I am the POA (67) for both my very ill (stage 4 kidney cancer and a variety of other things) step-father (84) and my mother (88) with Alzheimer’s. They have their own home of which I am also on the deed. Step dad is now in rehab and moving into nursing home and my mother will follow as soon as facility can open a room for them. (Facility has COVID cases). I am preparing to sell the house to pay for care along with a Medicaid insurance (pending approval). He’s got a car that his family wants and that’s fine. I’ll just transfer that to them. Am I missing anything that I should be doing? I’ve been managing their personal and practical needs and their finances for a few years now and have contributed considerable personal monies toward their home maintenance and care as they only have SS. There is a Will and health directives in place already.
I’m asking this experienced group of compassionate people is there anything more I should be doing? I’m tired. I want the best for them and they need to be together. But, They don’t like these changes, but who does? So. Because I’m tired, I don’t want to miss anything. Should I reach out to an elder care lawyer for advice? Any thoughts?
Thank you
If they sell their house, they won't qualify for Medicaid until those funds are spent down.
Transfer of the car is "gifting" and may incur a penalty or waiting period.
Please consult a qualified Medicaid-savvy lawyer.
Another way to approach legal consultation is to explain the situations and your goals, and ask what else might need to be done to accomplish your goals.
You might also contact your elected officials; some of them produce estate management booklets for distribution to voters. I've picked them up at the former AAA expos and smaller open houses hosted by local communities. They do offer a lot of good information on estate planning.