Hi, my Mom is 90, she went into senior living. She has non diabetic neuropathy so she needs a rollator type walker to get around. I was providing her primary care. Taking her to the doctors fixing her meals etc. It is her house that we lived in. It got to the point where it was difficult for her to get in the bathroom and she decided that senior living would be better. Big bathroom people to bring her meals a nurse in the building. She has been there for a year. She had to go to the hospital she has a small intestine blockage. Normally they would operate on her but she is a high risk b/c she has a pace maker and has had a heart attack she also has mesh in her abdomen. So they are trying other ways. She has what I hope is temp dementia from the toxins in her bowels. I think after this she may need to go into assisted living or if her mental condition is permanent a nursing home. Can Medicare take her home that I live in. IF they do I have no where to go. My sister was divorced and her ex paid for the rent of a town house till he retired then my mom paid I found and purchased a new town house that the monthly mortgage payment was $300 a month less than the rental. There is no room in the house for me. I also pay all her utilities / internet / HOA ...ETC . as well as for my mothers house, so there is no way I could even rent a room someplace.
I also provided care for my Father for about 8 years till he died in 2000.
From what I understand since my Mom went to the senior living her house is no longer her "primary " residence. I talked to our family lawyer and he said there are ways to limit what Medicaid can take. He said that we will talk about that when it happens. Should I consult a lawyer that specializes in Medicaid ?
What I would recommend is to save receipts for all expenditures you've made to maintain the house. If your mother has to go on Medicaid and the state puts a lien on the house, then you will have receipts to make your own claim against the value.
Speak to an elder care attorney to see if your time as care giver will qualify you for this protection.