moving parent from Memory Care back home because $$ is gone

Lisa Lane

Has anyone done this?

ladyzetta

Lisa.   Sorry, this is happening. Will your mother qualify for Medicaid?  When our funds ran out Medicaid took over the payments. In some cases, it is not safe for you or your parent to be moved back home. This might be something to check into to. Hugs Zetta

Ed1937

Lisa, it sounds like you need to see a CELA (certified elder law attorney). They can help you protect assets she/he might have, do what is necessary to facilitate Medicaid enrollment, write up POAs for financial and medical issues (if that's still possible), and anything else that might be appropriate. Since you say the money is gone or going, you will probably think you cannot afford a CELA. The truth is that you can't afford not to see one. At the very least, call for an initial appointment, which could very well be free. Verify that when you call. The initial meeting will let you know what they can do for you, and what the cost will be. Be warned that there could be a large variance in what they charge, so you might need to see more than one. Just make sure the charges are for the exact same services. You need to do this ASAP!

Lisa Lane

Thanks, Ed. Did this years ago.

Ci2Ci

I respectfully disagree with these (recurring) "see a CELA" recommendations -- especially when OP has said 'money has run out'.  A CELA will charge you $10,000 to try to get you Medicaid ready.  If you are out of money, clearly, you can't pay that. And, unless you have a substantial amount of money to spend down, it isn't worth it. If you have $10K for a lawyer's _advice_, spend that money down for their nursing home care; then you will be Medicaid LTC financially eligible.

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CanyonGal

I hope you found an answer.

 I have heard of Memory Care units not accepting Medicaid, but most nursing homes do have a certain number of reserved beds for this type of situations. It usually involves signing over the parents social security check as "payment" for services. Everyone's strategy is going to be slightly different but you need to connect to someone who has walked that path already to guide you.

Finding Dementia Care and Local Services (alzheimers.gov)  - check the paying for care section.

Paying for Long-Term Care | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)

Contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for help (877-839-2675).

Wilted Daughter

Lisa Lane,

I have not done it, but informed how placing in long-term care works in our state. As posted by CanyonGal, you can perform initial research starting with state/local agencies. 

If MC of current placement doesn't accept Medicaid, then you may need to find another skilled nursing facility. Most facilities have certain # of Medicaid beds and facilitate the application for Medicaid. You may also apply for Medicaid directly, but there are things you should know prior to applying. There are local agencies that assist with Medicaid applications. 

As far as assets, if that wasn't sorted before placement it may be difficult to navigate  now. Perhaps a local elder services agency or your state's legal services agency can provide some insight, if an attorney is too costly. 

If property is the main concern then check your state's Medicaid laws on how to preserve the homestead. You may have to consider selling the house to fund MC/long-term stay. 

It's complicated and should be addressed with knowledgeable/legally qualified  persons/agencies (free or paid). Best wishes in all regards!

**medicare.gov/care-compare

**Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services cms.gov