Parents on Social Security Only and Sister wants the house

[jkhamilton]

What is the name of your state?
Texas

My parents are both elderly. My mother is 85 and has dementia and is going downhill fast. My father is 82, has memory problems, macular degeneration and is taking care of my mother on his own. They have medicare only and I don't believe they qualify for Medicaid as he still owns his house. My husband and I have talked to my father about applying for a reverse mortgage so he could have additional income coming in and could help get some care for my mom. My sister is totally against this. she is thinking only of herself. She has told us that she wants the house to go to her and I gather she doesn't much care whether my parents are destitute and need help. Will we need to contact an attorney in case she goes off the deep end and tries to stop my father from getting a reverse mortgage? It would be so much easier if he would consider selling the house outright and both of them moving into assisted living facility but he doesn't want to do that.

Thanks.

Judy

 

[BlondiePB]

My father is 82, has memory problems, macular degeneration and is taking care of my mother on his own.

This is very frightening, Judy. See an Elder Law attorney that specializes in guardianships/conservatorships asap and petition for guardianship over your parents. Look into Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) for them. There are very nice ones that have a suite with a bedroom, bathroom, and living room. Also look for one that has ECC (extended congregate care).

Though the reverse mortagage is a good idea for them, they need to be in a safe place without worrying about all the daily maintenance of a household, never mind the outside of a home. If your father is an honorably discharged veteran, he may be able to qualify for some veteran's benefits that will help pay for an ALF.