I retired from my legal secretary career of more than 40 years at the age of 64 to care for my mom (I just turned 67 a few days ago and she is going to be 101 shortly). I decided to do gig work for the last few years because I could work my own hours and be home when mom really needed me. Now, she REALLY needs me at home so I cut my gig work back to two days a week (my sister watches mom those 2 days, bless her!). Problem is that cutting out 4 days a week has seriously imperiled my finances. I pay all expenses, mortgage, utilities, groceries, etc. Mom uses her monthly social security check for her personal needs, which is how I like it. I don't like the idea of her paying for anything. However, I have asked her if she would be willing to help out to the tune of about $150 a month and she said she couldn't afford it. Mom has substantial savings which we will use for funeral expenses when the time comes, and she will also be leaving a small inheritance to my sister and me. Her personal expenses come to about $350 a month and her SS check is $1400 a month. However, because I have now too much month at the end of the money, would it be unethical of me to use the $150 I need to get us through? Mom has mild dementia and does not fully understand the current situation. I value your opinions, I don't want to do anything wrong or unethical.
I think what you are asking is more than reasonable
just tell her theyre putting extra money into the checks cause of expenses going up, just so it can be used for expenses like food.
after all, its not a lie.
i wish you the luck im having with my mom who is now writing things in a book as she realizes her days are slipping from her <3