My dad has been in an Alzheimers unit for a year now. Mother was driving back and forth to see him twice a day, still working part time, taking care of her duties at home and paying bills, etc. Then she tripped on a mat at the nursing care center and broke her hip. She is now in the same facility for PT. However, at 87 the surgery hit her very hard and her mental abilities have waned to the point she will likely not get home. They are in OH and I am an only child in TX. I have been going back and forth multiple times to take care of things at their home as well as managing their financial affairs. I am POA. Is it lawful to let their estate pay for some of my travel expenses? If I am very careful the cost is about $2000 a trip plus the time I have to take off of work.
It will be very important to establish that this is payment for services, not a gift.
I really think it will be worthwhile to consult a specialist in Elder Law in Ohio. Such a lawyer can guide you in how to set up a care agreement that pays you now, as the expenses occur, and can give other advice in preparing for applying for Medicaid in the future.