Mom needs to go into NH. Will we have to sell the house?

smitty1323, you can either sell the house and use the equity to self-pay for Mom's care when she goes into the nursing home, then when the equity runs out then Medicaid will kick in. Make sure the nursing homes does accept Medicaid. And as time gets closer, to have Mom apply and be accepted by Medicaid [which is different from Medicare].

Please note, if Mom doesn't sell her house, then Medicaid will place a lien on the house. And Mom won't have enough money available to her to use for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, utilities, and other maintenance cost.... the grown children would need to pay out of their own pockets. And in the end, they may not get the house if Medicaid needs to use all the equity to be reimbursed, unless the grown children can match the equity used.

As Jessie mentioned above, you could try to see if you can be an exception, where you took over the care of Mom for at least two years, around the clock. You would need proof that you did this. Such as a doctor's note saying Mom needs around the clock care, due to medical issues, what Mom can and cannot do on her own, etc. Check with your State, as each State run Medicaid differently.

Dear Smitty,

I would talk with a social worker or elder law attorney and make sure you have all your options. It was very commendable of your niece to care for your mom as long as she did. I hope there is option that will allow her to either stay in the house for as long as possible.

Is your mother going to apply for Medicaid? If so, you'll want to look into the caregiver exemption to see if it applies. Who is your mother's heir? If it is you, then you can see if you qualify for the exemption and see how the state handles it. I hope that you'll make sure your niece is cared for. She has given so much of herself.