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Donofminnesota Asked October 2014

If a parent has some money in the bank, can a person spend it before the nursing home gets it all?

How many years does it have to be spent?

PrettyGood Oct 2014
A parent's money is to be used ONLY for the parent.
Any other people using the money for any other person is a Thief and should be arrested for Theft.
A nursing home deserves to have their bills paid.

pamstegma Oct 2014
Don, it is their money and it is for their care. You take it, you do time in a Federal soap-on-a-rope prison. As needed.

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jeannegibbs Oct 2014
A care facility will insist on getting paid monthly. They really won't care if the money comes out of your parent's bank account, your pocket, a government program, or from an anonymous benefactor. They just need their money.

If you spend all of Parent's money now, how will Parent pay Care Center? Parent will probably need to apply for Medicaid. To be eligible for Medicaid the person must meet Medicaid's definition of "needy." They will look at how much money the person has now and also they spent money in the last five years. If they spent money on themselves (clothes, a trip, a new roof, a fancy wheelchair, etc.) all is well. If they gave money away or allow it to be spent on family members (for example) Medicaid will conclude that they really aren't so needy. Then who will pay the care center?

Look up, on this website and on the internet, Medicaid Spend Down. That will give you ideas about what Parent's money can legitimately be used for in the five years before they apply for Medicaid.

Donofminnesota Oct 2014
But, will a memory or a nursing home make you take the money out for the monthly payment?

BarbBrooklyn Oct 2014
The money that is in the bank belongs to your parent and can be spent on that person's care and for items that they need, like dentures, hearing aids, clothing. Look at the Elder care tab on this page for ideas of memory care facilities in your area. Find out if parent is eligible for Veteran's Aid and Attendence. Are you contemplating the need for MEDICAID assistance down the road? Make sure that you can account for all of parent s money for five years. Consult an elder care attorney on their behalf (use their money) to see if it's worthwhile to set up a trust.

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