My mother lived in another state and we bought her back to our state and she is now in an AL memory care facility. We have her POA from her Will which was drawn up in her state and now we will be selling her property so that she can afford the AL community. For Medicare purposes or any other reason, do we need to make her a resident in our state? Obviously she doesn't drive (she has an expired drivers license) but should we take her to the DMV to get an ID? Any help will be appreciated.
I also took her to get a local photo ID (not driver's license) but it was at the same office as the driver's license tests and actually had my daughter take her driver's test the same time.
You really should up to date photo ID for her if you can get it
See if your states DL bureau/Dept of Transportation does appointments so that she does not have to wait quite as long. While your at DOT site try to find the items needed to get a handicapped placard at the same time as new license so you have it to use when you take mom on appointments.
I’d suggest that also if at all possible that mom has her banking in a bank that is in both states with you as a signatory and POD to you. It will make things smoother especially if it takes a while to sell her property. Move her SS and retirements to direct deposit into this new acct as well. Should mom ever need to apply for Medicaid, doing all this establishes her residency, which Medicaid needs for eligibility.
Also I’d get a new dpoa, mpoa and a codicil to her existing will drawn up. If these were done fairly recently, call the old atty. to get a referral in new state. Usually the referred atty will do new documents for somewhat less as professional courtesy discount.
You probably would need a copy of a bill with Mom's new address to help prove she now lives in the area [like the bill from the Assisted Living facility or a summary from Medicare or her supplemental insurance].
Call your local DMV and ask what would Mom need. There might be other documents needed.