How do you qualify for Medicaid?

My wife was Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease one year ago. She also takes some medications for heart problems. Her mental capabilities seem to be fading (expected), but I don't think I'll be needing in-home caregiving for at least another year. Our financial situation is thus: Having worked for the federal government most of my life, I have only 28 quarters toward Social Security. My income is my federal annuity, and a small amount (about $1000) from some small investments: IRA, etc). This will not be enough to pay for home health care for long. We own our home, and two vehicles. What are some actual guidelines as to how broke we have to be before qualifying for Medicaid? Everything I've seen so far says: "That depends". But no specifics. I've heard that I can keep the house. Who pays the taxes on it? Etc., etc. From what I've read about this disease, it can go on for ten years or more. That's a long time to pay for a in-home caregiver, or a nursing home. What kind of specifics can you give me regarding financial help? Possibly it might help to mention that I live in Oregon.