Facility is requiring 30 days notice of us to leave without penalty. This doesn't seem legal, espcecially if my Mom who has stage 4 Alzheimer's isn't able to feed herself or move independently. We are afraid they would not pass a state inspection and would ask Mom to leave. We have decided to move her to skilled nursing facility. We run the risk of them sending remaining bill to collections. Thoughts?
I'm assuming the AL is private pay and there is a contract that someone signed upon admission. How the agreement was signed is critical in who will be the one found financially responsible and who will receive the bills. If you signed it as "Jane Smith as DPOA for Mary Jones(your mom)", then Mary Jones is the one responsible for payment. If Mary Jones signed the contract, then Mary is responsible. Now if Mary has no real assets other than SS or other protected retirement (like federal or railroad) then the AL or a collection agency can't do squat and the facility is SOL. If Mary still has a home and doesn't pay, then after it runs months on collection agencies, in some states, they can file to get a judgement against Mary and her assets (her home). In some states, like Texas, the home is protected and no lien can be put against it for these kind of debts and credit card debts..
But if you or a sibling signed it with just your name then you or whomever signed are financially responsible and they can come after you for the whole amount for the full 30 days.
Find the contract to see what is says and who signed it?
Is it your wish to move your mother with less than a 30 day notice? Or is the state requiring her to move? It the ALF a state-run facility?
I'm confused.