What happens to mom's finances if dad with Alzheimer's needs to go into a nursing facility?

Question

Mom & dad live on social security. Dad's share is about 2/3 of their income. Will the nursing home take all of dad's social security share? Mom wouldn't be left with enough money to live on. Do they take the house from the "remaining" spouse?

Answer 1

My GF parents had this happen in her family. In order for the house to stay in the family for your mother, you or one of her other children need to put your name on the title to that house along with your mother. Or sell it before he goes in the nursing home. Otherwise it will be ordered sold to pay for his nursing home expenses.

Yes, about the social security benefit, they will take all of his social security as well.

Options you may have is to have Home Health department nurses come in 3-5 days a week and help your mother care for him. If you can do this for a year or so until the house is sold, or one of the children buys it from the parents. then you should be okay.

You might want to check with Medicare about this before he goes to a nursing home. They can tell you the exact rules where everything applies to this type of situation

Answer 2

Hi, sorry to hear about your dad. My family had the same situation and it was lots of redtape and drama! Get your mum to get legal advice straight away..... because my mum DIDNT get power of Attourney signed to her BEFORE he was classed as incompetant to handle his own affairs - the Public Trustee took over.
Like I know they just have their job to do - BUT my mother struggled for 13years with bills/rates/rego. Yes the nursing home took all my fathers pension - BUT your mums pension should go up as long as she tells the pension mob she is by herself now.
Everytime my mum wanted to do something with the house she had to run it past them, so if your mum and dad own a house together - then get him to sign over to her - or Power of Attourney (you will NEED to get that anyway - otherwise she will have nothing but dramas) also any wills what ever, get it all updated etc.
I know it isnt a nice job to do, but all these things you will need to do - saves alot of heartache later on and MORE stress! Beleive me.
I do feel for you I really do!!! My dad passed away almost 4 years ago from Alzheimers related complaints after almost 13years in a nursing home. It is terrible for the family and I really wish you all the best.