Hi – Wonder if anyone can give personal experience advice on money matters. My Mom is now in a nursing facility. I completed an application for Medicaid and at that time included her income that I was aware of. - her pension and social security payments. She then qualified for the medicaid coverage.

Just this month I found an old stock certificate from ten years ago that she had stuck in an envelope. I want to use some of those funds to pay off some of her remaining bills and nursing care expenses that have accumulated.

I guess my questions are:

Can the stock remain in my Mom's name and I could liquidate part of the funds and use them for her expenses Or – do I have to transfer ownership to myself. (I do have POA)

Either way, I'm in a confusing place, what if upon going through the rest of her things, I find more items like this? Who would believe that I didn't know they existed before.

Do you go to the unclaimed money site to find out if other accounts existed – banking, insurance and if there are items on her credit report that aren't hers. (Not that everyone isn't trustworthy but there had been several caregivers in her home – and I did just find this stock certificate in an envelope stuffed in a box!

Every day there is still something new to confront. There was a safety deposit box with nothing of real current value- I thought there was a pre-burial plan but I can't find information regarding that and the list goes on.

I grew up in a family where my parents did not discuss money matters and boy oh boy is that a mistake!

7447, Have you ever consulted an elder care atty? Such a professional should have the best advice and resources to pursue for a search. With POA, you should be able to talk to bank officers or others with whom your parents were known to do business.

About pre-burial plans. Is there a particular home that your family has used in the past? That is where I would ask, if I can't find the paper work. If they are reputable, they will tell you if they have arrangements on file. Of course, they may not be where if anywhere such plans were made.

My Dad crossed all Ts and dotted all Is, but he still told my bro and me not to through out any clothes or books without checking all pockets and flipping through the pages.

It is good to see you back. I am new since your last visit. Nice to meet you.

Welcome back 7447, for those stocks I would call the place up where your mom purchased them from and tell them you are her POA they will give you the specifics on what to do next to cash them out.
As for her credit in regards to past CG's call up the 3 Credit Bureaus and place a freeze on her accounts if you find any discrepancies on her reports when you get the printouts in.
This will stop all future people from opening any credit in her name the only way it can be done is if you request the freeze taken off yourself.
I second the Elder care Atty. as BC has said they are an invaluable service to you and your mom.
I hope all is well with you, glad to see you back again.