Does Your Parent Contribute to Household Expenses While Living With You?

HeatherGreen

For those caring for a parent in your home, does your parent contribute toward household expenses? How did you decide on a fair amount?

My mother has lived with us for a little over a year and a half and has her own income. My husband and I cover most of her living expenses, and our electricity, water, gas, food, and paper product usage has increased significantly.

We don’t pay her medical expenses, and she occasionally contributes toward groceries. She has a special diet, and we provide all her meals and snacks. I also recently hired a housecleaner because, between working full time, caring for Mom, and supporting my own family, I couldn’t keep up with everything.

I love my mom and want her well cared for, but the added expenses and responsibilities are becoming difficult to manage. Have others worked out a regular monthly contribution for groceries, utilities, and cleaning? I’d appreciate hearing what has worked for your family and how you approached the conversation.