Mother's money is running out. Any advice?

The only answer is to plan to place her in a nursing home. You can try to do it yourself (pick out and apply to facilities, submit mom's Medicaid application to the State), but I would recommend getting a social worker involved to help you. Mom won't qualify for Medicaid until she is almost out of money (less than $2000 in bank account in many States), but you should start planning now, and I would recommend getting a social worker on board so she knows the situation. Often the State SW will be able to find suitable housing and place mom quicker than you can. There may be a possibility of Medicaid in home assistance as well, but don't expect that to be available.

Definitely get on that Medicaid application. You can get information online or at your local library that will help you know what to expect from the application process.

Be sure to educate yourself about what the last of her money should go to during the spend down process. You want her to have prepaid her funeral expenses, as allowed, and to have any eyeglasses/dentures/medical equipment up to date.

It sounds like running out of money is inevitable. Charging rent might make it happen a few months earlier, but at least you’d have a little money to set aside in your own pocket for whatever small purchases might make life more tolerable after her money is gone.

I would consult with a Medicaid planner for her home state since Medicaid rules vary by state. In most states, Medicaid pays for LTC (no AL or MC). So, your Mom would have to qualify both medically and financially if her state has "typical" rules. Most states have a 5-yr "lookback" period on the financial part of the app. Hopefully you've been keeping clear and accurate records of her financial transactions. If you look for a facility for her, make sure to ask if they accept Medicaid residents, even if your Mom goes in initially as private pay. It usually takes 3 months for a completed Medicaid app to be processed and get an answer whether she qualified or not. If she qualifies, Medicaid will pay for the most recent 3 months of medical bills prior to her application, and any qualifying medical expenses going forward. This is how it happens in my state, MN. Not sure about yours. That's why talking to a planner would be wise.

You'll have to move her into a Medicaid Nursing Home.

How much does she receive in Social Security each month?

Have you applied for Medicaid?

Have you had a Hospice evaluation?