She is 101 years old and her expenses are more than her income. and savings. My sister and I are our mother's caregivers. She lives alone in her own place and has a lady come in morning and evening to take care of her. Her expenses are currently eating into her savings and she may run out of money in the next year or so. She and I jointly on her home. I own most of it. My sister and I think we should start paying some of her monthly expenses to extend her savings. Should we do this or allow her to spend all her money and then hope she will be helped by medicare?
In my state (Florida) you can ask Medicaid for an eligibility assessment for a senior. Maybe you can try that out and use the opportunity to learn about what benefits would be available in your state. Good luck!
What are your Mom's medical issues or is it just routine age decline? Depending on her health, that will be your guide to take one day at a time, or to think about a year from now.
As for home ownership, if you and Mom own her house jointly, then it is 50-50 split. Thus, if Mom does need Medicaid next year, Medicaid could put a lien on the house, thus when the time comes to sell, they would want your Mom's 50% share on the house, or much less depending on Medicaid's bill.
Then fold onto this the probate issue. Many die intestate so no will therefore no probate. States seem to have interstate deaths done so all assets escheat to the state, which means state in control. Plus many folks are probate adverse and don't do it and then find the state has placed a claim or lien by default.