I have been a caregiver for my mother for the past 10 years. This has been a challenge since I am a widow and living on a single income. I have 2 other siblings and a few years ago sat them down and told them it was no longer just my responsibility and asked for their help. Neither wanted her to live with them so she is living with me but both agreed to provide $100/mo towards expenses. This in no way pays for her expenses but it was something. Now one sibling has just quit paying and says it isn't her responsibility. Can anyone suggest how I can get her to continue her part, are there any legal avenues, etc. I am at my wits end over this and of course it is disrupting the family as we are now divided over this. Help
Carol
Emman
I was never a great financier, for lack of other words, but since my mom got sick and I became POA of her finances I have shocked myself. I've told my mom several times that I don't know how she did it all these years and was able to save so much money but I've learned in these last 3 months that I too can do, and I've even learned how to save a little bit a month myself. There are so many resources out there for help and I've talked with so many county, state, and government agencies.
I too have had words with my brother-in-law and I won't even go into what we've argued about. He's one who likes to keep up a mess. I just call him "OLD GRANDFATHER CLOCK" cause he looks so old and I keep on going. hahahaha
Make a list of ALL the expenses, down to every penny and roll of toilet paper, sit down with both of them again and go over it. The goal is to persuade, not lay a guilt trip on them. (Actually, you'd be doing both at the same time.) To really drive it home, try reenacting one of those Feed the Children commercials "for the cost of one cup of coffee a day you can provide for ..." If that doesn't work, take a copy of the list (preferably typewritten) to social services (public assistance) to see if you get an allowance large enough to cover most of the expenses. If there are churches nearby, hit all of them too. You'd be amazed to see how altruistic people can be, especially if their actions pave the way to Heaven and eternal life.
Good luck my friend, and keep us posted.
-- ED
:)
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