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She would like to split the money between her five daughters, which includes me. I'm not for sure if that is a good idea. Should I talk her into putting it in to a living trust? It is in the bank right now. I'm afraid that California will tax most of the money. She receives a Social Security check every month, which is the only income she has.

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You do need professional advice. Go with your mom to an attorney who specializes in elder law, and/or an estate planner with experience in this area.

Is Mom going to pay you room and board out of her income? I highly recommend it. Have the professional help you draw up a personal care contract, too.

There are enough stresses and challenges in having a parent move in with you. Do everything you can to ensure that financial matters are settled upfront and don't become an issue down the road.
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At the very least remember the five year look back period for Medicare. If mom needs nursing home care they will find that money and demand that it be repaid. You definitely need professional advice.
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Good Lord, have her put that money in a trust, yes! What if your mom lives another 10 years and her health and mentality decline to the point where she needs 24/7 care? It's not unheard of. Are you prepared for that? She might need care you can't give and she might need to be placed in a facility eventually if caring for her becomes overwhelming! The money should be set aside for that possibility, imo... If caring for her becomes too much for you, will your sisters step up and relieve you? Will they take turns caring for your mom? You need to ask yourself that question....you might have the best sibs in the world, but in the face of being the caretaker for an elderly parent that's declined significantly, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they took the money and ran, claiming they can't help...leaving you holding the bag, and no money for your mom. I'd get a lawyer's advice, and put that money away for her care if it becomes necessary. You just never know what's around the next corner with the elderly, God knows what could happen.
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