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Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:35 pm  |
| I thought I remembered reading in a thread here that there were some lawyers on the board. I would really appreciate any advice or help. I am trying to get my mom down to my place to live (she wants to come here and my brother wants her to as well), but my husband is very concerned for us financially. Currently, she lives in her own home, but has had my brother's name put on the deed/title a few years back along with her name. She had a heart attack, and then a stroke. She was in the hospital for about 1 week. Long story short, she refused open heart surgery (she is 84) and her coronary valve is bad. I am wanting to take care of her in her final days (which can be anywhere from weeks to months) as I work at home and I could care for her easier than my brother. She lives in Illinois right now, me in FL. She has a very modest savings account and gets her monthly SS check. My question (husbands concern) is if her medical bills cannot be covered by her savings account, could they come after me and my husband to pay her bills if she is living with me? My name is not on anything, but if she were to live with me I am guessing I would have to have her SS check deposited in a bank where I live and also have my name put on that because she is unable to even sign anything anymore. Do any of you lawyers have any thoughts and/or insight about this issue? Sorry this was so long. Thanks so much in advance for any help you can give. |
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Sun Nov 26, 2006 10:06 am |
It's a common question rileygirl, especially since the federal government doesn't do a great job of providing a support apparatus for the elderly.
Even if you and your hubby were to claim your mother as a dependent (for income tax purposes), you are in no way responsible for her bills or her debts. This is the case regardless of whether or not you have power of attorney (i.e. can sign her checks, etc. etc.). Keep in mind, though, that deficient as federal entitlements are, most of your mom's medical costs should be covered.
Yo're very lucky to be in Florida. Because they have such a huge population of retirees, etc., they have the very best Office of the Aging in the U.S. You should definitely give them a call. They'll assign your mom a social worker who will walk you thru all the different benefits that are available to her. You'll be amazed at what's out there and available at no cost. These services are EXTREMELY useful, especially when you take in an elderly parent in failing health.
My dad is in pretty good health, but he talks a myriad of prescription that are very common for people his age, but which are also VERY expensive (i.e. blood thinners, statins, etc. etc.). A little bit of research and a few letter to the major pharmaceutical companies and now, most of them send him his meds free. (They send them to his physician and he picks them up from her.)
If your mom had more substantial holdings, I'd advise you to talk to an elder care attorney, but that only becomes an issue when you don't want assets drawn down before federal benefits kick in. People with more modest assets needn't worry.
Hope that helps. |
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Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:36 am |
| Wow, Katee, thank you so much. I did not know any of that info and I sure do appreciate your time. She really has nothing else so I don't feel I would need to talk to another lawyer. I can't thank you enough for all the info. I am printing this out so I have all the info in front of me. Again, I really appreciate your help! Thank you so much. |
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Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:47 am |
| Sorry, Katee, just one more question! Would they go after her house or would my brother be "safe" as both he and my mom's name is on the house? Thanks again for your help! |
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Sun Nov 26, 2006 1:38 pm |
No worries as long as your brother's name is also on the house.  |
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Sun Nov 26, 2006 4:12 pm |
| Thanks again Katee for all your help! |
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| Thu Apr 18, 2024 7:39 am |
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