I quit my job to care for her when dad died. She is 82 has partially amputated foot, full time oxygen(emphysema) neuropathy, MRSA, etc. I took her to the doc 57 times last yr and have spent thousands of dollars just to make my home safe and comfortable for her. She does nothing for herself. I do it all. My hubby and I have had many financial set backs since she has been here. Am I going to be put through the wringer if I claim all these expenses this year on my joint tax return? I know that she can't be an exemption, but what about all these extra expenses for her to live here? She now has a hefty appetite and has put on 35 lbs and now it's even harder to do her showers, changing clothes and you name it. I am 60 yrs old and would like to know if I have ruined my financial future
3 years of not having contributed to your own SS is probably not going to make a huge difference, assuming you had already met the minimum.
Remember that you need to plan for when mom needs to go into NH as PS suggests. At that time her income will no longer be part of your household.
Sit down with try to calculate a long term budget, at least you will know where you stand.