‘I’m completely gobsmacked’: My elderly brother has a reverse mortgage — yet he still ran out of money. Do I help?

Core Insights - The situation involves an elderly man facing financial difficulties, relying on his only surviving sibling for help, which raises concerns about financial dependency and the impact on both parties [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Dependency - The elderly man's financial struggles have led him to seek assistance from his sibling, who is also retired and unable to provide financial support [2][5]. - The concept of codependency is highlighted, indicating that the financial difficulties of one party can create an unhealthy reliance on another [4][6]. Group 2: Financial Management Advice - The sibling is advised to encourage the elderly man to adjust his expenses to align with his income, particularly from Social Security and any reverse mortgage benefits [5][7]. - Suggestions include helping the elderly man identify his largest expenses and exploring potential cuts, especially in light of rising costs [7][8]. - Offering time and advice rather than financial assistance is recommended, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding the root causes of his financial issues [8].