My mother moved into my home in 2009 after going through rehab for a broken hip. On 14 Apr 2015 she fell and broke the same leg, underwent surgery on 15 Apr, spent six days in the hospital, and was transferred to Covington Manor rehab center/nursing home in Covington TN on 20 Apr 2015. It's not looking good and she may have to remain in the nursing home permanently. I understand how her medicare plus medicare supplement pays for the first 100 days, however, I really didn't understand how the permanent care would be funded if required. The nursing home staff asked me about my mother's assets during the previous 60 months...this is the part I am hoping for assistance with.
My mother sold a home in 2007 when she moved from Virginia to Tennessee at which time we bought a house in Atoka TN (in both of our names) for her to live in. She lived in the Atoka home until Aug 2009 (when she broke her hip) then moved into my home permanently in November 2009 after rehab. I have been completely responsible for her care since 2009. I sold the Atoka home in September 2011 (in both of our names--used my mother's power of attorney to sign for her). My question: Are the funds from the sale of the Atoka house in play if long-term/permanent care is required? Am I eligible for a caregiver exemption?
You can count your mom as a dependent on your IRS tax forms only if you have provided over 50% care for her, BUT since she sold her home that means in 2011 she had quite a lot of assets so I don't know if your contribution (in dollars, NOT hours) was more than 50% during that year.
You should probably consult with an elder lawyer whom you have vetted and know to be an expert in Accounting, TAXES, as well as Medicaid in your State. Note--most "Elder Lawyers" are in business to do estate planning and DPOA, and are not "expert" in the multi-faceted accounting-taxes-Medicaid game....so ask LOTS of questions in advance. Don't waste hundreds of dollars with a lawyer who does not have the very most up to date info on your state's Medicaid, TAXES, and accounting.