5 Year look back in Minnesota. Any advice?

My best friends 91 year old mother moved in with her 3 years ago. At that time her mother gave her 30,000$ to care for her and provide for all living expenses until her death. Most of the money is gone due to expenses associated with caring for her mother. Unfortunately mother fell, broke a hip and is unable to return home due to stairs and a bathroom that is not capable of handicap accessibility. Mother is now residing in an expensive assisted living facility and my friend is having to supplement mother's rent with her own social security since the 30K is looked at as a gift per Medicaid and medical assistance. Does she have any recourse? My friend is 66 years old and is forced to work fulltime just to make ends meet. Just when she thought things would get easier financially they have never been worse.She is consulting with an elder care attornery in a couple of weeks but is really upset and is struggling to make ends meet.