My mother is running out of money and won't be able to stay in senior care home. What should I do?

I just had to consult with an excellent elder law attorney here in the Houston area over my aunt's situation. The consult fee was a flat $350, however it was so worthwhile because she gave me excellent advise and directions in plain English. One thing is if the monthly income is too high to allow for Medicaid eligibility and thus prevent the payment of my aunt's nursing home cost, a "Miller's Trust" can be established to allow eligibility. My aunt must continue to pay for all her own care until she hits that magic resource limit amount, but after that her expenses will be covered by Medicaid once she applies. Hope this helps you.

Check your mom's contract with the facility she's in now. I used to work as an RN at a senior care campus (with independent, assisted living, nursing home and alzheimer's care) where the contract included clauses for financial hardships.

Medicaid will pay for nursing home if your Mom has no money and hasn't had any property for 5 years. If this is your mom's case, social services will help place her. Been there and done that.

Susand, I don't know. I'm in the same boat. No resources, I can't sell his house, and I have about three months before the ALF will kick him out. If anyone has any ideas I'd like to hear them. I've gone the Medicaid route. They won't help. They have so many rules and loopholes (for their benefit) that it just drives me nuts.

In my state they take the persons life insurance but you are now allowed to prepay funeral cost they will take her social security pensions and whatever they can but then she will receive care in a nursing home which should be close to where you live so you can go in often.

Great idea - to find out what things are exempt from Medicaid consideration - thank you!

Susan: I know that many things are exempt from Medicaid considertion...I would highly recommend a good elder attorney. That would be a good question to ask before contacting Medicaid. I would think that the social worker could direct you there too.
Let us know what you find out...

Hi Lilli,

Thank you for your comments. I will definitely check with our local hospital and speak to a social worker - that's a great idea. Do you know if Medicaid has any right to a life insurance policy? My mom has a small one and I would hate for that to go to the government - anyway, thank you for your information.

Susan: so sorry that you have to scramble to find accomodations for your Mom...it is something that we all struggle with.
As Hap mentioned above, can your Mother qualify for Medicaid? If she does, they have a "look-back" period of 5years to see if she has any assets. If not, she will be elibgible and I believe that her income level is the only criteria. Medicaid was designed for folks who have run out of other assets. I have found the social workers at our local hospital to be the most knowledgeable and they can direct you. As with all things governmental, I would start the paper work sooner than later.
Also, each state has its own programs - some are better than others - but it's worth a look.
You didn't mention your mother's condition. If she is mobile enough, can she live with/near you and arrange for in-home care? I am doing this now with my Mom and it has worked well...so far!
Anyway, I wish you good luck in finding the best placement for your Mom...let us know...
Lilli

Thank you for commenting back to me. I am worried that I won't be able to get her Medi-Cal funding. Do you know if nursing homes ever just accept someone's social security check as payment and nothing more?

government probably won't help you that is why this sight is so popular because all of us are really in the same boat.

Susand---just a suggestion---can she get onto federal medicade?...I would suugest you try contacting social services on aging in your area....They can probably walk you through the procedure.

Good luck

Hap