Good Day,

My mom's income is not sufficient enough to cover skilled nursing at $5,000 per month. However she does have $30K in a savings account, but that'll only pay for six months worth care.

Her current income of $2,560 is too much to qualify for Mecaid. I am hearing a lot about asset protection; however, Medicaid has a five year look back period. If I transfer the monies out, they'll penalize her. But I guess I can pay for her care out of that money and let her stay in my home. That way, by the time she really need to be placed, if applicable, the $30K will be gone.

What's a person to do?

mqf have you tried looking around your area for Board and Care's?
Their run out of a home as opposed to a facility I have my MIL in one and Ill tell you it seems they adjust much better than a facility.
Their prices are negotiable, facilities here in Cali are the same as yours I pay according to what MIL's SS is minus insurances all we pay for out of pocket is her clothing depends and toiletries.

Yes, I already have a geriatric doctor established and her medical records transferred. I had been in contact with her doctor in California also and we email back and forth. I know all of the meds that she's and am well aware of her medical condition. I know that she is on a depression medication and Aricept and I believe that one of the side affects of Aricept is the sleeping. I just say as long as she's comfortable and resting I guess it's all right. But I will have him review everything when I get her here and we make an appointment.

Sleeping a lot,,, well, that could be depression, meds may need adjustment, just bored, thyroid, breathing difficulties... Have you made contact with a local geriatrics doctor to see her and review her health and meds soon after she arrives? It is never too early to sift through that mess.

You all are so very wonderful. Yes, I do have POA and DPOA and I am familiar with the two websites below.

It's a blessing that my husband just retired and he stated that he'll take care of my Mom and I guess I can pay him. When it gets overwhelming, I have a girlfriend that has offered to relieve and then I can pay her. God has worked it all out for our good, because I really didn't want to have to place my Mom in a facility. I went to interview a couple of them and it was miserable. The one that was top of the scale, very professional and well kept was the one that cost $5,000/month and the others were between $4,500 - $5,000/month.

Yes, I will spend down her funds paying for her care in my home. I have also found a senior center (for free here in GA) that will come and pick her up and take her on outings, etc. However, my SIL states that she's sleeping a lot now and it seems hard for her to stay awake.

Hello, mqf. I am sorry I didn't greet you in your first post, but I will welcome you now. Does this mean that you are getting your Mom on that plane? You are gonna do just fine with that.

I know I am not the best person to answer your question, but 2 things come to mind. First, I think the money will last longer than you think. If she has $30,000 in assets and 2,500 in income and the cost is 5,000/month,,,that gives you close to a year (keeping in mind, the NH basic charge generally doesn't include incontinence supplies, hair salon, transportation, etc., so actual cost can go up). Still, she has that income as well as the assets, and you will be spending down over that time.

Is it even a reasonable possibility for you to keep her at your home? We will help you any way we can with what we have learned. There is a lot of info here. Still, can she be left alone at all? Probably not. A new place, a new routine.

I think it is appropriate for her funds to be used to provide her with a care giver to relieve you, maybe even to pay for room and board. Just curious, do you have POA and DPOA for her? If you check with your local council on aging, you may be able to get low cost advice from an attorney specializing in elder law. I highly advise this if you have not done so, although you already seem to be well informed.

http://www.georgiaadrc.com/

http://aging.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-DAS/

You most likely have these links already, but just in case...maybe there is something in there for you...