After having my mother in a nursing home after bladder cancer surgery, then living on the Independent living side of the "Manor" I've learned the first 90 days are covered by Medicare/Medicaid in Health care, after that, the Manor and gov. get the largest portion of her income* which was minimal, along with my dads govt. income after he died.
What I'm trying to ask, is How do I keep from losing our house that's been paid for should he die before me? My husband is disabled, having lost his left arm at the rib cage due to an electrical work accident. If he's in health care at a manor for more than 90 days, what happens to the income, the house, assets??
I understand that a large portion got for his care, what happens to me? How do I safe gard the house for myself?
OR...would it be more than likely that I'd be in an apartment by that time, so as not to have to worry about yard work, maintenance etc? I understand that any money in the bank has to have been removed 5 yrs prior to him entering a health care facility in order to retain any money we may've had set back.
I live in Kansas.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Maure
And, as Sunflo2 mentioned, if your home is a lesser valued home, then it may not matter. If it is a high dollar home you need to seek the advice of an elder law attorney. It is well worth the few hundred dollars that you will spend. Some will give you a free consultation and only charge you when it has been determined that you are in need of their services. It will give you peace of mind to know what is ahead of you.
Many people are frightened by the concept of having to deal with government programs but if you know what is ahead of you it will alleviate the added stress of not knowing.
" K. Gabriel Heiser is an attorney with over 25 years experience in elder law and estate planning. Heiser is the author of "How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets," an annually updated practical guide for the layperson. Visit www.MedicaidSecrets.com for more info."
Even though and Medicaid is a federal program, it is ministered through the states and variable by county. Yours is, therefore, a very complicated question. Please visit Mr. Heiser's website and get yourself prepared in order to consult with a knowledgeable attorney in your area regarding asset protection.
I would contact an attorney with experience in estate planning in your area, then periodically have your wills and estate plan reassessed as you age to keep it current and relevant as you age and situation changes.
ive been thru my own dementia carer hell and to me the only relief was a bit of inane humor. my mother has been gone for about 6 months now and im not nearly back to normalcy. she treasured my humor right to the end so it must have some kind of value.
mom entered a state of terminal agitation when she only had hours left to live and was clamoring for her long deceased brother johnny to help her. i told her johnny was smoking pall mall reds in hell and couldnt help her. i, on the other hand had a dropper full of the shit that killed both MJ AND elvis and if shed take it id have her moonwalking in an hour. she gave me the old sour, dubious glare i was expecting then accepted the morphine.
sorry, this site needs humor in an obvious way. people are bent and ive been there. what you dont think is a bit funny may cause another to laugh for the first time in months. i accept the ongoing risks fully..
As for the question, seek the advice of an attorney versed in elder care.
glad to help..
Take care,
Carol