(PA) My parents are 88 and 87. Mother was diagnosed about 7-8 years ago. Dad just this past summer of 2013. Neither of them drive. Both are on Aricept. Mom is also on Namenda. I call them every morning to be sure they have taken their meds. Their assets are only in cash or a Money Market account. They are not in bad shape for their age. I have a cousin nearby who can help when I cannot.
Medicaid does a 5 year look back on the parents assets to look at their finances and where everything has gone. If $100,000 has been squandered then they basically make you pay it back by not covering your parent for a period of time. If a nursing home in your area costs $10,000 a month, then they will not cover your parent for about 10 months, during which time you will have to find and pay for alternative care.
Bear in mind the nursing home sued because Medicaid did not approve payment prior to the patients death. So keep your financial ducks in a row. If you never took a penny from them, all well and good. If during the five-year look back there is anything unaccounted for , not so good.