Between social security and a small pension my MIL earns too much for Medicaid (around $1,500/month). She has no assets (cash or otherwise) except a condo she owns worth about $160K, where her grandaughter and great-grandchild live rent-free (they pay the taxes, maintenance, condo fee, etc.) She is getting worse by the day and a nursing home is the next step. My guess is that we're going to be about $5K a month short of the monthly cost .... my MIL really wanted to leave the condo to her grandchildren, but that may be impossible. Do we have to sell the condo to make the payments? What happens if she outlasts the proceeds from the condo? Is there anything we can do to get help from Medicaid? Thx in advance for any suggestions ... I know many in this community are facing similar challenges.
She also needs to be Medically in need of skilled nursing. Does her doctor say that's the level of care she needs? Or is she in need of Assisted Living? They are very different levels of care.
You can request a "needs assessment " through your local Area Agency on Aging, or her doctor can order one.
Why does she ( Or anyone) think she needs Nursing Home Care?
If she should happen to fall, become I'll or otherwise end up in a hospital, you'll have the services of the discharge unit at the hospital who will be tasked with finding her a placement if they determine that she can't live without full time supervision.
She CAN be admitted to a Nursing Home (If that's what she needs) " Medicaid Pending".
Have you had her evaluated for meds by a geriatric psychiatrist? Sometimes meds can help with the agitation and aggression.
For my dad, they would have gotten his home but I've been advised that the NH doesn't actually take the home, Medicaid/Medicare does, to recoup some of the expenses. They were very open and honest with me. It's a good starting point.