I have some bad news...

[colorado_ufo]

72. If anyone doubts that this country has a long way to go, they should read your post.

Most of all, don't give up! My husband is fond of saying how so many people drown three feet from shore. Keep swimming, and your Mom, as well! If she keeps up hope, she will be healthier and better off, even if she is working harder.

As other DU'ers have said, write Joe Biden, write Michelle Obama. This is an ELECTION YEAR, which is a break for you!

Then, do look into reverse mortgages. Get information from several different realtors. Your Mom can stay in her house and would no longer have payments.

Your mother should look into network marketing companies for some additional income. There are a number of them with sterling reputations, tiny startup costs, and only require her to talk on the phone or occasionally meet with a potential customer. If she has computer access, she could also do research for writers. There are a number of jobs that would not require much skill level or physical exertion, but it takes a bit of ingenuity to access your skills and find them.

Above all, please don't give up! The system might fail you, but you and your Mom should never fail yourselves. You can do it!