Elderly Parent with No Money: How to Get Them Care
Your parent needs care, but they have little or no savings, no pension, maybe just Social Security. You're worried about affording care, and worried about your own financial future. Here's what help exists and how to access it.
Many elderly Americans have little savings. The median retirement savings for Americans 65-74 is about $164,000, which covers about 2-3 years of nursing home care. For many, it's much less or nothing. Programs exist because this is common.
Government Programs
Medicaid
The primary payer for long-term care for those who can't afford it.
- Covers: Nursing home care, often home care through waiver programs
- Requirements: Very low income and assets (typically under $2,000 in assets)
- Social Security income: Most goes to the nursing home; small personal allowance ($30-100/month)
- Home may be exempt: While they're alive, the home often doesn't count
- Apply through: State Medicaid office
Medicare (Limited)
Medicare does NOT cover long-term care, but it does cover:
- Short-term rehab: Up to 100 days in skilled nursing after hospitalization
- Home health: Skilled nursing and therapy visits (not personal care)
- Hospice: End-of-life care is fully covered
- Medical equipment: Hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Additional income for very low-income elderly and disabled:
- Amount: Up to ~$943/month (2026) for individuals
- Includes: Automatic Medicaid eligibility in most states
- Apply: Social Security Administration
Veterans Benefits
If your parent served in the military:
- Aid & Attendance: Up to $2,200+/month for veterans needing help with daily activities
- Survivors pension: For surviving spouses of veterans
- VA health care: Medical care at VA facilities
- State veterans homes: Nursing homes for veterans, often lower cost
- Apply: VA.gov or local VA office
The equipment that changes the most
Most of what caregiving costs is time. These four are the purchases that reliably buy some of it back, and they are the ones families tell us they wish they had bought sooner.
Drive Medical Hydraulic Patient Lift
A full lift is what makes one person able to manage a transfer alone. It is the single purchase that most often delays a move into residential care.
Check price on Amazon →
EZ-ACCESS Singlefold Wheelchair Ramp, 6 ft
Folds like a suitcase and carries in a car boot, so the same ramp handles the front step at home and the kerb at an appointment.
Check price on Amazon →
Drive Medical Nitro Rollator with Seat
The seat matters more than the wheels. Being able to stop and rest is what decides whether someone still goes out at all.
Check price on Amazon →
Vive Stand Assist Rail for Couch or Chair
Getting out of a low sofa is where most falls at home start. This is the cheapest thing on the list and often the first one needed.
Check price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Researched guidance, not medical advice. Prices change, so check before buying.
Community Resources
Area Agency on Aging
Your first stop for local resources:
- Information and referral services
- Meals on Wheels
- Transportation assistance
- Case management
- Respite care programs
- Find yours: eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116
Free or Low-Cost Services
- SNAP (food stamps): Help with grocery costs
- LIHEAP: Help with heating/cooling bills
- Meals on Wheels: Delivered meals, often sliding scale
- Food banks: Supplemental groceries
- Free clinics: Medical care for uninsured
- Prescription assistance: Programs from drug manufacturers
- 211: Call or text for local resources
Faith-Based and Nonprofit Programs
- Church visitor programs
- Volunteer companion programs
- St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army assistance
- Lions Club (vision), Shriners (medical)
- Habitat for Humanity (home repairs)
Housing Options
If They Can't Afford to Stay Home
- Section 8 housing: Subsidized rent for low-income
- HUD senior housing: Income-based rent
- Medicaid-funded nursing home: If they need that level of care
- Living with family: They can contribute their Social Security toward expenses
If They Need Facility Care
If your parent needs assisted living or nursing home care and has no money:
- Nursing homes accept Medicaid: All certified nursing homes must accept Medicaid residents
- Assisted living: Fewer accept Medicaid; look for Medicaid waiver programs
- Spend down: If they have some assets, use them for care until they qualify for Medicaid
Medicaid has a 5-year "look-back" period. Giving away money or property to qualify for Medicaid can result in penalties. Consult an elder law attorney before making any transfers.
Are You Legally Required to Pay?
In most states, children are NOT legally required to pay for a parent's care. However:
- Filial responsibility laws: About 30 states have these on the books, but they're rarely enforced
- Nursing home contracts: NEVER sign as "responsible party" for payment, only as "representative"
- Medicaid estate recovery: After death, Medicaid can seek repayment from the estate (including home)
Don't drain your retirement savings to pay for parent care. You won't qualify for the same programs that help them. If their money runs out, Medicaid exists. If yours does, there's no safety net for you.
Getting Help Applying
These programs have complicated applications:
- Hospital social workers: If your parent is hospitalized, ask for help
- Nursing home admissions: They're motivated to help with Medicaid applications
- SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- Legal aid: Free legal help for low-income seniors
- Elder law attorneys: Worth the cost for complex situations
- Veterans service organizations: DAV, VFW, American Legion help with VA claims
If You're Helping Financially
If you choose to help pay for parent care:
- Consider a caregiver agreement: Pay yourself for care provided (must be documented)
- Keep records: For tax purposes and family clarity
- Set limits: Decide what you can afford without harming your own future
- Include siblings: If any, discuss fair contribution (money or time)
- Tax benefits: You may be able to claim them as dependent, deduct medical expenses
What If They Refuse Help?
Some elderly parents refuse to apply for benefits due to pride or confusion:
- Frame it as "programs they paid into" (Social Security, Medicare)
- Handle applications yourself with their information
- Get power of attorney to act on their behalf
- Have their doctor or trusted person encourage acceptance
Action Steps
- Assess current income and assets: Social Security, pension, savings, home equity
- Determine care needs: What level of help do they actually need?
- Contact Area Agency on Aging: Get information on local resources
- Apply for Medicaid: If they may qualify
- Check VA eligibility: If they're a veteran or veteran's spouse
- Explore all options: Don't assume you can't get help without asking