Choosing a caregiver to manage a special needs trust might seem like the natural choice. After all, they are already deeply involved in your loved one’s daily life. They know their routines, needs and personality better than almost anyone else.
However, while this choice may come from a place of trust and love, mixing the roles of caregiver and trustee can quickly become overwhelming. These are two very different responsibilities, and when one person is expected to juggle both, problems can quietly build up over time.
More than one hat can be too much
Caregivers already give so much of themselves. Adding the title of trustee might seem simple on paper, but it is a demanding role. Before placing both duties on the same shoulders, consider the following:
- Emotional burnout: Being a caregiver is already emotionally heavy. Adding financial and legal responsibilities to that mix can lead to stress and burnout. This pressure can affect both the caregiver’s health and the quality of care your loved one receives.
- Blurry boundaries: When one person handles both care and money, it is easy for lines to get blurred. It might lead to unintentional spending mistakes or cause tension with other family members who feel left out of the decision-making process.
- Lack of oversight: A trustee needs to be able to step back and take a broader view of the situation. Caregivers, by nature, focus on the day-to-day. Without proper checks and balances, long-term planning can fall through the cracks.
- Risk to benefits: Special needs trusts follow very specific rules. If the caregiver does not fully understand those limits, they might make payments or purchases that accidentally impact your loved one’s benefits.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. Every family is unique. However, if you feel unsure, exploring other options is best. A thoughtful plan with the help of a legal professional can ease the pressure on everyone involved and help ensure your loved one’s needs are met.