Resources for families

Help by topic

Each guide fits on one screen. Rules differ by state; these describe the general picture and Virginia where it matters.

• The first week after a hospital discharge

  When rehab is ending and home may not be safe

  • Ask the discharge planner for the date coverage is expected to end, in writing if you can.
  • Ask what level of care is recommended: home with help, assisted living, or a nursing home.
  • Find any existing power of attorney or medical directive. If there is none, call us.
  • Write down every account, pension and insurance policy you know about. Do not move money yet.

  Read about Medicaid planning

• The Medicaid look-back, in plain words

  What the five years are, and what they are not

  • The look-back is a window of time before a nursing home Medicaid application, 60 months in Virginia and most states.
  • Gifts and transfers for less than full value in that window are reviewed.
  • A gift is not automatically a problem. Some transfers are allowed, and some can be returned.
  • Paying for care, bills and fair-value purchases is not a gift.

  Try the look-back date tool

• Spend-down: what it means

  Using savings in ways the rules allow

  • Medicaid has a savings limit. Money above it is usually spent on care first.
  • Allowed spending can include care bills, debts, a prepaid funeral and some home repairs.
  • A spouse at home may be able to keep more. The rules for couples are different.
  • Ask before spending large amounts. The wrong kind of spending can cause a penalty.

• Guardianship or power of attorney?

  Which one your family needs

  • If your parent can still understand and sign, a power of attorney is usually simpler.
  • If they cannot, a court may need to appoint a guardian or conservator.
  • A guardian decides personal matters. A conservator manages money.
  • Courts look at less restrictive options first.

  Read about guardianship

• Signs of financial exploitation

  What to watch for, and who to call

  • Unusual withdrawals, new names on accounts or new cards you did not know about.
  • A new "best friend" or helper who keeps family away.
  • Unpaid bills even though there should be enough income.
  • Changes to a will, deed or account that do not match past wishes.

  Read about elder abuse help

• When a parent dies: the first 30 days

  What can wait, and what cannot

  • Secure the home, the car and any valuables. Forward the mail.
  • Order several copies of the death certificate.
  • Find the original will. Do not pay large bills from your own money.
  • Most court steps can wait a few weeks. Call us when you are ready.

  Read about estate administration