One of the biggest concerns I hear from older homeowners and their families is this: “Will Mom have to sell the house if she goes on Medi-Cal?” It’s an understandable question, especially in the Bay Area, where the family home often represents decades of hard work, financial security, and a significant portion of a family’s wealth.
The good news is that the answer is often more nuanced than people expect. While Medi-Cal has specific rules about eligibility and estate recovery, there are also important protections, exemptions, and planning strategies that many families don’t learn about until they’re already facing a healthcare crisis. Understanding these rules ahead of time can make a significant difference in the choices available.
What makes this topic especially challenging is that decisions about the home are rarely made in isolation. Families are often navigating long-term care needs, legal and financial planning, caregiving responsibilities, and difficult emotional conversations all at once. Acting too quickly, or based on incomplete information, can sometimes create consequences that might have been avoided with proper planning.
Fortunately, California’s Medi-Cal rules have changed over the years, and many of the assumptions people still have are based on outdated information. Whether the best path is keeping the home, selling it, renting it, placing it into a properly structured trust, or pursuing another strategy depends entirely on the family’s circumstances. The most important step is understanding the options before important decisions have to be made.
If your family is beginning to think about long-term care, or you’re helping an aging parent plan for the future, having these conversations early can provide more flexibility, preserve more options, and reduce unnecessary stress. And if you’re unsure where to begin, I’d be happy to help you understand the real estate side of the process and connect you with experienced elder law professionals who can provide legal guidance tailored to your family’s situation.
Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!
From the Monterey Bay Wayback Machine
Santa Cruz Dedicates Historic Town Clock (July 4, 1976)
Santa Cruz formally dedicated its iconic Town Clock at the intersection of Water, Pacific, Front, and River streets as part of the city’s Bicentennial celebration. The ceremony commemorated the nation’s 200th anniversary while establishing the clock as a lasting civic landmark. Positioned at one of Santa Cruz’s busiest intersections, the Town Clock quickly became a recognizable symbol of the community and remains one of the city’s most familiar gathering places today.
This Week in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County Falls Behind on State Housing Goals, Grand Jury Finds
A new Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury report concludes that the county is not on track to meet its state-mandated housing goals, despite zoning enough land for future development. The report found that while the county has planned for thousands of new homes, actual housing production has fallen far behind expectations, with only a small percentage of the required units receiving permits so far in the current housing cycle.
The grand jury cited high construction costs, lengthy permitting processes, development fees, and local regulations as key barriers preventing projects from moving forward. It recommended that the county conduct a comprehensive financial feasibility study, improve transparency, and create a public dashboard to better track housing progress. County officials will be required to respond to the report’s findings and recommendations. The report warns that without significant changes, Santa Cruz County is unlikely to achieve its housing targets or adequately address the region’s growing affordability challenges.
Seabright Santa Cruz 4th of July Parade
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Seabright, E. Cliff Drive and Seabright, Santa Cruz
Celebrate Independence Day at the inaugural Seabright Santa Cruz 4th of July Parade, a festive community event filled with local pride and family fun. Cheer on participants as the parade makes its way through the neighborhood and enjoy a joyful morning celebrating the holiday with friends, neighbors, and the community.
Aromatherapy Lavender Harvest Workshop & Wine With Cottage Lunch
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Roberts Ranch Vineyards, 875 Roberts Road, Ben Lomond
Celebrate the beauty of summer at this annual Lavender Harvest celebration in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Stroll through the vineyard, enjoy the fragrant lavender fields, and take in the relaxed atmosphere of a day dedicated to local agriculture, scenic views, and seasonal charm.
2nd Annual 4th of July Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Location: Abbott Square Market, 725 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Celebrate community, culture, and connection at this lively day of music and togetherness. Enjoy live performances spanning a variety of styles, from the energetic sounds of Hands On Fire to the vibrant Colombian rhythms of Los Bahianatos. It’s a fun-filled event that brings people together through music, dancing, and shared celebration.
SANTA CRUZ FIRECRACKER 10K/5K/1K
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz
Celebrate the Fourth of July with one of Santa Cruz’s favorite traditions at the Firecracker 10K, 5K, and Kids’ Dash. Whether you’re racing, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, this family-friendly event offers a fun morning of fitness, community spirit, and holiday celebration, all while supporting local youth programs.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Senior Friendly Homes in Silicon Valley South
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