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f. Temporary Absence from the Home by the Spouse or Dependent Relative The home site remains excluded if the spouse or dependent relative is out of the home but intends to return. (See VII.A.1.c.(3) and VII.A.2.) g. Exclude the home site when the home is damaged or destroyed by disaster and the a/b intends to repair/rebuild and return. Accept his statement of intent to repair/rebuild and return. h. Home site out of state – Exclude the home site of a person who is in North Carolina with North Carolina residence (For example he is here for employment purposes, in an nursing facility or staying with a family member for an indefinite period of time.) if any one of the criteria in VII.A.1.c. is met. 2. Intent to Return Home NOTE: Refer to MA-2242, Home Equity Value & Eligibility For Institutional Services. Do not count the value of property that was the a/b’s home site if he states his subjective intent to return to the home. (The term “subjective intent” means that it is his intent, regardless of the circumstances of his absence from the home, to return home.) Do not consider other factors, such as the a/b’s age or physical condition, condition of the home or whether it is currently rented, or other circumstances when determining intent to return home. If he is mentally competent, age and physical condition are not factors in evaluating intent. The time of return may be indefinite, and there is no time limit on this exclusion. (See c. below if the a/b is unable to make a statement or makes a self-contradictory statement.) a. Verify at application and each redetermination the a/b’s intent to return home. Use the DMA-5159, Statement of Intent to Return Home. File the completed and signed form in the Medicaid case record. Always accept the a/b’s statement unless it is self-contradictory or the a/b has been determined legally incompetent. If the statement is self- contradictory or the a/b is incompetent, refer to c. below. b. If the a/b is competent and his statement is not self-contradictory, the statement supersedes all other statements made by any other individuals. Do not request statements of others as to the a/b’s intent and ignore any that are volunteered. c. If the a/b’s statement is self-contradictory, he is legally incompetent, or if he is unable to make a statement, obtain the signed statement (See VII.A.2.a.) from his representative (guardian, power of attorney, spouse, or Medicaid representative as defined in MA-2301, Conducting a Face-to 32