Should I buy Mom a house near me with her money should she be able to leave the nursing home or go for broke paying for her care and hope for Medicaid?

Medicaid law differs somewhat from state to state so it is important that you consult with a lawyer in her homestate.

Although, a home is a non-countable asset when determining Medicaid eligibility, buying a home for a person who is already in a nursing home would most likely not be considered by Medicaid authorities as effective for making the asset non-countable. However, there are a number of strategies that may be employed to shelter assets from Medicaid consideration and still have her eligible for Medicaid. Some of these include the purchase of business property and the purchase of certain types of annuities. Again, however, it is important to note that these laws vary considerably from state to state as to the countability of assets for Medicaid eligibility determinations so it is important to consult with a Medicaid lawyer in your mother's home state.