Follow
Share

Mom has vascular dementia, 91. She has too much money to be on Medicaid but would only last a few months on her income as self pay so elder law attorney suggested for me to get paid through a caregiver contract to help spend down her money to qualify for medicaid. Like all caregivers, I am exhausted and getting no help from brother. I am her poa also.

Find Care & Housing
You pick out a good, reputable facility that accepts Medicaid and you transition your Mom in now. When she is close to running out of money you apply for Medicaid. This way she gets appropriate care and you don't burn out. I'm wondering why the attorney didn't suggest this strategy...?

My MIL was in a wonderful faith-based LTC facility on Medicaid. It was top-notch care and not disgustingly expensive.
Helpful Answer (7)
Reply to Geaton777
Report
SamTheManager Apr 10, 2026
I know, right? I'm thinking maybe it's time to check out a different attorney.
(1)
Report
See 1 more reply
Why didn't they tell you to place her and spend her money for things like her funeral and interment or cremation and then use the rest to pay for the facility for a few months? When she is almost out of money you fill out the paperwork for Medicaid Long Term Care which will pay for the facility. Yes, make sure it accepts Medicaid LTC when you first place her so she can stay at the same place.

If you do that, you will have much less of a burden in day to day care. She will be taken care of by a team and you will get your life back to a large degree. Why bother with further in home care if you are burned out already? Money for care is nice but it seems like you are past that point.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to SamTheManager
Report

Adding To Sam's comments. Getting her into a facility that is a high quality Medicade faciility early will put her as a resident to the top of the list to stay in place. Wait too long and she might be wait listed or placed into a lower quality facility as soon as a bed opens up.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to MACinCT
Report

I'd be leery of doing this. I mean...look at it from outside - she is a woman with dementia, possibly incompetent to make her own decisions, and you are her POA. Who would be signing this caretaker contract (with you)...you? You'd be signing a contract saying that you'll be taking the rest of her money? Think about it.

I agree with others, if she has "too much" for Medicaid, but it's not years and years, then place her now. That money that goes to the facility will buy you those months of your life back, which will allow you to focus on getting her applied for Medicaid and ready to transition to Medicaid paying for the facility.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to WanderingAster
Report

I'm guessing that the recommendation for her to spend down in this way serves the dual purpose of qualifying her for Medicaid sooner, as well as compensating you for the work you do. This seems reasonable and as someone who is both care manager and poa for my parents, I know this can be done with integrity despite the conflict of interest. You can keep a log of your hours of work and pay yourself a reasonable fee as dictated by researching what that is. Just keep records. POAs are often allowed to pay themselves, for good reason, and you've done well by consulting an attorney.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to bronx2boulder
Report

There are already good answers here. I have nothing more to add.
Follow the advice given to you here by those who KNOW!
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to CaringWifeAZ
Report

I would reconsider this advice. And, IMO it would be wise to seek another eldercare attorney with vast knowledge in the Medicaid Long Term Care (LTC) application process, because they are not considering the very difficult task to find a facility that meets needs if directly a Medicaid LTC resident. You can spend down using home care but have you prepaid for her funeral, bought essential clothing (highly recommended because facilities loose clothes often), perhaps trade in old car for a new car if applicable.

In a majority of places, quality nursing homes with Medicaid beds are scarce. It is advised to find a facility as a self pay resident and selfpay for two-three months. Then spend down her additional funds to qualify for Medicaid LTC. Once the patient has applied for M/caid LTC they are in pending status. The facility can NOT evict you if already in a bed and are a Medicaid LTC pending status. Your mother will be responsible for only the patient portion of payment. That includes IRA payment, Social Security, and Pensions.

Please use the search feature for past helpful posts to gain knowledge with Spenddown. And, please ask questions. This forum is very helpful and can guide you during this stressful time.

I wish you peace and strength.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to AMZebbC
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter