Parent suddenly needs nursing home care? Talk to an elder law attorney before you move any money.
When a loved one needs nursing home or long-term care now, every day matters. We move fast to protect family savings, the home and the spouse at home, and to get care in place. Calls answered 24/7.
What to do first
Don’t spend or transfer assets until you have advice.
If your mother or father has just gone into a nursing home, it is natural to start paying bills, moving money or giving things to family. Please wait. Every financial move counts under Medicaid’s strict look-back rules, and one mistake can cost thousands in lost eligibility or penalties.
Medicaid looks back 60 months at transfers. Even if you have been told you “make too much” or “have too many assets”, do not assume your parent is ineligible. Legal tools and timing often change the outcome. The sooner you involve us, the more we can preserve.
Within days (often 24 to 72 hours), we assess eligibility and timing, restructure assets, coordinate spousal protections and prepare the application.
Before you call us, and after
The same crisis, two very different outcomes.
Bills, forms and well-meant advice.
- Savings being spent on care, month after month
- Tempting to gift money or property to relatives
- Advice from friends or nursing home staff, not a lawyer
- Worry about the home and the spouse still living in it
A clear plan, and someone handling it.
- Eligibility and timing assessed within days
- Spousal protections coordinated
- Steps taken to protect the home
- The application prepared and managed for you
How we help, quickly
Lawful tools to protect what you have worked for.
Assess eligibility and timing
A rapid review of income, assets and recent transfers, so we know where your parent stands.
Protect the home and the spouse
We coordinate spousal protections and take steps to protect the family home.
Qualified Income Trusts
Where income is over the limit, we create Qualified Income Trusts (Miller Trusts) when required.
Restructure assets
Using compliant tools such as Medicaid-compliant annuities and promissory notes, where they fit.
Prepare and manage the application
We handle the application and coordinate with the agency until approval.
After approval
We stay with you after approval, including estate recovery planning.
How it works
Our process, from first call to approval.
- Step
Urgent triage call (free)
Call any time, day or night. We listen, tell you what not to do, and get the facts.
- Step
Same-week strategy
We design a plan to meet Medicaid limits while preserving as much as possible.
- Step
Implementation
Trusts, annuities, applications and paperwork, handled for you.
- Step
Submission and advocacy
We submit the application and work with the agency until approval.
In our clients’ words
What clients say about working with us.
Bobby Sawyer is the standard. Not only do we refer clients to him routinely, but we trust Bobby with our own family’s estate needs.
My husband had a phone consultation with Joe and he was phenomenal. He answered all questions and gave insight unto the next steps. We would recommend him and this firm to anyone in need of estate/probate planning.
Thank you for thoroughly answering my questions and giving me the peace I needed to move forward. Rich was professional and very knowledgeable. I’m definitely glad I took advantage of the free consultation. It was extremely helpful.
Client reviews as published on sawyer-law.com.
Who you will work with
An attorney who stays calm under pressure.
Bobby Sawyer
Attorney
Bobby Sawyer is an Attorney at Sawyer & Associates, LLC where he focuses on estate planning, business law, and helping families put the proper tools in place to ensure the continuation of their legacies. A former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers platoon leader and Bronze Star recipient, Bobby brings a deep sense of leadership, dedication, and a client-focused approach to every matter he handles.
We serve clients in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Nick Wilson
Attorney
Part of the Sawyer & Associates attorney team.
Offices
Elder law attorneys near you.
Main line 803-274-1095, answered 24/7. Email hello@sawyer-law.com.
Charlotte, NC 28202
252-271-0830
Fort Mill, SC 29708
803-598-0082
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
Columbia, SC 29201
803-619-0048
Franklin, TN 37067
615-570-9901
Questions
Questions families ask in a hurry.
Mom just went into a nursing home. What should we do first?
Do not spend or transfer any of her assets yet. Call us. We will assess the situation, explain the options and start building a plan.
What is the 60-month look-back?
Medicaid looks back 60 months at money and property that has been given away or transferred. Transfers in that window can lead to penalties, which is why we ask you to speak to us before moving anything.
We were told she has too much to qualify. Is it too late?
Do not assume your parent is ineligible. Legal tools and timing strategies often change the outcome. The sooner you involve us, the more we can preserve.
Dad is still living at home. What happens to him and the house?
We coordinate spousal protections and take steps to protect the home, so the spouse at home is looked after too.
How quickly can you help?
Within days (often 24 to 72 hours), we assess eligibility and timing and start structuring a plan. Calls are answered 24/7.
Is the first call free?
Yes. The urgent triage call is free and confidential, with no obligation.
Free consultation
Talk to us before you move any money.
Leave your number and we will call you back. If it is urgent, call now: calls are answered 24/7.
Calls answered 24/7.
- Free, confidential consultation
- English, Spanish and Portuguese
- Offices in NC, SC and TN