There are lawyers who specialize in Elder Care. I contacted one when my mom had to go in a nursing home. I knew she'd be there several years, and no way could we afford it. He got her on MediCADE legally. She already had Medicare. The nursing home got all but $30 of her SS check, MediCADE paid the rest. She got the care she needed, that I couldn't do at home for her.
It's worth checking into, I'm sure all states have something similar. Eases your mind, and all your hard earned $$ is spared.