Elderly Parents, with a Non Refundable Deposit, Help Please

margaretclare

mwilliam wrote: »

Yes... Senile as in old age.. Happens to us all, I am afraid! They want to potter around and have some independence, in their final years...

I resent this remark. I resent the implication that we shall all become incapable of completing a transaction e.g. buying a car. I agree with McKneff that age may have little to do with it. Not everyone is aware of what is meant by a 'non-refundable deposit' whatever the age. I also greatly resent the implication behind 'they want to potter around and have some independence'..

I can greatly sympathise with anyone wanting to be able to go out and about, not become housebound, to be able to go where they please when they please and enjoy each other's company. I really do dislike the implication behind the patronising statement 'potter around'. It's the same kind of patronising implication that you used to hear about women having 'a little job'. I have spent a lifetime resisting these kind of implied put-downs and I am not about to give up my principles no matter how late in the day.

Is this the way you actually talk to your parents?

BTW DH and I still drive, it's an important part of our life, it enables us to go where and when we please. DH is re-taking the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motoring) and no one has yet said or implied that he is any less capable than any other driver on the roads, in fact he's a lot more capable than some of any age.

bod1467

@OP - I know this is a little off-topic (sort of), but serious consideration should be given as to whether either of your parents (do both drive?) are still fit to drive.

http://diversionclub.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=16110

Some really scary incidents therein!

Lip_Stick

soolin wrote: »

I think the point being made was :eek: as their child do you believe they are safe enough to be on the road, when they are senile enough to be misunderstanding what a deposit is?

You do understand that there is a difference between a deposit and a non-refundable deposit don't you? You can get both types. So, not all deposits are non-refundable.

garth549

There are cases where part of a deposit can be refunded (ie a deposit should only cover their incurred losses). Unlikely to be the case but check the contract anyway.

The contract will probably give them the right to cancel if they forfeit the deposit. This is actually good as otherwise they technically could be sued for the full amount.