What to do with Your House When Entering a Nursing Home

Brad Smith • September 24, 2020

When you are making decisions about your future and medical decisions that best suit your needs, the option of a nursing home or assisted living facility inevitably comes up.


They are licensed and equipped to take care of your medical needs. However, leaving the home that you own and going to a nursing home can be a challenge that leaves you with many questions like what happens to the home? Does it get sold? Do my children get it? If it does get sold, who gets the proceeds from the sale? How does this affect taxes and insurance? Will this affect my Medicaid? These are all valid questions can be answered by an attorney.

Selling Your Home

Many seniors who are living in some sort of assisted living facility or nursing home still own their homes and consider selling it too, especially if they do not have family in the area. But many do not consider the challenges they may face in a possible sale. In order to sell a home, you have to make it look presentable or possibly updated. If that elderly individual has not lived there in many months, the house may not be at its best.

Another challenge is the real estate market. Making others aware that the house is for sale is important to get the house sold. If you cannot sell by owner fast enough, seeking the aid of a real estate agent is helpful. The amount of money you will receive from the sale will dip into the percentage of sales. This fee may not be able to afford that. 

Sorting through your possessions can be especially challenging. Getting around the home because of developed mobility issues. You also may not have big of a space at your new senior living home for all of your things or if you do not have a big family or your family lives far away, you may need to sell some possessions or invest in a storage unit.

Emotional Attachment to Your House

There also is the emotional aspect that you need to work through. This may have been the house that you raised your children in and spent holidays and birthdays in. Given the amount of memories you may have in the place, it may be difficult for you to consider selling it.


However, the financial turmoil over the ability to pay for long-term housing and care may outweigh the emotional attachment you may have for your house. As much as you may love that house, you would not want to put yourself or your family in any difficult financial situations by holding onto a property that you are not living in. Facing all of these issues will require time and patience, as well as a partner you can trust to help guide you through the challenges that you face.

Interested in Working with Us?

If you need any help regarding your business or other legal matters please reach out to us directly here and schedule a call with one of our paralegals on our scheduling page here.

Interested in Working With Us?

If you need help with estate planning or any other legal concerns, we are here for you. Don't hesitate to contact our firm directly for assistance. Our dedicated team is ready to provide support and guidance to you and your loved ones during important life transitions.


Whether you're ready to schedule a strategy session to discuss your specific needs or if you're interested in exploring our wide range of complimentary guides and additional resources, we encourage you to get in touch with us.


With licensed attorneys and offices located in both Illinois and Missouri, we are well-equipped to serve clients in these regions. Reach out to us today and let us leverage our expertise and care to guide you through the legal process.

Helpful Guides

Begin your journey by taking advantage of our collection of complimentary guides.

View Guides

Online Documents

Simple & Convenient, Cost Effective, Attorney Reviewed Documents.

Learn More Here

Recent Posts

Choosing Your Decision Makers

February 21, 2025
Estate planning is about more than just dividing assets; it’s about making sure your wishes are honored when it comes to your health, finances, and legacy.
Show More

Choosing Your Decision Makers

February 21, 2025
Estate planning is about more than just dividing assets; it’s about making sure your wishes are honored when it comes to your health, finances, and legacy.

Legal Steps to Take Before a Medical Procedure

February 14, 2025
Beyond understanding the medical aspects, there are critical legal steps you should take to safeguard your rights, clarify your wishes, and prepare for any unexpected situations.

When Parents Leave Children Unequal Inheritances

February 7, 2025
Estate planning is a sensitive and complex process that often involves difficult decisions. One of the most challenging choices parents may face is whether to leave their children unequal inheritances.

Will Your Loved Ones Have to Pay an Inheritance Tax?

January 31, 2025
In this blog, we’ll break down inheritance and estate taxes in Illinois and Missouri, helping you understand what to expect and how to plan accordingly.

A Trust Only Works if It’s Properly Funded

January 24, 2025
At our firm, we emphasize the importance of proper trust funding. This crucial step ensures that your trust will work for you and your loved ones when you need it most.

Easing the Mental Load of Estate Planning

January 17, 2025
Estate planning often feels like an overwhelming task, conjuring images of endless paperwork, difficult decisions, and tough conversations. It’s a process that involves contemplating the future—sometimes in ways that are deeply personal and emotionally taxing.
More Posts
Share by: