When parents care for a child with a disability, one question can become harder to ignore as the years pass: What happens when we are no longer able to help? Brothers and sisters may eventually become part of the answer, but assuming they will take over without discussing it can create resentment, confusion, and serious planning gaps. Future planning for disabled siblings works best when families begin conversations early rather than waiting for illness, aging, or another crisis. The goal should not be to hand someone an obligation they never agreed to accept. Instead, families can create a realistic plan that respects the disabled person’s wishes while giving every sibling a genuine voice.
