My father was working low paying jobs or on welfare most of his life. He is now retired and gets very little (1500 or so) per month. He does have some savings but not nearly enough if he ever needed long term care. He thinks this money is enough and for him it is. He lives frugally and within his means but what happens when he needs more care?

My husband and I do well but we cannot care for him or house him and we wouldn't be able to afford the 2 or 3k for care homes.

What happens in those situations?are there waitlists? Does he go in whatever home In a certain radius that has room even if it's 2 or 3 hours away?

There's no need for care anytime soon but I am an only child so need to know what happens in these situations.