Managing the Family Home When a Parent Enters a Nursing Home

Options when one parent moves to a nursing home and the other remains in the house:

Joint ownership unchanged: Simplest; mom stays, but long-term plan needed.
Transfer to mom: Dad deeds property to mom (if competent); she assumes all costs.
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Both own jointly; survivor becomes sole owner automatically.
Life estate: Dad retains ownership for life; mom has right to live there after his death.
Sell the house: Funds nursing care; viable if family no longer needs the home.

Discuss with parents and a financial advisor to choose the best option for their situation.