Reply #114: have you looked into the possibility of a reverse mortgage?

[spooky3]

If you plan to stay in your home for at least 5 years (to justify the upfront fees they take out of your home's value) it may be a good option for you. The mortgage holder pays you a certain amount every month, and you do not pay it back. When you pass on, your heirs can sell the house and will get less $ after the mortgage holder gets its share, but it does provide tax free income to you during the rest of your life.

On edit, also, there is a concern that if you move (e.g., to go into an apartment or retirement home) repayment is due. I don't know all the details of reverse mortgages, but I am sure they are available on the web.