Letter of Intent

A letter of intent (LOI) is an optional, written document that families create to provide details about a person’s life: past, present and future. It is not a legal document, but provides invaluable written guidance to those who will most likely provide care, support, and/or oversight for the person in the future.

A letter of intent and/or a person-centered plan are your family’s personal plan for your loved one with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The PCP and LOI help those who support the person to be on the same page when planning and coordinating the person’s supports.

Development of the LOI should include the person as much as possible, and reflect that person’s unique preferences and needs in every aspect of life. It should include:

Summary and Vision:

A brief summary of the person’s life to date and general thoughts, hopes, and dreams.

Family History:

Provide information on birthdays, locations, and other important history for family members. Include favorite stories, memories, and feelings about the person.

Daily Routines:

Include typical daily routines, favorite foods, music, activities, and events or tasks. Share details about abilities to assist with tasks such as doing the dishes, making the bed, grocery shopping, etc. It is equally important to include strong dislikes or other “non-negotiables.”

Medical/Health Care:

Share a medical history/health care plan, current/preferred doctors, therapists, hospitals, and frequency and purpose of medical and therapy appointments. List current medications, including how and why they are taken. Describe all medications that have not worked or have caused adverse reactions.

Benefits, Financial & Legal:

Include benefits the person receives or is wait-listed for, including Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), housing assistance, and banking or special needs trusts. Include contact information, identification numbers, renewal processes, and dates.

Employment:

Describe types of work and environments the person may enjoy, such as supported employment, volunteer opportunities, or a day program. List any companies that may be of specific interest to the person.

Residential Environment:

Describe the person’s living arrangements now and what might be the best future alternative. Consider level of supervision, location, male/female housemates or roommates, etc.

Social Environment:

Describe social activities the person enjoys, such as sports, dances, movies, friendships, relationships, community experiences, vacations, and modes of transportation. Indicate spending money and any limitations or support that is needed.

Spirituality/Religious Environment:

Specify the person’s beliefs, customs, and place of worship. Identify religious leaders who may be familiar with the person, and indicate whether religious participation is of interest and important to the person.

Behavior Management:

Describe current behavior management: what works and what doesn’t.

Final Arrangements:

Share any planned services such as a funeral, cremation or burial, or customs.

There are numerous sample LOI formats available. Here are two examples:

» http://theemarc.org/footprints-for-the-future-184.html

» http://midmoelderlaw.com/forms/LetterofIntent.pdf

Remember, this is the beginning of a process that continues throughout a lifetime.