My mom is in a nursing home and as of June, all of her income except $50 a month goes to the nursing home. She had a small amount in her checking account which was needed to pay for the nursing home contributions from December through May. She has nothing left. We have cleared out her apartment, but she now has a bill from the hospital before she went into the nursing home for $800. She also has a remaining electric bill from her apartment of approximately $200. Should I just pay these for her out of my own money or call the companies and let them know she has nothing left and is unable to pay?
I know I am not responsible, especially as I am not even her POA, but I just wonder if the nonpayment would have an adverse effect on her in the future. Say if she ends up going back to that hospital, will they refuse to treat her? Or as she is on a waiting list for Medicaid covered assisted living, will these outstanding bills somehow make her ineligible?
#2 If so, why are YOU thinking about paying the bills?
Although, yes, if your name isn't on the account, the electric company can't come "get you".
She has no money and is in a Nursing home.
If you pay these bills from your own account it might set a presidence where you may be required to continue to pay her bills.
I suppose you could ask for a payment plan so your Mom could pay the bills from her "account" tell them that she can not afford any more than $5.00 a month
You are not "required" to pay her debts..unless your name is on any of the accounts or when she was in the hospital you signed that you would be responsible for payment.