[Bookie]

I don't think there's a simple answer to this, and I don't envy anyone who has to make the choice between helping or not, helping to what degree, or helping at what expense. I spent nearly a decade maintaining the household of an elderly family member to alllow her to remain independent. I don't regret the decision, but I'm aware of the long-term cost to my own needs and priorities. If I had it to do over, I would explore alternatives that might have been less burdensome.

Ultimately, what we have here is a financial decision that is emotionally based. Compassion dictates that we help; self-interest counsels prudence. Most of us end up trying to do a balancing act between the two, and it seldom satisfies either.

I sympathize with the dilemma, but I don't have a one-size-fits-all solution. You do what you feel you have to do, draw the line where you must, and live with the decision.