Ask Kari: After my father spent his retirement money, he wants to move in with us. What should I do?

Dear Kari,

--Stuck with Dad

Dear Stuck with Dad,

You definitely have a hard decision to make. But, first let me give you some information on potential resources for your father separate from moving in with you. First, depending on what income you father has in social security, savings, pensions, etc., he may qualify for additional government support services. For example, if your father served in the military, and he needs a supportive living situation such as assisted living, he may qualify for a government financial stipend. If he has less than $2,000.00 in assets, he may qualify for assistance with food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. A social worker at the Department of Health and Human Services can assist him with an assessment and can explain to both of you his options. Also, besides moving in with your family, another option may be for him to rent a room in someone else’s home. Now, I want to preface my suggestions with the fact that your father may not want to look into support from DHHS or renting a room in a stranger’s home, but he does have more options than both of you can see at this point. Unfortunately, he may not like those options, but that was his self-determination when he chose to use his financial resources to travel vs. provide for himself long-term. Good luck!

–Kari