Need Advice on Helping My Mom Out-she's in Very Tight Spot :(

Updated on April 04, 2011
C.D. asks from Sanibel, FL
9 answers

I really need help/advice please. Quick story...My mom moved in with us 2yrs ago due to her losing her home to foreclosure. It was devestating to her and h*** o* all of us.We had gone through the same thing and totally understood, and decided we would all live together to help each other financially for awhile and for support. My husband and I are much better off financially and can totally carry the house bills and rent ourselves. My mom wants to move and get her own place nearby and also doesn't want to be here with all the stuff that goes along with a family (she has already raised 3 kids) but can't really afford much. She will be 62 this summer and is taking early retirement and also works part-time as a caregiver. Even with the money she will get, it will barely cover rent and bills somewhere. WHAT DO WE DO, does anyone know of Senior financial help for Rent or someplace that Seniors can go for aid in retirement!!!! Please let me know as starting in November she could move if affordable. THANK YOU SO MUCH :)

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So What Happened?

Thank you and keep the suggestions coming. We rent so adding on to this house is not an option. My mom really needs to find her own place as we have 3 kids here and it's alot of noise and busy busy all the time. Not fair to her to have to be around it all again moving forward and we also really need the room she is in now. Thank you all.

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T.N.

answers from Boston on

I think it would depend on the state...maybe start with the town or city hall and go from there.

Does she have any retirment savings? Maybe she just cant afford to take early retirement.

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C.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

Maybe a roommmate would be a help?

2 moms found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Look for HUD in your town. Most have a problem for what they call elderly over 60. I know we have it here. They base it on her income, just call them an ask questions. My mom lives in another state and they have this retirement home, she thought she would just hate it and she loves it. Base on SS and it includes utilities and cable. They have pot lucks once a month, bingo twice a month, birthday parties and every holiday a party, they have bbq outside and a fitness center. You come and go as you please. no restricitions, it is not a home, it is a retirement community and they can eat across the street for 1 dollar for a full meal. The are one bedroom apartments just like a normal apartment, although they do share a laundry room each floor has there own. The only differnece is the doors are all inside kinda like a hotel, but this is for security reasons. The folks there range from 60 and up. She said it was the best move she ever made. But Like I said call hud... Good Luck..

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Have you considered calculating the difference in her not taking early retirement and waiting until she's 65? Those extra 3 years might make a difference. My mom retired at 65 and she lives pretty comfortably. She lives in a senior mobile home park and you would faint if you saw how cute her place is. It's really nice. My brother in law came across it and bought it. An elderly gentleman had just lost his wife and he was moving to be with his kids. It was a steal. My mom pays him back a little each month and almost has it paid off. She's been there 3 years. The space rent is very affordable. Garbage and lawn care is included although she doesn't think they do that great a job of mowing. It's in a rural place, but within walking distance of a senior center, a bank, grocery stores. She's been very happy.

You should have a Senior Resource Center in your area. Check it out. See what referrals or resources they have then go from there.

Best wishes.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

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M.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

I don't know if FL has this or not but here we have apartments for seniors only (well 55+) The rent goes by the individuals income (or couple) My aunt lives in a nice one a pays $197 a month for rent. She does keep a p.t. job too.

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P.R.

answers from Cleveland on

I know a senior citizen who qualified for state subsidized senior housing. It's out there. However, as some people have said, why would she retire at 62? That's really young unless she's ill. It seems like making that choice is almost dooming her to never being financially comfortable. If she keeps working, she could build some kind of nest egg. My parents were quite comfortable financially and both worked until at least 70. I work for a family started company and the founders are billionaires - literally - and I know one of them is 71 and is in here working virtually every day.

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K.S.

answers from Miami on

I'd tell her to live with you a few months more and work full time if possible during that time and let her sock that money away. Then get a senior place 55+ that is cheaper or a studio apartment. Even a foreclosed condo, but only in a 55+ community that has lots money. Make sure she requests a copy of the latest financials to see whats going on.

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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

There is low income housing available to seniors. Contact Social Services and ask about Section 8 and HUD housing in your area. However be perpared the waiting list in many area is over 3 years long. The homeless or those living in shelters, motels and other types of temporary housing get first priority. She can also contact Social Security and see how much of a difference there would be if she takes her SS income at 62 or 65. Many feel that taking the lower amount at 62 is a better idea because you will collect for more years. With Section 8 she will have to find a landlord who will take the Section 8, many will not accept it. The ones who do are often in a bad neighborhood. There is actually a lot of leg work to be done.
I don't know if this idea will work for your situation but I thought I should mention it. If you and your hubby own your home would it be possible for you to build an apartment over your garage for your mother to live in? She could pay you rent to help offset the cost of the garage remodel and if she is able to move at a later date or passes you could always rent it out to someone else. This way she would have her own place and feel more independent but be close in case you need her or she needs you.

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