Liability If I help my sibling pay for a nursing home?

Be careful not to sign anything as "responsible party" and cross those words out wherever they appear in the resident's agreement and any associated documents.  If your sister cannot sign an promissory note, promissing to repay you, the months for which you pay may be a gift.  It is very likely that your sister will need Medicaid (Medicare is healh insurance; Medicaid helps with nursing home and other long term care).  Apply as soon as she is admitted.  (Hopefully she has named you her agent under a Durable Power of Attorney and you can access her finances and records.)  Medicaid backpays for up to three months.  When the application is approved, ask the nursing home for a refund. Every state administers Medicaid a little differently.  You might want to consult with an elder law attorney.  You can find one near you using the Find a Lawyer function on the website of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.naela.org).