I’m getting crushed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I think I remember your previous post and I think you’ve altered the description somewhat. Because I think people thought you were being unfair to your sisters role.

Your sister probably does a lot to help your parents. You even acknowledge she does a lot. She is there in their house and can help them a lot. That is very valuable.

Don’t borrow trouble. If your parents get to a point where the house needs to be sold, deal with it then.

They have been at that point for over two years. When can I expect your check? It's great that so many people are willing to help!

[Anonymous]

Don't they get social security? Isn't that enough to pay the taxes? What does sister earn? Can she contribute to upkeep of the house?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't they get social security? Isn't that enough to pay the taxes? What does sister earn? Can she contribute to upkeep of the house?

They are barely making it with my sister’s help. The real issue is they will not be able to hire anyone in to help as they age more. They need to free up that cash for their own future care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Medicaid. When they are out of money, a parent or both parents, go on medicaid.

OP, you are not responsible for any one else's debts or bad financial situation.

Okay, BTDT.

Yes, but Medicaid will require that the house is sold if the surviving spouse enters a nursing home (Medicare does not cover nursing homes EXCEPT for a short span of rehabilitative care after a fall). Your sister needs to know that sooner rather than later, especially if she has no idea about this rule.

The most important thing is to speak to a REPUTABLE lawyer who handles this for older clients and families. I've been a round the block on this as I could tell the lawyer my parents had hired to handle their will/trust was not necessarily the person who could handle how to prepare to qualify for Medicaid. I spoke with a few different ones and finally got lucky with someone who really knew what she was doing. If your parents transfer the house to you +/or your sister AND they live for at least five more years, then you may be able to divest the asset without consequences. But if the house is transferred and your parents enter a nursing home under Medicaid within five years, then the state will claim the house as an asset and any money made/its worth will have to be repaid.

Strongly concur with others here: speak with folks in your parents' area who work in senior services and find someone locally to speak with you about how overwhelming this is for you and how you may be able to manage it. GL!