Question

What are the obligations of adult children and grandchildren in providing help to an elderly parent?

Answer

We are obligated to help elderly parents from their money. If they do not have the ability to pay, we should give them and consider it as charity. The burden of payment should be divided amongst the children, according to their ability to pay.

The obligation is as much as is the usual reasonable manner elderly parents are treated. Whoever, feels that the parent should have more, has to pay the difference from his own money.

It is surely fair to ask the grandchildren, whether they would be willing to share the costs.

- (Source: "Code of Jewish Law - Rma" 240:5).