You may want to check with social services about Medicaid, as Nina said.

Likely, your parents' income will need to be used to pay for the nursing home care until their assets start to run out. Then, your parents will apply for Medicaid.

This is a bit more complicated when there is a spouse, and much depends on their income. But there is no "free ride." Their assets will be used to pay until they reach a level where they are considered "empoverished" enough to qualify your mom for Medicaid. No, your dad won't be put out on the street. There are provisions for the spouse.

If there are few assets, she may qualify quickly. If they have quite a bit of savings, it will take longer. I'd suggest a session with an estate attorney or elder law attorney if they have quite a bit of money. If they have very little, then please contact social services soon for help in getting your mom on Medicaid so that her nursing home costs will be covered.

There's a lot of paperwork, so keep good records whatever you do.

Take care,

Carol

Social Security is a federal program that offers retired income benefits; it does not offer any sort of long-term care or insurance benefits.  Long-term care costs are usually covered either through private pay, or, if eligible, through the state Medicaid program.  As each state manages its own Medicaid program, you would need to see what the eligibility guidelines are for the state in which your mother resides.  If your parents have any resources and/or assets, they would need to "spend down" the amounts to meet the state guidelines.  This may mean that you will have to pay privately for care until, in essence, the money runs out.  Please note that this does not mean that your father will be impoverished; the system is set up such that the spouse remaining in the community is able to keep and receive enough money for his own needs.  You can locate facilities that accept Medicaid by going to www.medicare.gov.