"... if you are aging and think you might need TennCare (or Medicaid in other states) some day to pay for your nursing home care, but you don't want your house to be sold to repay TennCare or Medicaid, you can transfer the house to your heirs before you go on TennCare or Medicaid. I believe you need to do it at least five years before you accept TennCare or Medicaid funding of your nursing home care. (I'm not an expert, but there are financial planners and consultants who can help you learn the details.)"
Transferring or gifting assets would have avoided this situation. It is all legal, and if you have aging parents this is something that should be planned and completed well in advance.
The mother could have turned the house over several years ago, as my mother.
It can't be done at the last minute, but it could have been done and her house would have not been the state's to take over.