Need caregiver pay advice; mom doesn't qualify for MediCal. Are there any options?

Before I paid money for a lawyer I would talk to Medicaid. You seem to be looking for an aide. The criteria for in home may be different than the criteria for placing Mom in NH. It may just be a simple application. Your income does not come into the picture. I would only consult a lawyer and Mom makes too much monthly. He can set up a Miller trust. You need to make sure the lawyer is well versed in Medicaid law.

Qualifying for Medicaid would be important. You should know that on the application there is a financial "look-back" period where they scrutinize her history. Depending on your state it is no less than 2.5 years to 5 years. Besides your mom needing to be below a certain income and asset level, there can't be any appearances of the "gifting" of large sums of money, either to her or from her (and each state's Medicaid may have different limits). If you've been joint on her accounts or co-mingling funds, this could be a problem. I think a consultation with an elder law attorney who is knowledgable about the Medicaid app would be money worth spending. Your mom's ability to qualify may be delayed or denied and this would not be good. If your mom doesn't make any improvements through rehab, her care needs will intensify and be more challenging, like maybe requiring a medically trained aid and 24/7 care. You and your husband and family need to go into this with your eyes wide open and understand right now may be the easiest leg of the journey. I wish you all the best as you work through it.

Medicaid may help if Mom fits the criteria. There is a cap concerning monthly income and another cap for assets. If Mom has assets they need to be spent down. Living with you, maybe her monthly income would help to pay for care. Call your County Social Service office to see if u can get help.