Is your widowed mom (or were her spouses) a US veteran eligible for VA Aid & Attendance? The benefits are richer, have higher income/means testing and include fully paid care in a VA nursing home when personal funds run out (but there can be a long wait for admission).
Based on average life expectancies, your mom may outlast her money by 1-2 years. If you do not plan to change her facility, then set aside a contribution from your portfolio for 2 years of care in US treasuries and spend/retain the rest of your portfolio guilt free. Revisit the plan in two years.
If you cannot afford to put aside those $ for your mom’s care without jeopardizing your own financial future/care, then don’t. Aging solo as you are will be much easier if you have the funds to support it. Move your mom now to a good facility in a county that accepts Medicaid assignment should it be needed in the future. Facilities in my area want a period of private pay to be admitted so if you wait too long this option may not be available to you.
Consider talking to a therapist or support group to help with the stress and guilt.
Based on average life expectancies, your mom may outlast her money by 1-2 years. If you do not plan to change her facility, then set aside a contribution from your portfolio for 2 years of care in US treasuries and spend/retain the rest of your portfolio guilt free. Revisit the plan in two years.
If you cannot afford to put aside those $ for your mom’s care without jeopardizing your own financial future/care, then don’t. Aging solo as you are will be much easier if you have the funds to support it. Move your mom now to a good facility in a county that accepts Medicaid assignment should it be needed in the future. Facilities in my area want a period of private pay to be admitted so if you wait too long this option may not be available to you.
Consider talking to a therapist or support group to help with the stress and guilt.
Statistics: Posted by HomeStretch — Thu Jan 15, 2026 10:02 am — Replies 8 — Views 441