Will I Lose Everything to Pay for Nursing Home Care?
You don't have to. The Elder Care Law Center has helped families across Southeastern Pennsylvania protect their assets and qualify for Medicaid since 1994.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care Can Be Crushing. But You Have Options.
Two questions face every family when a loved one needs long-term care: Will we lose all of our assets? and Is there a way to prevent this?
The Elder Care Law Center was founded by Gerard J. Woods — a Pennsylvania attorney who transitioned into elder law in 1994 when his estate planning clients began needing help with family members facing Alzheimer's, dementia, and other illnesses. For over 30 years, our firm has been dedicated to one mission: helping families conserve their assets and preventing a spouse from living in poverty due to the high cost of nursing home care.
We serve families in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Chester County, and Southern New Jersey with Medicaid planning, estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate administration.
What We Can Do For You
- ✓Preserve the maximum assets allowable under law
- ✓Prepare and file Medicaid applications
- ✓Appeal county assistance office decisions
- ✓Draft wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
- ✓Create health care advance directives
- ✓Handle guardianship proceedings
- ✓Administer estates and trusts
- ✓Minimize estate taxes and PA inheritance taxes
Practice Areas
We focus exclusively on the legal needs of seniors and their families.
Medicaid Planning
Preserve the maximum amount of your assets while qualifying for Medicaid. We address the five-year look-back, protect the healthy spouse from impoverishment, and use proven legal techniques to shield what you've built.
Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts
Individually crafted estate plans — revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and insurance trusts. Attorney Woods holds an LL.M. in Taxation, specializing in minimizing federal estate taxes.
Health Care Power of Attorney
Designate a trusted person to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated. Without this document, your family may face expensive, time-consuming court-appointed guardianship proceedings.
Estate Administration & Probate
If you've been named executor, administrator, or trustee, we guide you through every requirement — filing, tax returns, asset distribution, and creditor claims. Attorney Woods' tax LL.M. is directly applicable here.
Financial Power of Attorney
A properly drafted POA lets your agent manage financial affairs, make gifts for Medicaid planning purposes, and handle time-sensitive decisions without the cost and delay of court proceedings.
Advance Directives & Living Wills
Specify what health care measures you want — and don't want — in situations of permanent unconsciousness or end-stage conditions. Spare your family from making impossible decisions without your guidance.
Your Attorneys
Gerard J. Woods
Founder · Practicing Elder Law Since 1994
Temple Law (J.D., 1974) with an LL.M. in Taxation (1981). Admitted to the PA Bar since 1975, U.S. District Court since 1976, and the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals since 1982.
Gerard founded the firm when estate planning clients needed help navigating Medicaid for family members with Alzheimer's and dementia. His advanced tax degree is directly applicable to estate tax minimization and Medicaid asset protection strategies.
David L. Reibstein
Attorney · Estate Planning & Medicaid
The George Washington University (B.A., 1996), Temple University Beasley School of Law (J.D., 2001). PA Bar since 2002.
David focuses on estate planning, estate administration, and Medicaid planning. He works closely with families to protect assets while ensuring their loved ones receive the care they need.
Common Questions About Elder Law
These are the questions families ask us most often. The answers contain specific dollar amounts and legal details — because that's what you need to make informed decisions.
Let's Talk About Your Family's Situation
Every family's circumstances are different. Call us to discuss your options — there's no obligation and no pressure.
(215) 886-1881Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat 9am–1pm · Jenkintown, PA