical decision between guardianship and power of attorney (POA). Personally, I am hopeful POA will be the right fit. Although it involves separate filings for medical, educational, and financial decisions, it preserves her voice and autonomy, allowing her continued involvement in significant life decisions, provided she clearly understands and consents. On the other hand, guardianship feels restrictive to me, potentially removing significant aspects of her autonomy and involvement in decision-making processes, almost erasing her identity in societal contexts....

Choosing Between Guardianship and POA: Key Considerations As my daughter approaches adulthood, I’m considering the critical decision between guardianship and power of attorney (POA). Personally, I am hopeful POA will be the right fit. Although it in…

I dread starting the process, but I know one true fact about life is that we all will eventually pass away. If life takes its natural order, I will likely leave this world before my child with special needs. With this reality, I've begun conversations with her older siblings about their potential roles in her care once I am gone. I never want to assume they will take full responsibility without their consent....

Secure Your Child’s Future: Creating a Will for Special Needs I dread starting the process, but I know one true fact about life is that we all will eventually pass away. If life takes its natural order, I will likely leave this world before my child with spec…

Raising a child is never easy. Raising a child or adult with special needs? That’s a whole different level of emotional, physical, and mental labor. You carry appointments, behaviors, diagnoses, therapies, school plans, medications, and an entire family on your shoulders. But this truth remains: You were never meant to do this alone. It’s not just exhausting to try — it’s unsustainable....

You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone — Building Your Long-Term Support System Raising a child is never easy. Raising a child or adult with special needs? That’s a whole different level of emotional, physical, and mental labor. You carry appointments, behaviors, diagnoses, th…

Because even superheroes need rest. Let’s talk about something that many caregivers feel guilty even thinking about: taking a break. But here’s the truth — you can’t pour from an empty cup. Respite care exists to give you the time and space to breathe, recover, and care for yourself without compromising your loved one’s care. What Is Respite Care?...

Should You Consider Respite Care? Because even superheroes need rest. Let’s talk about something that many caregivers feel guilty even thinking about: taking a break. But here’s the truth — you can’t pour from an empty cup. Respite…

Even the most loving family and friends may not know how to help unless you show them how. Help them help you. This week is all about preparing your close circle — siblings, grandparents, aunts, cousins, or trusted friends — to confidently care for your loved one with special needs, whether for 10 minutes or a whole weekend down the road....

Equip Your Circle — Train the Troops Even the most loving family and friends may not know how to help unless you show them how. Help them help you. This week is all about preparing your close circle — siblings, grandparents, aunts, co…

You’re Not Alone One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself on this journey is community. As a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, isolation can creep in quickly. But the truth is, there are thousands of people walking a similar path—waiting to connect, support, and grow with you. Where to look: Facebook Groups: Try searching terms like…...

Find Your Community You’re Not Alone One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself on this journey is community. As a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, isolation can creep in quickly. But the truth …

When the IEP meeting ends and the signatures are in place, it might feel like your job is done. But the truth is — it’s just beginning. The IEP is not just the school’s responsibility to monitor — it’s a shared responsibility. Parents play a vital role in making sure what’s written on paper is lived out in the classroom....

The IEP Isn’t Just the School’s Job — Parents, It’s Yours Too. When the IEP meeting ends and the signatures are in place, it might feel like your job is done. But the truth is — it’s just beginning. The IEP is not just the school’s responsibility to monitor — …