Is money "gifted" to a caregiver by a housebound client exempt from the "look back" period when applying for Medicaid?

I quit my job four years ago to be my mother's caregiver. She is homebound. I am paid a base rate of $1,000 a month that I report on my income taxes. She has also "gifted" me additional money as needed - but not in excess. We've recently talked about assisted living but her assets are minimal now. I'd need to apply for medicaid to help pay the cost. Is it likely that the "gifted" money will impact the "look back" period and cause a delay in benefits?