Option for elderly duplex owner in state nursing home/ rehab, Medicare

[Kristopher K.]

Hi All,

Have a friend who’s mom had a stroke and has been in care for the last appx 2 years. She has a duplex, one unit was owner occupied until her stroke; other had been rented until the same timeframe. Both units are vacant now and issues are starting to develop from being vacant. This is also my friend’s childhood home. My friend lives in a different state and has been trying to hold onto the property. It would be a great starting point for their kids in the future if they can keep it.

 They’ve been told the unit that was owner occupied can have a “caretaker”, other unit needs to be vacant. I’m under the impression this is because if there is any rental income, it will go right to her care, not sure if she would lose the Medicare benefits. I don’t think any of it is allowed to go back into the property. The caretaker would be required to assume paying taxes and insurance plus upkeep.

Both units need a fair amount of work prior to being rentable now that it’s been vacant so long. Biggest expense I think would be furnaces. 

Selling would basically mean they lose all benefit of the property and maybe ultimately that’s what will happen.

Just looking for ideas for them to explore. They have legal counsel already so I know they have had some guidance already which is why it’s empty.

Thanks, appreciate any thoughts.