Family Transition LinkWhat to Do With the House When a Loved One Moves to Assisted Living
Sell, rent, keep, or transfer? How each option affects cash flow, taxes, and Medicaid in Ohio.
Option 1: Sell
Pros: money for care, no upkeep, simpler estate.
Cons: sale proceeds count as assets for Medicaid; emotional decision.
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) can coordinate with a move manager and estate sale company.
Option 2: Rent
Pros: monthly income, keeps the home in the family.
Cons: repairs, vacancies, landlord duties; rental income counts toward Medicaid income.
Option 3: Keep it
Sometimes right if a spouse still lives there or a return home is possible. Budget for taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance.
Option 4: Transfer to family — be careful
Giving the house away can trigger a Medicaid penalty if it happens within five years of applying. Some exceptions exist (for example, transfers to a spouse or a qualifying caregiver child). Read our 5-year lookback guide and talk to an elder law attorney first.
Before you decide
- Confirm who has legal authority — see Ohio power of attorney documents.
- Estimate how long savings will last at current care costs.
- Ask an elder law attorney how each option affects Medicaid.
Find real estate specialists and elder law attorneys in our directory.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Ohio Medicaid count the house as an asset?
- The home can be exempt while a spouse or certain dependents live there or if the person intends to return, up to a home equity limit set each year. Once sold, the proceeds are countable.
- Can we put the house in a trust to protect it?
- Certain irrevocable trusts can protect a home, but transfers into them are subject to the 5-year lookback. An elder law attorney can advise.
- Who can sell the house if my loved one has dementia?
- A financial power of attorney signed while they had capacity, or a court-appointed guardian if no POA exists.
Sources
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Ohio's trusted resource for elder care transition guidance.
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