Will Mom and Dad Really Lose Their House If They Need a Nursing Home?

For many families, this is the question that keeps them up at night.



An aging parent needs more help. A doctor mentions “long-term care.” Suddenly, adult children are Googling late into the evening, worried that everything their parents worked for—especially the family home—could disappear if nursing home care becomes necessary.

The fear is real. But the good news is this: losing the house is not inevitable. With the right planning, many middle-class families protect what matters most.

The Shocking Average Cost of Care in 2025

In 2025, nursing home care typically costs $9,000–$14,000 per month, depending on location and level of care. That means one year of care can easily exceed $120,000.

For retirees living on Social Security, pensions, or modest savings, those numbers feel overwhelming. Without a plan, families often begin paying out of pocket—draining accounts meant for a surviving spouse or future needs.

This is why planning matters before a crisis hits.

The Myth of Medicare Covering Long-Term Care

One of the most common—and costly—misunderstandings we see is the belief that Medicare will pay for nursing home care.

In plain English:

Medicare only covers short-term, skilled care (like rehab after a hospital stay). It does not cover long-term custodial care, which is what most people eventually need.

That gap leaves families scrambling—often making rushed decisions during emotional moments. Knowing the rules ahead of time gives families options instead of panic.

How Middle-Class Families Actually Keep the House

We recently worked with a daughter—let’s call her Sarah—who was caring for both aging parents. Her biggest fear was losing their home if her father needed nursing home care.

Like many adult children, Sarah assumed there were only two choices: sell the house or spend everything down.

Instead, she learned there were legal planning strategies designed specifically for situations like hers.

With proper elder law planning, families may be able to:

• Protect the primary residence
  
  
• Preserve assets for a healthy spouse
  
  
• Reduce or delay out-of-pocket nursing home costs
  
  
• Create clarity and peace of mind for caregivers
  
  

For Sarah, that first conversation brought something she hadn’t felt in months: hope.

Why This Matters Now

Elder law planning works best before a health crisis—but it’s often still possible after care is needed. Waiting, however, can limit options and increase stress for everyone involved.

Our firm brings decades of experience in estate planning and elder law, helping families understand their choices in clear, practical terms—without legal jargon.

Next Steps

If this question resonates with you, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Attend our next “Legacy Care Event” to learn how families legally protect homes and assets.
👉 Or schedule a personalized appointment with our office to discuss your family’s unique situation.

The sooner you understand your options, the more control—and peace—you can preserve.

Click here to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more and get started today:

BOOK NOW!

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Silvas Law is a Personal Family Lawyer® firm, we know the value of planning for the future.
And we know the value of planning for the life you want today and the legacy that extends far beyond your assets.