My Mother lives with my family. What's our responsibility?

Theresa: what happened to the house belonging to your mom & dad - was it sold?Try consulting with an Elder Care attorney to get your questions answered.

we are in NJ what about the filial law? I have been trying to decode all the law mumbo-jumbo. NJ has the law, and most of the time it is not enforced, but who can take that chance, unless you are loaded. I am on her bank account as a joint, just so I can help her with banking, but I will get my name off of that.

Get her on a waiting list for low income senior housing NOW, they are long. then move her close to a bus line and get rid of the car. Just an un needed expense.

Theresa, as long as you keep your money separate, no one can come after you to pay your parents' debts. It is a nice thing you are doing for your mother. I know she felt insecure. Maybe you can talk her into hopping into her old car and going to a place to mingle with other seniors. She may be able to get her old feelings of confidence back up. I also think it would be great if she could move into a senior community when she is ready. Some communities are subsidized by the government, so rent is based on the income.

Are you worried about Medicaid coming after you and your husband's finances, now or in the future?

Well when my dad died, she panicked and didnt want to be alone and wouldnt be able to afford her house, she retired to take care of him and did not return to work. They made alot of finacial mistakes

Your Mom is still pretty young, there are writers on these forums who are pushing 70 and into their 70's taking care of people in their 90's and 100's.

Curious why your Mother is living with you? What medical issues does she have? I know many gals who are in their early 70's who still work full-time jobs, mainly because they want to, and the extra money comes in handy.

Even if one's income is social security, there are senior apartments that are geared according to one's income. She could be around people of her own generation, making new friends, having a sense of pride having her own place :)

Nothing wrong with an old car unless there are cobwebs covering it.