Legal Question in Elder Law in Pennsylvania

Living Alone

I am a joint owner of a home in Pennsylvania. The other 2 owners are my sisters.Mom is 80 yrs old and lives in the house.She is displaying signs of alheimer's and is on meds for this. My sister lives in the area and goes by daily to help her with ALL her needs.Mom now has a friend that has moved in with her and is totally dependent on her caring for him. His family visits daily to give him his meds. From personal observation this man should have been admitted to a facility some time ago since it's apparent that he requires 24 hour care.He has been certified by a doctor as not being able to live alone.His family is aware of his extensive medical issues and has not actively pursued putting him in a home, not wanting to separate these two.My mom refuses to discuss the issue.She has lived in this house all her life and per her, will die in this house. I am afraid of any legal ramifications of us having the knowledge that these two are incapable and we continue to let them reside in the home for the most part unattended, to avoid conflict. We all work,2 of us are outside the state of PA, the burden falls upon my older sister. If something should happen to either one of them due to non-supervision what legal issues could we be facing.


Asked on 4/22/06, 7:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Living Alone

You need to engage the services of an elder law attorney and a case manager. These professionals can review the situation and present you with a full range of options. The elder law attorney can help find a case manager. You can contact me or look on the AARP site to find an elder law attorney.

Unfortunately, your mother's needs must override her wishes to remain in the home. At 80 years old she may not be able to competetly care for herself and another person no matter her good intentions. But then there are plenty of 80 year olds (and older) that are more than capable.

Good luck and regards,

Roger Traversa

email: [email protected]

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Answered on 4/22/06, 11:57 am


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