Share

Philadelphia PA Estate Planning Blog

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Elder Planning: What Is It and When Do You Need It?

 

Elder planning is legal planning for your long-term care needs and the costs associated with the care. Nursing homes today cost over $100,000 a year, and the figures rise annually faster than inflation. At such a high cost, nursing home care can easily wipe out a modest estate before one must utilize Medicaid (without any planning, you would have to spend down close to everything you own).  

There are two types of elder planning: Advanced planning and crisis planning. Advanced planning can help shield some significant assets from being spent down on a nursing home, while still allowing qualification for Medicaid. This involves use of irrevocable trusts. The best assets to preserve with trusts are typically second homes or investment accounts that you will never need.

Other options for advanced planning include the purchase of life insurance, with a death benefit that can be used for long-term care costs. This is typically a win-win situation for clients that can get covered and are comfortable paying the premiums.

Advanced planning is great for those that have certain assets or money to plan with and also want to ensure their family is left an inheritance.

On the other hand, crisis planning occurs immediately before the individual is admitted to a nursing home. Sometimes, some assets can be preserved, but the options are usually limited and costly.

If you want to plan in advance, the optimal time is typically in your 60’s while you’re still in good health. Adjust the age based on your health history, family health history and other factors. Also, planning is best done for clients with estates valued at between $500,000 and $1,500.000. Anything below or above those numbers usually makes advanced planning less urgent.

For more questions about elder planning, please contact me at jeremy@jawatlaw.com.


Archived Posts

2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010


The Law Offices of Jeremy A. Wechsler assist clients with Estate Planning matters in Willow Grove, PA as well as Abington, Hatboro, Dresher, Horsham, Bryn Athyn, Huntingdon Valley, Fort Washington, Jenkintown, Glenside, Oreland, Warminister, Wyncote, Ambler, Elkins Park, Flourtown, Philadelphia, Warrington, Cheltenham, Gwynedd Valley, Jamison, Feasterville Trevose, Richboro, North Wales, Blue Bell, Lafayette Hill, King of Prussia, Collegeville, Oaks, Phoenixville, Oxford Valley, Langhorne, Penndel, Bristol, Fairless Hills, Bensalem, Plymouth Meeting, Furlong, Philadelphia County, Bucks County and Montgomery County.

© 2025 The Law Offices of Jeremy A. Wechsler | Disclaimer | Law Firm Website Design by Zola Creative



© 2020 The Law Offices of Jeremy A. Wechsler | Disclaimer
2300 Computer Avenue, Suite J-54, Willow Grove, PA 19090
| Phone: 215-706-0200

Wills and Trusts | Elder Law / Long Term Care | Probate / Estate Administration | Powers of Attorney | Life Insurance / Long-Term Care Insurance | Special Needs Planning | Same Sex Couple Planning | Asset Protection | Estate Planning For Pets | Trust Planning | Retirement Account Trusts | About Us | Resources

Attorney Website Design by
Amicus Creative