Elderly neighbour now wants to pay me for helping her...

cannugec5

My husband takes a neighbour for his papers every morning. He gives my husband £20 every so often for petrol money. ( he only goes for neighbours benefit).

Recently his daughter has arranged a taxi to take him to her place each Sunday, so my husband now has a day off. First time in about 5 years, other than when we have been on holiday. 

seven-day-weekend

We are in a similar position.  The lady concerned does not actually 'pay' us, but she often gives us things, and she has given our son £500 and paid for him to have some new doors in his flat (he helps her out as well).  She has also mentioned us in her will.

I told her there was no need for any of that, but she insists.  As regards the will she says she has no-one else to leave it to.  She also said that the extra money was to pay for things she could no longer do.

She wants to feel she still has a measure of independence.  I understand that, I would be the same.  

Why not let her buy you things every so often, or pay for something?  It will make her feel better.

pollypenny

We help our 92 year old neighbour. However, she is also a friend and it's normal to help friends. I know that if roles were reversed, she would help us. 

Her son is around, but he works such odd shifts that he's not always available. 

I would never take any money from her, as it would make me obligated to her.