What is a "hardship case" in nursing home?

This is very easy to fix. Federal law permits your mother to create an "Irreovocable Qualified Income Trust" to divert the excess income and allow her to qualify for Medicaid immediately. Some states post this trust document on their Medicaid website (e.g. Texas) but other states don't. You do not need a lawyer to do this but you may have to seek one if you can't find another alternative. What state are you in?

I Evelyn, if it's finacially possible, can you hire an attorney that deals with Senior finances? We were running into the same situation after my 95 yr old dad had a stroke in March that resulted in him having to go to a Nursing Home, the red tape is so thick and time was not on our side. The Investment of hiring an expert was a life saver for Mom who is 86 and myself. Dad has Medicare, and private ins but as we found out...neither covered Long Term Care. Ask a Nursing Home of your choice about this type of help. I'm very thankful for the help that Dad needs and is receiving. Matter of fact, i'm seriously looking into doing the same thing for Mom as the need continues to prevail itself.
I pray you find the available help that you need for you and you love one.

EVELYN:

A "hardship case," simply defined, is when the person is disadvantaged by sanitary, familial and social circumstances at such a rate that the rejection would unbearably stress him or her. If your Mom meets all three, she'd be considered one of those cases -- plus she has no assets.

Let me know how else I can be of assistance, and keep us posted.

-- ED

Thank you Mr. Robbins - she lives in Florida. Do I need an attorney to draw up the trust? She's in an ALF now (for a week) and that is costing $3,000 per month. I don't think she can stay there very long because of the cost, will need to consider a nursing home but can't afford it. Checked in the area and they are $8,000-$9,000 a month. Dr. also stated that she would qualify for hospice care with end stage heart disease - but haven't yet looked into that option. Thanks again for your assistance.