I have been purchasing items for my mother (personal care item, clothing, vitamins, incontinence supplies etc.) & she pays me back by writing a check. I am thinking it would be easier if I could just charge everything to her credit card & she could pay the bill at the end of the month. If she adds me as an authorized user on her credit & needs to apply for Medicaid down the road will this cause a problem? She is needing more & more assistance & I think she may exhaust all her money in a few years. Would these credit card payments cause a problem with the 5 year look back rule?
But, I recommend, keeping a log on all expenses and keep receipts. I have an envelope for every month. In addition, I keep a care log. I KNOW someday that I will have to deal with his kids and this will be my back-up.
We do not qualify for Medicad (Oregon health care), so I doubt I need to plan ahead for that. But, it could happen if all our funds dry up.
Merely being an authorized additional user on her credit card will not cause a problem when your mother applies for Medicaid. The sole issue is what the card was used for, and for whose benefit.
Perhaps you could look into government assisted housing where the rent is subsidized. Or Habitat for Humanity where you only pay the principle of a loan, no interest. Also look into food banks for your groceries.
Good luck and please don't give up hope. There may be benefits for you.