Elder Law Handbook
Table of Contents

I. Introduction ... 1

Choosing an Elder Law Attorney ... 2
Attorney-Client Relationship ... 2
Confidentiality ... 3
Attorneys to Avoid Conflicts of Interest ... 3
Fee and Retainer Agreements ... 3
Assuring that the Client Makes Decisions ... 3
What Clients Can Do to Help ... 4/

II. Estate Planning ... 5

Meeting with a Lawyer ... 6
Understanding Basic Terms ... 7
A Will ... 9
Safe Deposit Boxes and What are Assets ... 10
Trusts ... 11
Non-Probate Property ... 13
Joint Property ... 14
Inheritance, Estate and Gift Taxes ... 16
Tax and Other Issues ... 19
Gifts ... 20
Commonly Asked Questions ... 22

III. Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives
and Guardianship ... 26

Power of Attorney ... 26
Issues Involved in Powers of Attorney ... 27
Commonly Asked Questions ... 29
Living Wills (Advance Health Care Directives) ... 31
Guardianship ... 33

IV. Medicare ... 34

Medicare Coverage and Treatment Costs ... 34
Supplemental or Medigap Insurance ... 36
Appealing a Denial of Benefits ... 37
Where to Get Information ... 37

V. Long Term Care Alternatives ... 38

Nursing Homes and Convalescent Care ... 38
Assisted Living Facilities and Housing Options ... 41
Regulations and Resources ... 43

VI. Paying for Long Term Care ... 45

Level of Care Determines Costs ... 45
Long Term Care Insurance ... 46
Medicaid (Medical Assistance) ... 50
Summary ... 53

VII. Social Security ... 54

Applying for Benefits ... 54
Social Security Benefits ... 55
Income Tax on Social Security Benefits ... 58
Resources ... 59

VIII. Financial Planning ... 60

Income Tax ... 60
Federal Income Tax Issues Affecting Seniors ... 63
Tax Rules Affecting Seniors ... 65
Property Tax and Rent Rebates ... 67
Investment Planning ... 68
Commonly Asked Questions ... 72

IX. Consumer Protection ... 74

Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection ... 75
Avoiding Scams ... 76
Dealing With Scams and Cons ... 78
Telemarketing ... 79
Charitable Organizations ... 79
Resources ... 80

X. Community Resources ... 81

General Resources ... 81
Greater Erie Community Action Committee - Area Agency on Aging ... 83
Volunteer Services ... 87

XI. Pennsylvania Assistance Programs ... 88

PACE and PACENET ... 88
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program ... 89

XII. Miscellany ... 90

Driver's Licenses ... 90
Identification Cards ... 90
Handicap Parking ... 91
Personal Records ... 91
 

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