From what I understand about IRA, I know if you cash it, there will be 50% tax and etc. So it is best to take it out slowly each year according to the portion decided upon the age. I really don't like this idea of taking out IRA slowly, but it would be a loss if you cash it all now. The tax may allow you to claim the penalty from early withdrawal (if you do so with the CDs, the penality is tax deductible.)

If you have to cash, it is your decision if you are her POA. I don't think the state or nursing home would come after you as long as you have the authority to do so. Also, you can try to apply medicaid for her. It would help paying her nursing home. Unless you really abuse her or someone thinks you are not doing right and go to the social worker, I don't think the state cares if you handle her money.

Just my 2 cents.

Nina

I also forgot: if you have  a chance, you can go to the attorney and apply to be her guardian in court. This way you can do everything for your Mom with permission. The only bad thing here is you would have to deal with the judge when it comes to going to a nursing home or any major decision regarding her health care.

Good luck!

Nina

Thanks for your question Rose.  Although I was not able to find information about IRAs to answer your question specifically, I did find a couple of articles/posts that I thinkwill be helpful.

First, you may consider contacting one of the national orgranizations for advice on this.  They specialize in everything about Alzheimer's and could give you waht  you are looking for.  You can review the options at our Alzheimer's Web Resources page and our Users Recommend page.

One of our Experts, Carol Bradley Bursack wrote, "The Many Costs of Long Term Care"

Another, Jacqueline Marcell wrote , Insurance for Long-Term Care: An Essential Primer.

Hope this helps and all the best, sue