I've been his primary caregiver since my mother died in 2001. He has dementia, Parkinson's and a very bad back that limits his mobility.
He has 3 children, 2 sons that we see at Thanksgiving and Christmas and a daughter that lives 3 hours away that we see when she can drive down. My name is on the deed to the house as well as my Step-father's. His will leaves everything to my step-sister to disperse as she see's fit. She is the executor of his will, has POA and is on his health care proxy. She has told me that she doesn't want his half of the house. His sons have homes of their own as well and have said they don't want it.
I was told that Medicare or a nursing home can't take the house as long as I'm living in it and as long as he is alive. What steps should I take to insure I still have a home if he goes to a nursing home?
I have heard that a spouse can remain in the house after the other spouse has passed and who was using Medicaid. A lien would be placed on the house so that Medicaid can be reimbursed once the house is sold. Not sure how States have it set up for grown children. There may be an exception for a family caregiver but you would need proof that you have been a full-time caregiver for a certain number of years. A caregiving Contract would be helpful. Again, it depends on State Medicaid rules.
Hopefully forum writer Igloo will come in to answer as she is very familiar with Medicaid.
As for how Medicaid looks at all that, I can't speak to that as I don't have experience with Medicaid. You should consult a trust and estate attorney familiar with Medicaid to give you the correct information.