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Family Law & Estate Planning Blog

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Planning for Long-Term Care: Estate Tools Every Pennsylvania Family Should Consider

On Behalf of McMorrow Law, LLC

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Jun 13, 2026

| Estate Planning

The future is unknown and unpredictable, but putting effort into your estate plans now, including the matter of long-term care, can afford you considerable peace of mind. Implementing long-term care plans not only frees you up to live life to the fullest in the present but also ensures that, if you do require long-term care, you’ll be covered. Our experienced Butler County estate planning attorneys at McMorrow Law, LLC, are standing by to help.

Long-Term Care in Butler County

The cost of long-term care in Butler County and throughout the State of Pennsylvania is slightly higher than the national average, making it costly. The level of care required and your preferences will dictate the cost, and prime examples, from least expensive to most, include the following:

  • Assisted living
  • In-home health care
  • Memory care
  • Nursing home care with skilled nursing

Planning Ahead

When it comes to long-term care planning, the emphasis should be on planning. The ideal time to address the matter is about 5 to 10 years before the likelihood of needing this brand of care increases considerably. In other words, you shouldn’t put this task off beyond the age of 55 to 60.

This approach takes Medicaid’s five-year lookback period into account. Medicaid won’t kick in until any amount that you’ve paid out in gifts or in the transfer of assets made in the last five years is covered.

Moving forward to the Implementation Phase

Once you reach about 60 to 75, it’s time to implement your asset protection plan actively. Consider each of the following steps:

  • Make a clear inventory of all your assets.
  • Identify those assets you want to protect, such as your home (if you intend to leave it to your children), as well as any discretionary assets that exceed your retirement needs.
  • Consider funding an irrevocable trust with those assets that you don’t need to cover your living expenses. Once this irrevocable trust reaches the five-year mark, it’s outside Medicaid’s reach.
  • Another option is establishing a life estate, which allows you to transfer your home to a child while you retain the right to live in it.
  • Do not neglect to maintain careful records. If you get sloppy, your efforts to protect your estate through careful planning could prove unsuccessful.

From here on out, it’s important to keep your plans current, including in relation to your durable power of attorney.

Our Experienced Butler County Elder Law Lawyers Welcome the Opportunity to Help You

Our seasoned Butler County elder law attorneys at McMorrow Law, LLC, recognize just how important long-term care is in the context of your estate plans, and we have the legal insight and skill to make a big difference for you. Contact us online or call 412-407-2816 today.