I am looking for a roommate for my mom. I am looking to move out with my boyfriend and I do help her pay half of the rent. So i need someone to fill my spot at our apartment. The thing is how do I go about this? I posted a ad on a roommate finder, but they are all too young. My mom is 65 and is very dependent. I don’t want some teenage young adult moving in with her... I have told her about my decision on wanting to move, and I think that I deserve to figure out my own life and be on my own. I have been very supportive as a daughter and now I need to make a life of my own. Every time I want to talk to her about this, she just brushes me off, so I need advice and info on where to look?? Desperate for answers :/ I live in LA and our apartment is furnished and very clean, this person will have to share the bathroom but we are not dirty folks. Just a FYI.
I know where I live (in MO) there are apartments that have "income guidelines". I don't mean "low income housing" but apartment complexes that require you to make a certain amount of money but you can't make more than X amount a year. They're clean, nice, and do not allow students or registered sex offenders or other undesirable tenants. Don't get me wrong, students are fine, but with students you tend to get a lot of traffic, they can be very noisy and don't always make the best neighbors. I used to think "income guidelines" was a euphemism for "low income" housing but apparently it's not. Good luck!
Does your mom WANT a roommate? You said that when you try to talk to her about it she brushes you off. Does she realize that you are, in fact, moving out? What are your mom's thoughts on what kind of person she'd like to live with? In my opinion, your mom needs to take a bigger role in this process and in order for her to do that she has to understand fully that you are leaving. Give your mom some say-so in this, some control over her situation.
Another elder looking to share expenses - start with contacting your local senior center and talking with the director for advice. You might also contact her church.
Place add in local church bulletins specifically advertising for a senior roommate to share expenses and companionship.
Consider that BOTH you and your mom move. Move her to a place she can afford or to a group care home, ASsisted Living (there are low income senior living apts) sometimes with a waiting list but worth looking into.
Sounds like you care about your mom. She will be resistant to the change and that. Is why she is brushing you off. Sit down with her once you've done your research and outline some options. Take the time to visit some places together and make it fun with a nice lunch. Then tell her you want to move in 60 days or so.
I would be very cautious in finding a roommate as elders can be very vulnerable and you want her to be safe. So please consider a background check on anyone you choose.
Good luck and Best wishes in moving on with your life.