Social Services

PLAN of Massachuetts and Rhode Island prides itself on the individualized social service support provided by its Service Coordinators. PLAN’s Service Coordinators are licensed social workers who serve as the primary point of contact for beneficiaries, their families, and their caregivers. Immediately after a trust is opened, the beneficiary is assigned a Service Coordinator who will contact the individual and/or his or her family or representative to welcome them to the trust and schedule an introductory meeting. At the meeting the Service Coordinator will review the Disbursement Guidelines and explain how to access trust funds. The Service Coordinator will also discuss specific ways the trust can be used to enhance that individual’s quality of life. Conversations about use of the funds often lead to the creation of a spending plan.

PLAN of MA and RI dons multiple hats, acting as trustee, surrogate parent, sounding board, and advocate to each of our beneficiaries and their families. Along with the management of trust funds, our unique social service component provides an individual touch that many other programs do not offer. It is this that truly sets us apart from other similar organizations. By assisting our beneficiaries in preserving public benefits while helping them obtain items and services aimed at enhancing their lives, our Service Coordinators help provide the peace of mind beneficiaries and their families desire.

Throughout the duration of the trust, ongoing contact is maintained between the Service Coordinators and the beneficiaries and their caregivers. Families of individuals with future funded trusts are contacted annually to ensure that the personal information we have on file is current. Those with a funded account are contacted at least twice a year to maintain up-to-date information and determine if their needs are being met. For example, if it’s found that a beneficiary residing in a nursing home would benefit from a companion, the Service Coordinator will coordinate companionship services that meet the individual’s needs and will follow up to make certain that these services are being properly rendered.

Service Coordinators make and receive multiple phone calls daily regarding status updates, referrals to various outside services or vendors, and recommendations for trust expenditures. In order to decide whether or not an expenditure is appropriate, Service Coordinators consider many factors, including the beneficiary’s age, disability, needs, and trust fund balance. A Service Coordinator’s main concern is to find ways to enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life while protecting benefit eligibility. Because of this, some purchases might be discouraged in favor of a less expensive or more appropriate alternative. The beneficiary’s best interests are always at the forefront and guide the Service Coordinators when making these decisions.

What Families Say About PLAN of Massachusetts and Rhode Island 

"I appreciate your genuine concern for (my mother’s) well being and our conversations concerning my dear mother." 

 "I wanted to personally thank you for your support during (my father’s) illness and also for the thoughtful sympathy card.  I wish that some of the wonderful people that were involved with his care as his illness progressed could have known him “back when”.  He was quite a character, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  Again, thank you and your organization for all your help with my dad’s affairs.”  

"On behalf of my sister's family, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you and your staff for your help and guidance in understanding the (pooled trust) and our access to the funds for her benefit.  We had no difficulty sending in the necessary documents for payments and reimbursements.  Special thanks to her service coordinator who was always available to us and more than willing to help us with questions at any time."