I've been taking care of Mother(78) for almost 25 years by myself. In July she had a heart attack and from hospital went to NH. How do we pay?

What if the health reimbursement goes directly to NH? Can you see elder law Atty for consult? There’s usually a 5 year look back. Whatever you do, don’t take her back home. You count too!!! Also be aware that if you cared for your mother in her home, & you lived in it 2 years, it’s not counted in Medicaid, Hugs 🤗

I thjnk the best thing to do in this situation (if you can't get to an attorney) is to tell the NH that there is no other option for her care and that the state will need to step in to take guardianship. They will figure it out if you don't fall prey to their demands that you care for her at home.

Ohio Long Term Care | Medicaid Eligibility Guidelines 2021 (seniorplanning.org)

Your mother will definitely qualify for LTC Medicaid based on what you've described. An elder care attorney would be able to set it up for you but if mom doesn't have the money or assets to pay for the attorney then you need to talk to a state social worker, and make it clear you are unable to provide adequate care for her anymore, and you are unable to take her back home with you

DeeDee, make sure that you are clear aboit the fact that you are applying for Long Term Care Medicaid and not "regular" Medicaid. Please let us know how you make out.

We learn from each other.

While she's in the NH, do your work to find out what Medicaid will qualify her for. Refuse to take her back home--for whatever reasons you can come up with.

Release from a NH is different than a hospital and I don't have much experience with it--altho I have a feeling I'm going to be learning the hard way as both my MIL and my mother have had 'falling' episodes and they are both 91--

I don't know who you're speaking with, re: Medicaid, but at $1300 a month, she is not qualifying for Medicare, as far as I can see. Don't take 'no' for an answer, keep on being a 'little' pushy. If someone denies you, ask to talk to THEIR supervisor. Keep going up the chain of command.

Plan that every cent she gets is going to her care, not towards any kind of inheritance. Like, if she owns a home--that would be counted 'against her' as it has value and it can be sold towards expenses.

Sorry for the absentee family, but sadly, that's the norm. And while YOU have been the primary CG, they have all sat back and enjoyed not being involved. Also--YOU shouldn't be paying anything of your own towards her care.

Have you consulted a Medicaid planner or eldercare attorney?

Is there an amount that she recieves annually in the Health Care Reimbursement account? It seems like that would be spent toward her NH costs each year.