I've been caring for my mother in her home for 10 years. I used to live next door, but moved into the house about 4 years ago when my mother couldn't be alone anymore. Her Alzheimers/Dementia is getting much worse. I am disabled myself and have a 10 year old son. We put the house in my name and my mothers name (jointly) about three years ago. Then, when I spoke with an elder care attorney a year ago, she had me put it in just my name. She told me that I "shouldn't have a problem keeping the home" when my mother passed away. I am still afraid that the home could be taken away from me, and if that happens, I would have no way of taking care of myself and my son on my low income. We would be homeless. Even though I'm having a very hard time caring for my mother now because my health is getting much worse, I'm afraid to apply for Medicaid for her because of the possibility of losing the house. What I'm wondering is, how and when can my mother qualify for Hospice? I've heard that Medicare will pay 100% for Hospice, so that is something I could do without fear of losing my home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I have seen people get better on hospice and go off of the care for a time. I've seen people live many months on hospice and have a good quality of life without the pain that they've been enduring. However, no one qualifies until it looks, medically, like they are entering the end of life. Talk with her doctor and see what he or she says.
Good luck,
Carol
Please consult an attorney specializing in Elder Law, who will be very familiar with Medicaid requirements and can assure you and guide you in the application process.
Hospice is a wonderful program, when your mother is ready for it. In the meanwhile, Medicaid will be a great relief to you both.
Go back to that attorney for an explanation of how you keep the house.
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