medical deductions

[cyclefroth]

My wife, who was in dementia, required in-home assistance that totaled more than $9000 and later had to be placed in an assisted living home (while being on hospice) which cost more than $25000. She passed away in August. What part of these expenses can I use as medical deductions?

[HelenC12]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

You'll probably be able to deduct the $9,000 and $25,000 as medical expenses. However, please read the information below. 

Per IRS Publication 502, Medical Expenses:

• Nursing services: You can include in medical expenses wages and other amounts you pay for nursing services. The services need not be performed by a nurse as long as the services are of a kind generally performed by a nurse. This includes services connected with caring for the patient's condition, such as giving medication or changing dressings, as well as bathing and grooming the patient. These services can be provided in your home or another care facility

• Only the amount spent for nursing services is a medical expense. If the attendant also provides personal and household services, amounts paid to the attendant must be divided between the time spent performing household and personal services and the time spent for nursing services.

• Nursing Home: You can include in medical expenses the cost of medical care in a nursing home, home for the aged, or similar institution, for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents. This includes the cost of meals and lodging in the home if a principal reason for being there is to get medical care.

[SweetieJean]

Were any of these expenses reimbursed by insurance?