What is the best way to plan financially for possible assisted living/nursing home care for my 93-year-old mom?

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Warner Asked July 2023

What is the best way to plan financially for possible assisted living/nursing home care for my 93-year-old mom?

My 93 yo mom currently lives in her own home (double wide trailer) in a 55+ community. She has had several recent falls and has poor vision and hearing. She has a lot of anxiety about everything particularly covering her expenses and home maintenance. She no longer drives and relies on the community van or friends for rides. We decided an independent living center would be a good option for her at this point as she will have meals, transportation, socialization, activities, and no maintenance to worry about. Her SS/pension will come close but not fully cover the cost. She will sell her home and still has a small annuity. We think she has enough money for 6 - 7 years. My concern is that she runs out of money and then needs assisted living/nursing home care. Her monthly income is too high for Medicaid. What happens then?? I'm not sure where to start. Should we just make sure she is cared for now and worry later? I have MS and can not be her caretaker and there is no other family.

Assisted Living Financial Planning Paying for Care Skilled Nursing Facility

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score 11 · Answer 1

If she is 93--and has enough funds for 6-7 years, I would hedge my bets and have her move to the IL place.

If she lives to be 99, or 100--that's waaay beyond a normal life expentancy. I wouldn't pinch pennies now on the off chance she is still here in 6-7 years.

You need to put YOU first or you won't have the ability to do anything for mom.

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score 9 · Answer 2

Given her age and declining health being inevitable, I’d have her move sooner than later and not focus on the time when money runs out. There could easily be far different circumstances by the time that happens. Care for what’s arisen now. I wish you both peace

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score 6 · Answer 3

I agree with others who say the best strategy is for her to move sooner rather than wait for a crisis later. You say she has had severl recent falls... this means a care crisis may loom very near.

In 6-7 years the cost of a facility (and bed availability) may be way different than today. It would be better to move some place that is connected to a continuum level of care. I wouldn't worry about her running out of money... the odds are that she may need LTC in the future, which is covered by Medicaid. Her other assets will be spent down by then and she'll probably quality. If you want confirmation, consult with a Medicaid Planner for her home state, or an estate planning attorney.

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score 5 · Answer 4

You might want to consult an elder law attorney and/or financial planner who can guide you on the best way to prepare if she lives long enough that she eventually needs Medicaid.

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score 4 · Answer 5

You will exhaust her money first. When it gets close to running out, you apply for Medicaid (which will probably be a Nursing Home bed - not many areas have AL or other higher levels of care facilities that have Medicaid beds). If she is over income for Medicaid, you can see an elder attorney to set up a trust where the amt over income gets deposited for her use.

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score 3 · Answer 6

Confer with an Elder Law Attorney who can provide everyone with guidance to navigate this complex journey so that both the aging person and family are aware of the many varied considerations

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score 2 · Answer 7

Please contact Elder Law attorney. for both of you.

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score 2 · Answer 8

Was her husband/father in the military? The can get aid! It is up to.. $1200 a month.
I am in the same boat. with costs so high for her memory care, I am looking at all avenues. We have just about exhausted her savings and we have the mobile home which needs to be sold. We have my 94 year old mom in a care facility but are looking for a board and care which is a "home" type situation tailored for 6-8 people or less where the care and attention will be better. my moms SS/pension covers about 80% and then you have the out of pocket .. Supplement, Drugs, clothes, personal needs, etc.. The VA spousal aid will be appreciated. ( just started this)

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score 2 · Answer 9

With her age and falling a lot, I would consider assisted living. Then she'd get her meals, etc. And as she needs more care (meds, etc.) they will be able to help her.

You're right - get her the right care now and worry about later, well, later.

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score 1 · Answer 10

Warner: It is imperative that you take care of yourself, else you won't be able to care for anyone. Since your mother is 93, on the high side (seven years), she will be 100 when she has exhausted her monies. That dynamic may be sufficient.

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What is the best way to plan financially for possible assisted living/nursing home care for my 93-year-old mom?

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