Adult sibling guides
These guides are for adult siblings of someone with a lifelong disability from birth. They cover the most common questions we receive from siblings, about their disabled brother or sister's care. Some topics may be particularly helpful for adult siblings whose brother or sister is autistic and/or has a learning disability.
Decision-making
This guide includes:
- When you brother or sister can’t make a decision, who does?
- Can you make financial or healthcare decisions on their behalf? (includes information on power of attorney, deputyship, guardianship & controllership on pages 5-9)
- What does ‘mental capacity’ mean?
And much more.
Managing money
This guide includes:
- If your brother or sister can’t manage their day-to-day spending, who can?
- Do you need permission from the court to manage money? (includes information on power of attorney, deputyship, guardianship and controllership on pages 4-7)
- What financial support and discounts are available?
And much more.
Savings, wills and trusts
This guide includes:
- When your brother or sister can’t manage a large amount of money, who can?
- Can you leave a house in your will for someone to live in?
- What happens if money isn’t in a trust fund?
And much more.
Getting a care needs assessment
This guide includes:
- What makes your brother or sister eligible for support?
- How can you make sure they get the right support to meet their needs?
- Will they have to pay for their support?
And much more.
Behaviour that challenges
This guide is for adult siblings of people with a lifelong learning disability and/or who are autistic. The guide includes:
- What are behaviours that challenge?
- Why does my brother/sister do certain things?
- What can I do to support them and myself?
And much more.
Coping with managing care
This guide includes:
- Do siblings have to provide or manage care?
- What to do if you’re burnt out from care giving
- Tips and advice on working with care providers
And much more.
Future planning
This guide includes:
- Do you have a legal responsibility to care for your brother/sister?
- How can you plan for an emergency?
- What resources are available to help with future planning?
And much more.
Talking to parents
This guide includes:
- How to get your point across and feel heard
- What to do when you disagree over care and support issues
- Tips, advice and communication strategies
And much more.
Making a complaint
This guide includes:
- What should you include when you make a complaint?
- What happens after a complaint is submitted?
- Where to get legal advice
And much more.