Elder Law

Pennsylvania elder law is a relatively new area of law that deals with the issues faced by the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population – the elderly. At all stages of life it’s vital to ensure that your affairs are in order and are in line with your desires. Bregman & Lantz is dedicated to providing you with the most comprehensive assistance possible while you plan for the future. This includes proper asset protection planning services, long term care planning, nursing home planning, and guardianship in the greater Wilkes-Barre area and beyond.

Asset Protection Planning in Pennsylvania

You’ve worked hard for your life’s savings.  Unfortunately, lawsuits, medical issues, bankruptcy, and creditors can lead to the loss of your assets. This can happen to anyone at any stage of life. Working with our team of attorneys at Bregman & Lantz can help you build an asset protection plan that will safeguard your assets for your future and your loved ones.

Long-Term Care Planning

In 2018, 14 million adults in the United States needed long-term services and supports. Of that population, 7.9 million (56 percent) were over age 65 and 6.1 million (44 percent) were ages 18 to 64. (Source: AARP) Residents of Pennsylvania may at some point in their lifetime require additional care, like in-home care or nursing home care. This long-term care is costly.  Planning for how you will pay for your care can help you avoid the strain on your savings or on your family members.

Nursing Home Planning for Pennsylvania Residents

You may find yourself in need of nursing home or in-home care at some point in your life. Planning for your future health care needs helps you protect your assets. Medicaid coverage is often used, as it isWithout Medicaid coverage, you will be held accountable for covering the entire monthly cost of Pennsylvania nursing home care.

It is a common concern that without Medicaid a family’s lifetime savings or even home can be depleted by the cost of health care. There are ways to accommodate the qualifications for Medicaid with the help of an experienced Pennsylvania Elder Law attorney to safeguard your assets. Our attorneys can help you create a plan that prevents or minimizes the need to spend down your hard-earned assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.

PENNSYLVANIA ANNUAL MEDIAN COST OF CARE (2019)

Resource: https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html

Guardianship for the Elderly in Pennsylvania

Sometimes, by the time a person thinks about planning, it will already be too late to execute a power of attorney or healthcare directive.  In such cases, it becomes necessary to ask the Court to appoint a Guardian who will be legally authorized to make decisions for the now incapacitated individual.  This can be a complicated process, and it is critical that you have an attorney on your side to lead you through it.

Bregman & Lantz Law is dedicated to supporting your Pennsylvania legal needs with Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Special Needs Planning through every step of the way. We welcome you to contact us to learn more about how our Luzerne County firm can help meet your Elder Law goals.