Elders move to kids houses, nursing homes etc all the time. They still own their property. There may be an issue with the amount of taxes paid if the house is vacant. All her property remains hers unless she or a legal guardian takes some sort of action.
Gigi, assuming your mother is still carrying homeowners property insurance, the underwriter will take a dim view of insuring a vacant house so if that's the situation, better notify your insurance agent and address this now. If there's a covered loss, the carrier may deny coverage if this fact hasn't been presented to it.
What are the plans for the house? Sell it? Rent it? Has the possibility of Medicaid in the future been factored into the plans?
Gardenartist we will be selling the house and use the funds for in home caregivers as long as possible. The home is insured. If we run out of funds then we'll have to look at Medicaid.
My mom moved in with us. We emptied the house and put the house up for sale. House was broken into, copper piping stolen. Insurance company did pay for repairs and then dropped her homeowners insurance. Had to get policy for vacant property.
What are the plans for the house? Sell it? Rent it? Has the possibility of Medicaid in the future been factored into the plans?