What is Elder Law?
An elder law attorney deals with long-term care planning, end-of-life issues, housing assistance and options, elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, age discrimination in employment, veterans’ benefits, services of the Area Agencies on Aging, the legal rights of residents of nursing facilities, and federal and state legislation affecting the elderly.
Elder Law: What It Means to You
and Your Future


Until just a few years ago, the legal needs of the “elderly” weren’t significantly different from the needs of the general population, and “elder law” was an obscure niche legal practice. Today elder law is a widely recognized and often specialized area of law. Elder law has come of age.
Thanks to medical advances, preventive health measures, and increased information on nutrition and exercise, an unprecedented number of Americans are living longer, healthier lives. For many, however, the extended aging process does require adjustments in living arrangements, and thought needs to be given to developing plans for when the ability to live independently becomes a challenge. Elder law attorneys understand the legalities of aging and can be instrumental in the creation and implementation of these plans.
The Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys (PAELA) currently has more than 170 members. These attorneys provide legal counsel and assistance to those looking to the future, and to those currently dealing with the struggles and unique complications of aging.
An elder law attorney’s value goes well beyond their ability to draft estate planning documents. An elder law attorney deals with long-term care planning and public benefits, end-of-life issues, housing assistance and options, elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, age discrimination in employment, veterans’ benefits, services of the Area Agencies on Aging, the legal rights of residents of nursing facilities, and federal and state laws affecting the elderly.
When should you meet with an elder law attorney?
Consider the following:
Elder law attorneys are also concerned about current and future legislation impacting the elderly. PAELA has an active public policy committee that monitors pending legislation on both the state and federal levels.
PAELA members provide subject matter expertise to policymakers and build coalitions to support, oppose, or improve proposed laws. They communicate regularly with state lawmakers, representatives of the Department of Human Services, the Department of Aging, and other stakeholders.
Whether it is directly helping a particular client or advocating on a broader level for legislative change, elder law attorneys work diligently to ensure that the best interests of the elderly are being protected.