My father has had alzheimers and we have been caring for ...

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Unfortunately they are correct. There is a 5 year look back period. This is the view I express to people who have houses and contemplate giving it away to children:

Some day your dad may need Medicaid for nursing home care or home care benefits. If he is still the owner, Medicaid will force him to assume the bills up to the value of the home before it starts paying, If he transfers title now, he MAY not have that problem. Here's why I say MAY: Medicaid has a 5 year "look back" rule. That means that at the time Medicaid is applied for, they look back and see if any assets were disposed of FOR LESS THAN FAIR CONSIDERATION (market value). If there are such transfers, they presume that the transfer was made in order to render the applicant Medicaid eligible unless proven otherwise by the applicant. When dad made the deed, 5 years would have had to pass before he made a Medicaid application without their looking back to the deed.

I wish I had better news.

rich

rich