She's in her 70's, and has had an unexpected illness requiring full-time care for 6 months or longer. In our area, it seems as if nursing facilities will only accept patients who have some minimum level of assets, and then allow them to stay and apply for Medicaid once their assets are depleted. Is there a way to get a list of the facilities that will allow my SIL to enter as a Medicaid recipient right from the start?
I would also talk to her PCP or the one caring for her illness. Explain that she has no money and no one to care for her 24/7. Is there a way he can help to speed up the process to get her into LTC. Speak to a caseworker at Medicaid. If you get nowhere. Try ur local Office of Aging.
If your SIL is in rehab or the hospital you could talk to the social worker to see what can be arranged. They often have more info than is usual. (at least to the "general public")
If this is an illness that might make her Hospice eligible Hospice might help out as well.
Other than that it is a matter of calling around to each facility and finding out what one has a Medicaid bed available. Getting on as many "lists" as possible. Accepting the first one that comes along hoping that you can transfer at another time.
But do let us know where SIL is now and if she is on community Medicaid or facility Medicaid. We are assuming community.