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Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

4 min

Do I have to sell my house to go into a nursing home? It depends on your circumstances

According to the Center for Medicare Advocacy, most nursing home residents receive some form of Medicaid assistance, a program with strict financial eligibility rules. A common concern is whether this means you have to sell my house to go into a nursing home, a question with a complex answer that depends heavily on your marital status, property value, and other family members living in the home.

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4 min

What happens to my assets if I go to a nursing home?

The average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is projected to exceed $118,000 in 2024, a figure that can quickly deplete a person’s life savings. This reality raises a serious and common question: **What happens to my assets if I go to a nursing home?** The short answer is that, without proper planning, your assets will likely be spent down to pay for your care, but strategic measures can help protect them.

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5 min

How a Dementia Patient Can Qualify for Medicaid: A Comprehensive Guide

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, with Medicaid playing a vital role in covering long-term care costs. The path to understanding how does a dementia patient qualify for Medicaid involves navigating complex financial, functional, and state-specific rules. This comprehensive guide breaks down the requirements and crucial steps for families seeking assistance for a loved one with dementia.

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5 min

Can the government take your house if you go into a nursing home?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a significant portion of older adults will need long-term care, often paid for by Medicaid. The question, "Can the government take your house if you go into a nursing home?" is a critical and common concern for many families, and understanding the complex reality is essential for protecting your assets.

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6 min

When can a nursing home take your house?

While nursing homes themselves cannot legally seize your home, the state can claim it after your death to recover Medicaid costs through the Estate Recovery Program. Understanding the complex interplay between Medicaid, asset protection, and estate recovery is crucial for anyone with assets to protect, especially when considering the question, "when can a nursing home take your house?".

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8 min

What Can a Nursing Home Take? Understanding Legal Rights and Medicaid

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is over $100,000. The significant cost of long-term care fuels a common fear that a facility will take a resident's life savings and assets, a misconception that warrants a clear explanation of what can a nursing home take versus what is legally protected. This guide explains how payment for care works, what assets are exempt, and the critical role of Medicaid in covering expenses.

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4 min

Are family members responsible for nursing home bills? The legalities of filial and spousal responsibility

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, many nursing homes try to bill or sue a resident's family members for the cost of care, often in violation of federal law. Understanding whether family members are responsible for nursing home bills is crucial, as the answer depends on a mix of state and federal laws, contractual agreements, and the presence of spousal liability or filial responsibility statutes. This guide will demystify the legal landscape and provide actionable advice to protect your family from unwarranted nursing home debt.

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4 min

Can a nursing home take everything you own? Understanding asset protection

While the fear that a nursing home can take everything you own is a common misconception, the reality is that the high cost of long-term care can quickly deplete your assets unless you plan ahead. Annual nursing home costs can exceed six figures, making proactive asset protection crucial for individuals and families.

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5 min

How to avoid a nursing home taking your house during Medicaid estate recovery

According to Genworth Financial, the median cost of a private room in a nursing home in the US reached over $108,000 per year in 2024, a staggering cost that can quickly deplete a family’s life savings. If you rely on Medicaid for long-term care, your home may be at risk during the state’s estate recovery process. The key is understanding how to avoid a nursing home taking your house during this time through proactive legal and financial planning.

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