LibGuides: Self-Help: Elder Law: Learn about Elder Law Topics

Brochures

A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Senior Citizens Information about legal issues faced by Pennsylvania’s older residents and their caregivers on topics like financial planning, estate planning, power of attorney, HIPAA, guardianship, benefits, abuse and neglect, housing, assisted living, Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and more. Published by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (2016 - 2017).
A Guide for Seniors and Their Families: Issues on Aging General information on estate planning, power of attorney, Social Security benefits, scams, etc. Created by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (last updated March 2013).
Elder Abuse Bench Book: Pennsylvania A practical resource for learning about elder abuse, signs of abuse or neglect, related laws, and how the Courts can play a role in preventing or decreasing such abuse. Although it is written for judges, it has information that may be helpful for anyone. Created by the The Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts and The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (July 2019).
Recognizing and Preventing Identity Theft General information about the law surrounding identity theft, how to protect against it, and what to do if you've been a victim of it. Created by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (last updated Aug. 2012).
Understanding When Grandparents and Others Can Seek Custody (PA) FAQ pamphlet about the rights of grandparents and other third parties to seek custody of children in certain situations. Created by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (last updated Aug. 2018).

Estate Planning General information on wills, probate, and trusts. Created by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (last updated Feb. 2013).
Your Life, Your Decisions: Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney and Standby Guardianships Booklet on end-of-life issues facing clients with HIV. Created by the AIDS Law Project (last updated April 2017).
Advance Health Care Directive: Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will Information about Advance Health Care Directives. Includes a Durable Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will form with instructions. Provided by the Allegheny County Bar Association and the Allegheny County Medical Society (2020).
Living Wills/Health Care Powers of Attorney Information on living wills/advance directives and health care powers of attorney. Created by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (last updated Aug. 2013).
The Truth About Probate & Living Trust in Pennsylvania Answers various questions about living trusts and probate/estate administration in PA. Created by the Allegheny County Bar Association (2009).

Guardianship Bench Book: Pennsylvania A practical guide for navigating the various aspects of the guardianship process. Although it is written for judges, it has information and sample forms (for a list of forms, see page xi) that may be helpful for anyone. Created by the The Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts and The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (2020).
Manual for Guardians of Incapacitated Persons (Phila.) "The goal of this Guardian’s Manual is to assist the Guardian of the Person, the Estate, or both of an Incapacitated Person to exercise the basic duties required by your appointment." Includes select forms and sample decrees. Created by the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division (last updated July 2022).

Websites

Resources: How Can We Help? CARIE
Resources on COVID-19, elder abuse, Medicare and Medicaid, nursing homes, long term care, resources for caregivers, and more.

SeniorLAW Center Projects SeniorLAW Center
Click on a topic on their "Projects" page to access flyers or brochures. Topics include grandparents raising grandchildren, guardianship, pension rights, victim services, and more.

Get Help: Seniors Community Legal Services (CLS)
Click on a topic on their "Get Help: Seniors" page. Then look for the "About" or the "Additional Resources" section(s) for info, flyers, or brochures. Topics include hoarding, personal care homes, property taxes, and more.

Estate Planning Checklist Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia
Lists information/documents to have prior to having a will, Healthcare Power of Attorney, or Financial Power of Attorney documents drafted.

Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania
Provides a short glossary of terms and links to resources.

AARP Pennsylvania AARP
Law-related articles and resources for retired persons and family members in Pennsylvania.

Nursing Care Facility Locator Page Pennsylvania Dept. of Health
Can search by county, city, or zip code.