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In Pennsylvania, a Family Caregiver Agreement  is a formal contract that turns informal help into a professional arrangement. Why does this matter? Because without one, any money given to a family member for care is viewed by the state as a "gift." This can trigger massive financial penalties and delay Medical Assistance (Medicaid) eligibility for years. A well-drafted agreement protects the caregiver’s income and the senior’s path to long-term care benefits.   As Pennsylvani

Critical Update for Families: Effective February 2, 2026, federal regulations requiring nursing homes to have a Registered Nurse (RN) on-site 24/7 are set to be repealed.  This reversal means facilities will only be required to have an RN present for eight consecutive hours a day, leaving residents without high-level clinical oversight for the majority of the time. At Fiffik Law Group, we believe this change poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania’

It may sound odd but a common concern for older Pennsylvanians isn’t about dying, it’s about living too long with chronic illness. How do they afford care? We all know the statistics. The cost of long-term care in Pennsylvania - whether in a skilled nursing facility, assisted living, or through extensive at-home care - is staggering. In many parts of our state, nursing home costs now exceed $12,000 per month. Many families assume Medicare will cover these costs. It does not.

As elder law attorneys in Pennsylvania, one of the most common questions we receive from clients revolves around the distinction between guardianship and a power of attorney. Both involve making decisions on behalf of another person, but the paths to getting there, and the level of control involved, are vastly different. Here’s how we suggest that you understand the difference between a Power of Attorney and Guardianship: a Power of Attorney is about YOU being in control and

As Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys , we talk with clients every day about preparing for the future. We discuss Wills , Trusts , and Powers of Attorney . But there is one crucial document, often overlooked, that can provide your family with the most profound comfort and relief during their darkest hour: a written plan for your funeral and the disposition of your remains. While it may seem morbid, pre-planning your final arrangements is not an act of self-focus; it's the

Article Summary: The first step is to clarify your loved one’s care needs, budget, and personal preferences before touring facilities. Evaluate how senior care can be paid for, including private funds, long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, and Medicaid. Compare facilities by visiting more than once, reviewing inspection history, and asking targeted questions about staffing, policies, and quality of life. Speak with an elder law attorney for guidance on Medicaid plannin

Recent studies and surveys show the costs of long-term care for seniors have been rising rapidly, with projections indicating that the trend will continue into 2026 and beyond. Increased demand, inflation, staffing shortages, and operational costs are key factors driving up expenses, making long-term care a mounting financial challenge for many families. As most of us go through our daily routines, it is difficult to imagine needing help with daily tasks.  However, research

If you have a parent or loved one in a nursing home or being cared for by a caregiver, one of your most critical concerns is likely about the safety of the staff caring for your loved ones. The simple answer is yes, Pennsylvania law requires nursing homes , senior care facilities and licensed caregiving agencies to conduct criminal background checks on their employees. This is a vital safeguard, but unfortunately, failures in this process can lead to devastating instances o

Caring for a loved one is a journey filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. Yet when a crisis arises, whether it is a sudden hospitalization, a financial emergency, challenges from rival siblings, or the difficult decision to transition to end-of-life care, caregivers are often thrust into high-pressure situations with little time to think.  For Pennsylvania caregivers and their families, being legally prepared is critical. Without the proper documents, caregivers

Frequency of Falls in Nursing Homes Falls are a significant concern in nursing homes, affecting a large proportion of residents each...

Let’s talk about something incredibly painful and, unfortunately, far too common: a sibling blocking you from seeing your elderly parent....

Remember how great it was to pull this Community Chest card in Monopoly: You Inherit $100! Well receiving an inheritance can be a bit...