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Health Affairs estimates that 4 million older adults can
only leave their homes with assistance, making accessing care challenging.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that
1.3 million Americans receive care in nursing homes. According to A Place for
Mom, more than 810,000 reside in assisted living.
Home health care presents an alternative to nursing homes
and assisted living, providing care for homebound people. Those who receive
home health care can remain in their residences, reducing expenses, preserving
autonomy, and maintaining community ties.
Although Medicare funds some home health care services, a
recent study has found that Medicare beneficiaries are underutilizing the
program’s home health care options. Many older adults do not receive the
home-based clinical care or home-based long-term services and supports that
could benefit them.
Medicare Coverage of Home Health Services
Medicare Parts A and B cover certain home health services.
Homebound individuals can receive part-time or intermittent skilled services.
Part A covers home health care for people following a hospital stay or a stay
in a skilled nursing facility. Part B provides home health care for homebound
adults who need skilled nursing care.
A Medicare beneficiary is considered homebound in the
following situations:
The program covers medically necessary part-time or
intermittent skilled nursing care and health assistance, durable medical
equipment, and medical supplies for use at home.
Medicaid also covers long-term services and supports (LTSS),
which include medical and personal care services that aid with activities of
daily living (ADLs). These are the kinds of services an assisted living
facility typically provides.
Use of Home-Based Clinical Care and Long-Term Services
and Supports Among Homebound Older Adults
A 2023 study published in the Journal of American Medical
Directors Association looked into home-based clinical care and
home-based LTSS among homebound older Medicare beneficiaries. The researchers
examined the Medicare claims of 974 beneficiaries to shed light on their use of
in-home services.
The study found that while homebound individuals used these
services, no group received high levels of all care types.
Homebound individuals more commonly utilized LTSS services
than home-based clinical care.
The researchers identified three levels of home clinical
care and LTSS usage among older adults:
In finding that only roughly 9 percent of participants
receive high levels of clinical care and LTSS, the study points to a gap
between those who could benefit from these services and the care provided.
Although in-home care and support could meet the needs of older adults, many
homebound older adults do not take full advantage of the services available.
Learn More About Your Options
If you or your loved one need help with Medicare care of
activities of daily living at home, contact Sharek Law Office at 412-547-9855 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute call to learn more about
your options.
This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC.
We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered
decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's
why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more
financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best
choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today
to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article
to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this
is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice
Aging should be about enjoying the comfort of homenot worrying about whether its still safe to live there. At TruBlue, we believe every senior deserves to feel confident, supported, and secure in the home they love. Thats why we provide professional home safety modifications and ongoing home maintenance, tailored specifically for older adults who want to age in place with dignity.Aging in Place Is the GoalBut Safety Comes First75% of adults aged 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, according to a 2024 AARP study.But most homes werent designed to support long-term independence. Even small updates like adding grab bars, improving lighting, or adjusting door thresholds can dramatically reduce fall risk and make daily activities easier.Thats where TruBlue comes in.What Senior Home Modifications Can IncludeEvery home is different. Our team takes time to assess each space and recommend modifications that truly make a difference. Some of the most impactful changes we offer include:Grab bars and safety rails in bathrooms and stairwaysZero-threshold entries and widened doorways for walkers or wheelchairsNon-slip flooring to reduce fall risksImproved lighting in dim or high-traffic areasSmart door handles and lever fixtures for easier useThese adjustments dont just improve safetythey empower seniors to live with more ease, comfort, and confidence.Trusted, Compassionate TechniciansTruBlue technicians are trained, background-checked, and many are certified through Age Safe America, so you can feel confident youre working with professionals who genuinely care. We treat every project like its for our own familybecause thats the TruBlue way.Were not just handymen. Were your Home Ally here to make sure every senior feels secure, supported, and seen.Ongoing Support with the Maintenance PlanModifying a home for safety is just the start. Ongoing upkeep can be just as important for long-term peace of mind. Our Maintenance Plan offers:Quarterly home checkupsProactive seasonal maintenanceA trusted technician you can count onPriority scheduling when issues ariseIts a simple, stress-free way to ensure a home remains safe and well-maintained, without burdening family members.Start a Conversation TodayWhether youre helping a parent stay independent or planning for your own future, TruBlue is here to help. We make it easier to age in place, safely and confidently with services you can trust and people who truly care.Lets create a safer home together.
Suppose youre an early retiree living on a fixed income. In that case, 2026 brings confirmed changes you need to understandespecially around staying under the 400% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to maintain ACA premium subsidies.The Two Key Updates:Enhanced ACA tax credits will expire after 2025.Congress has now passed legislation letting the expanded premium tax credits (originating in the American Rescue Plan and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act) lapse beginning in 2026.The subsidy cliff returns in 2026. With enhanced credits eliminated, the traditional cutoff at 400% FPL is reinstated, and crossing that threshold could result in the loss of all subsidy eligibility, leading to significant premium increases. What Early Retirees Should Know On-Exchange (Marketplace) Plans:Subsidy eligibility will once again be limited to households at or below 400% FPL. Exceeding that income level in 2026 could mean losing all premium assistance and facing significantly higher costs.Off-Exchange Plans:These are direct-to-carrier, full-price planswith no subsidies or Marketplace involvement. Silver options might offer better pricing directly through the carrier than on the Marketplace.Consider Smart Income Planning:To retain subsidies, many early retirees are working with both their broker and financial advisor to manage how income is recognized throughout the yearsuch as timing withdrawals or shifting income sourcesto remain under the 400% FPL threshold.This is not financial advicejust a reminder to consult trusted professionals. Aligning your retirement income strategy with your healthcare needs can help maintain premium support until you become eligible for Medicare.Why It Matters:Exceeding 400% FPL in 2026 could result in hundreds of dollars more per month in premiums.With no Medicare yet, coverage costs could remain high for years.Thoughtful income planning now can preserve subsidies during your critical early retirement years.Final Thoughts:As an early retiree, planning is essential. Your health coverage and income are deeply interconnected, primarily through 2026 and beyond.To navigate these changes successfully:-Consult both your financial advisor and your health insurance broker-Monitor your FPL percentage annually.-Strategize income timing and coverage decisions together. If youd like to explore your optionsor are curious how this applies to your householdplease feel free to reach out to us at Baker Consulting Services at 724-594-7648.
If you or a loved one needs more hands-on care, living assistance can help put your mind at ease. Living assistance is flexible, personalized, and fosters a safe home environment while maintaining a sense of independence and privacy. It can give you or your loved one the freedom to make everyday choices and receive a helping hand whenever needed.At St. Barnabas, we understand that the transition from full to partial independence isnt easy and how important it is to ensure your needs and preferences are both addressed. Here are a few ways living assistance is provided without intruding.Receiving Help As NeededEncouraging independence is one way to foster non-intrusive assistance. At a senior living assistance campus, the staff is always available to lend a hand without eliminating decision-making. You or your loved one can retain a sense of autonomy by participating in the daily tasks and chores and receiving help on an as-needed basis. Intervention comes in varying degrees, depending on individual ability. A personalized care plan may include: Incontinence support Wheelchair assistance Medication management Help with grooming, dressing, and bathing Wound, ostomy, or catheter care Care staff is attentive and sensitive to your needs, and they can offer a little help throughout the day or when needed. By participating in daily activities, you or your loved one can plan your day based on your personal preferences.Collaborative SchedulingAs an alternative to making a pre-set schedule and asking the resident to stick to it, working together to create a personal care plan that suits everyone can be beneficial. When it comes to weekly meals, exercise routines, and social activities, residents have the freedom to choose. Maybe they enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals, or perhaps they like to do stretching exercises versus walks. Wherever passions lie, the staff can incorporate those into the regular daily routine to help encourage healthy living and socialization in ways that suit personal preferences.Collaborating with staff can also ensure that activities are both enjoyable and safe. When a resident cant do an activity they love, the team can work with them to find ways to feel that same sense of joy without putting them in danger.Respecting Boundaries and Private SpacesSpending time alone gives us a chance to relax, decompress, and gather our thoughts. In a living assistance care center, its imperative that residents still have some time for themselves. Caregivers respect boundaries and private spaces. Before entering a room, they knock on the door and wait for the resident to respond. Designating a private area for residents to turn to when they feel overwhelmed also aids in creating independence and ultimately gives them a space to de-stress and unwind.Places like the bathroom or shower are understandably uncomfortable areas for intrusion, so caregivers are sure to give residents the space they need to complete these tasks in private. The staff still makes sure the resident is safe by remaining nearby and listening for signs that something may be wrong. Learn More about Living Assistance at St. Barnabas Serving the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties, St. Barnabas is here to give you the support you need. With a dedication to providing comfortable and compassionate living assistance services, you can count on us for all of your care requirements. To learn more about our senior living assistance program, contact us today.
Comprehensive Special Needs Estate Planning & Special Needs Trusts in PennsylvaniaEstate planning for families with special needs children presents a unique set of financial, legal, and healthcare challenges that require the expertise of a special needs planning attorney. Not all estate planning lawyers understand the intricacies involved, but the experienced special needs estate planning attorneys at Entrusted Legacy Law are dedicated to ensuring your child with special needs is fully protected when you are no longer able to serve as their primary caregiver.We provide a full range of estate planning services tailored to families with special needs children in Pennsylvania. Our goal is to help you preserve assets for your childs future care while ensuring they remain eligible for essential government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We assist in setting up special needs trusts (SNTs) to safeguard financial resources, appointing legal guardians and trustees, and identifying long-term care options to ensure your child receives the best possible support and housing solutions.Special Needs Trusts & Asset ProtectionOne of the most significant challenges in special needs financial planning is ensuring that your child has adequate resources without jeopardizing their eligibility for public assistance programs. Many families unknowingly risk disqualifying their child from essential benefits by leaving them a direct financial inheritance. Instead, the best strategy is to establish a special needs trust to provide financial security while preserving their access to Medicaid, SSI, and other government assistance programs.A properly structured special needs trust allows funds to be used for supplemental expensessuch as medical care, therapy, education, and personal carewithout affecting eligibility for disability benefits. However, the regulations governing these trusts are complex. Funds must be managed by a designated trustee and cannot be distributed directly to the beneficiary, as this could trigger disqualification from public benefits. Additionally, a child's needs evolve over time, making it critical to have a trust that can adapt to changing circumstances and legal requirements.By working with an experienced Pennsylvania special needs attorney, you can ensure that your childs special needs trust is legally sound, structured correctly, and customized to their specific requirements.Special Needs Planning for Families in PennsylvaniaAt Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in estate planning for children with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental or intellectual disabilities. Our firm helps families create a comprehensive life care plan that provides financial security while safeguarding access to government benefits and essential support services.Whether you need help establishing a special needs trust, securing a legal guardian, or planning for long-term care and housing, our Pennsylvania special needs planning attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process.Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today to start creating a sustainable, secure future for your child with special needs.
Pennsylvania Probate: What You Need to Know After the Passing of a Loved OneIf you are here to learn about Pennsylvania probate laws after the passing of a loved one, we first want to extend our sincere condolences. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we hope the information on this page provides clarity and helps minimize the legal and administrative challenges you may otherwise face.What Is Probate in Pennsylvania?Probate in Pennsylvania is a court-supervised legal process that ensures the transfer of assets from a deceased individual to their rightful heirs or beneficiaries. This process is essential for: Proving the validity of a will Appointing an executor (if there is a will) or an administrator (if there is no will) Inventorying and appraising estate property Paying outstanding debts, estate taxes, and creditors Distributing assets as directed by the willor by Pennsylvania intestacy laws if no will existsIn Pennsylvania, if a deceased person owned real estate or assets solely in their name, their estate must go through probate before assets can be legally distributed.The Downsides of Pennsylvania Probateand What You Can Do NextMany residents in Allegheny County, Butler County, Beaver County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County have heard that probate is a lengthy, expensive, and public process. Unfortunately, this is truewithout proper estate planning, probate can be costly and time-consuming.The best way to avoid probate in Pennsylvania is to plan ahead using strategies such as revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership structures. However, if you are already in a position where probate is required, the best thing you can do is educate yourself and seek experienced probate legal assistance to complete the process as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.How Is a Probate Case Started in Pennsylvania?Probate can be initiated by any beneficiary or creditor, but most often, the process begins when the Executor named in the will files the original will and a petition with the Pennsylvania probate court.If there is no will, a close relative of the deceased (such as a spouse, child, or sibling) typically files the petition to become the Administrator of the Estate.Choosing the Executor for a Pennsylvania EstateIf a valid will exists, the individual named as Executor will handle the probate processif they are eligible and willingIf no Executor is available or no will exists, any interested party (such as a family member) can petition the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court to be appointed as the Administrator of the Estate.Executor Compensation in PennsylvaniaUnder Pennsylvania probate law, Executors and Administrators receive compensation based on a percentage of the total probate estate value. This is designed to fairly compensate them for their time and effort in managing estate matters.However, Executors can be held personally liable for any mistakes made during the process. Given the complexity of Pennsylvania probate rules, its critical to work with a skilled probate attorney to avoid legal pitfalls.Do You Need to Go Through Probate If a Trust Exists?In most cases, no. If the deceaseds assets were properly titled in the name of a trust, probate is not required. Instead, the successor trustee will work with an estate planning lawyer to administer the trust and distribute assets.However, many families are surprised to learn that simply having a trust does not guarantee that probate will be avoided. Common mistakes include: The trust was not updated over time to reflect new assets. The decedents assets were never properly transferred into the trust.To ensure your estate plan works as intended, its important to work with an estate planning attorney who provides ongoing trust maintenance and reviews.Which Assets Are Subject to Probate in Pennsylvania?Assets that must go through probate include: Real estate, bank accounts, or investments owned solely in the deceaseds name Personal property and valuable assets without a beneficiary designationAssets that bypass probate include: Jointly owned property with Right of Survivorship Bank accounts or investment accounts with Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) designations Life insurance policies and retirement accounts with named beneficiariesHowever, some assets that normally bypass probate can still become subject to the process under certain circumstances. Consult with a Pennsylvania probate attorney to determine if probate applies to your specific situation.How Pennsylvania Intestacy Laws Distribute an Estate When There Is No WillIf no valid will exists, Pennsylvania intestacy laws dictate how the estate will be distributed:1 Spouse (If married, a portion or all of the estate goes to the spouse)2 Children (If the deceased had children, they inherit next)3 Parents (If there are no children, parents inherit)4 Siblings (If no spouse, children, or parents, siblings inherit)This highlights the importance of estate planningwithout a will or trust, the state determines who receives your assets.How Long Does Pennsylvania Probate Take?The timeline for Pennsylvania probate varies depending on the estates complexity. On average: Minimum of 12 months for simple cases Up to 2+ years for complex estates, disputes, or tax-related mattersWhat Are the Costs of Probate in Pennsylvania?Probate costs in Pennsylvania include: Attorneys fees (Based on estate size and complexity) Court filing fees Executor fees (set by Pennsylvania law) Appraisal and valuation fees Publication and administrative costsIn more complex estates, additional fees may apply, increasing probate expenses and delays.How to Choose the Right Pennsylvania Probate AttorneySelecting the right probate lawyer in Pennsylvania is crucial. Many general practice lawyers dabble in probate law, but only experienced probate attorneys have the knowledge to navigate complex estate matters efficiently. You do NOT have to use the attorney who prepared the will. You have the right to choose a specialized probate lawyer who understands the nuances of Pennsylvania estate law and can expedite the process. Avoid costly mistakes. Working with an experienced probate attorney prevents errors that could increase costs, cause delays, or result in legal disputes.Contact Entrusted Legacy Law for a Complimentary Pennsylvania Probate ConsultationIf youre ready to begin the probate process in Pennsylvania, our Allegheny County and Butler County probate attorneys are here to guide you.Call us at 412-347-1731 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine your next best steps.During your consultation, we will: Answer your probate-related questions Provide guidance on estate administration Help you navigate the Pennsylvania probate process efficientlyWe are here to relieve the legal and administrative burden during this difficult time and ensure that your loved ones estate is handled with care.
Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind. You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets. Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most. Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets. I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.