Planned Lifetime Assistance Network: a new service model with promising results

PLAN (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network) is a care model originated by parents to provide long-term support for their loved ones with mental illness or other physical or mental disabilities. PLANs help families plan for the future and assume some of the support role that parents have been playing. Currently there are 23 PLANs in 17 states. This study of six PLANs examined the long-term impact of PLANs on participants and their families. The most highly rated outcomes of PLANs related to reducing family stress, giving parents peace of mind, and helping participants achieve a more satisfying life style.