My sister put her name on my mother's investment fund last year under coercion as my mom had dementia. My mom lives with me and we are now actively looking into assisted living as she is becoming a safety hazard in our home (she lives with me). Since her name is on my mother's account and it is now jointly owned does anyone know if the full amount counts towards my mother's assets or only half? How do these places determine your asset worth?
One thing that the VA failed to tell me when I called them directly is that they do not consider income only. There are deductions for out of pocket expenses that will reduce her income level, including personal care, medical supplies, and her rent at the ALF.
Ask a reputable ALF who they use and make an appointment with them at least to get information.
It is possible for you to file the paperwork yourself, but it is quite and undertaking. You will have to gather mounds of documents. The main thing they are looking for is "decline" over the last 12 months. Document everything, even if your Mom needs to take someone's arm to walk.
The main thing I liked about working with a company is that they knew all the "inside" information about filing and how the forms should be prepared and what the VA is looking for.
btw, no company should be overcharging or trying to sell you on their investment plans and other services.
good luck