Planning Beyond Benefits (Ep. 28)

Planning for a loved one with special needs involves more than financial security. It requires thoughtful coordination around government benefits, estate planning, caregiving, and long-term support.

In this episode, Kate Duffy sits down with Sheila Gibson, Senior Wealth Advisor at Bryn Mawr Trust, to discuss the role of special needs trusts and guardianships in protecting beneficiaries while preserving eligibility for important public benefits. Sheila explains how families can approach inheritance planning, choose the right trustee, document caregiving preferences, and build a support network designed to meet a loved one’s evolving needs.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, trustee, or financial professional, this conversation offers practical guidance on creating a comprehensive special needs plan that supports both financial well-being and quality of life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a special needs trust is and how it can help protect assets without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits
• The responsibilities of trustees and how trust assets can be used to enhance a beneficiary’s quality of life
• Why guardianship, powers of attorney, and other legal tools may be important in a long-term care strategy
• The value of letters of intent, family involvement, and detailed caregiving documentation
• How financial advisors, attorneys, trustees, and family members can work together to support future care needs