According to the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, there are approximately 3.4 million older adults in the Commonwealth. As people age, their legal needs evolve, requiring specialized knowledge and strategic planning. The American Bar Association (ABA) defines elder law as a focused practice area designed to address the legal, financial, and healthcare needs of older adults. At Keystone Elder Law P.C., we provide comprehensive legal services to seniors and their families. Below, our Mechanicsburg elder law attorney outlines the key areas that elder law covers in Pennsylvania.
Key Areas of Elder Law
Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy
Every adult should have an estate plan, but it is particularly crucial for older individuals. Estate planning ensures that your assets, healthcare decisions, and financial matters are handled according to your wishes. Elder law attorneys assist with:
- Drafting wills to direct the distribution of assets
- Establishing trusts for asset protection and legacy planning
- Creating powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions
- Developing advance healthcare directives to outline medical preferences
With a properly structured estate plan, you can protect your loved ones and avoid unnecessary legal complications in the future.
Asset Protection: Preserving Your Hard-Earned Wealth
Seniors often face financial vulnerabilities, from rising healthcare costs to potential long-term care expenses. Elder law attorneys implement strategies to protect life savings from being depleted due to medical expenses, long-term care costs, or financial exploitation. Asset protection may involve:
- Medicaid planning to preserve assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits
- Structuring irrevocable trusts for enhanced protection against creditors or lawsuits
- Gifting strategies to transfer wealth while minimizing tax implications
Proper asset protection planning ensures financial stability for both seniors and their heirs.
Long-Term Care Planning: Preparing for the Future
The cost of long-term care is one of the biggest financial concerns for aging individuals and their families. In Pennsylvania, a single year in a nursing home can exceed $100,000—and Medicare does not cover most long-term care expenses. Elder law attorneys help families develop Medicaid eligibility plans and other strategies to finance care, such as:
- Medicaid asset protection trusts
- Long-term care insurance planning
- Veterans’ benefits for qualifying individuals
Without proper planning, families may face significant out-of-pocket costs for nursing home or assisted living care.
Life Care Planning: Comprehensive Aging Support
Life care planning integrates legal, healthcare, and financial strategies to help seniors maintain independence and quality of life as they age. This approach involves:
- Coordinating in-home care services or assisted living arrangements
- Establishing guardianships or conservatorships if needed
- Managing financial and healthcare decision-making
A well-structured life care plan allows seniors to age with dignity while ensuring their needs are met.
Protection Against Elder Abuse and Neglect
Elder abuse—whether physical, emotional, financial, or neglect-related—is a serious and often underreported issue. Pennsylvania law provides legal protections for vulnerable seniors, including:
- Mandated reporting laws for suspected abuse
- Legal recourse against nursing home neglect and financial exploitation
- Assistance in obtaining protective orders against abusive individuals
If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, an elder law attorney can guide you in taking the necessary legal steps to protect your loved one.
Probate and Estate Administration: Navigating the Legal Process
After a loved one passes away, their estate must go through probate or another form of estate administration. This process ensures that assets are distributed properly and debts are settled. Elder law attorneys assist with:
- Probate proceedings for estates with or without a will
- Trust administration to manage and distribute assets efficiently
- Estate litigation if disputes arise over wills, inheritances, or executor decisions
Proper planning can simplify the probate process and prevent unnecessary delays or conflicts.
Get Trusted Guidance from Our Mechanicsburg Elder Law Attorneys
At Keystone Elder Law P.C., we provide tailored legal solutions to help seniors and their families plan for the future with confidence. Whether you need assistance with estate planning, long-term care, or elder abuse protection, our experienced elder law attorneys are here to help. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. From our office in Mechanicsburg, we proudly serve clients throughout Cumberland County and beyond.