Should I put my mother in a nursing home even if she doesn't qualify for Medicare?

So sorry about your situation, which sounds difficult. However, you are not alone. Many of the older people in California are going to have a hard time qualifying for Medi-cal See also:
The nursing home wants my father to leave because he's hard to manage; what are my options? now. This is due to our state budget experiencing cut-backs in many health and human service programs.

Since your mother doesn't qualify for Medi-cal at this point, here are some other options to think about:

1) Assisted living apartments: There are many senior housing units around that offer meals, laundry services, and housekeeping. If she needs medical care, you can hire nursing assistants to help her. 2) Board and care houses: Since she already lived in one of these, you should be familiar with how they work. They charge a monthly fee for rent and medical care. They usually will provide everything for her including medication administration. 3) Nursing home: If she doesn't qualify for Medical, you can pay for a nursing home yourself, but this is quite expensive. 4) PACE/ On-lok programs: This model lets elders live at home, but it helps to provide them with medical care and some basic nursing care needs. 5) Home care: You can keep her at home with you, but hire a companion to be with her for a few hours a day. They can help give her lunch and some personal care, as well as medications.

You can also contact the Department of Health in Orange County, and ask them for assistance and ideas on how to take care of your mother. Perhaps they have some kind of program in that county that can help you. Good luck!