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So ashamed of what I’ve done

156 replies

Pamzsat · 13/05/2024 08:45

Hi,I’m 48 divorced with one daughter who lives at uni.

My mum has a form of dementia and moved in with me 2 years ago. She’s struggling more and her cognitive ability is poor now. I adore having her here but it has created a few challenges. I’m stiff employed and my income has dipped as I’m not able to work as many hours as I previously did. My mortgage also shot up last year so things are tight.

about 6 months ago I found myself in a mess with council tax arrears and also an arrears balance on my utilities. I was at risk of being issued a default so had to find £1600 quickly.

mum has a credit card that she doesn’t use so I used that to pay the balance. I did this online. My own 2 cc’s are maxed and I was unable to get another. I set up a standing order to pay the balance back over 6 months. I’ve also used it a couple more times when things have been tight.

im deeply ashamed and know that what I’ve done is fraudulent and morally wrong but I was desperate. I feel like I’ve financially abused mum as she wasn’t able to consent to me doing this. I was just so desperate.

i’m losing sleep and am seriously thinking about reporting myself. Am I over thinking this?

OP posts:
CharlotteBog · 14/05/2024 16:15

mrsdineen2 · 13/05/2024 23:26

But it's the same thing? What's the difference in the poster doing it and OP, if it's the same thing?

I suppose I was thinking that it was unlikely that the poster who said they'd do exactly the same thing was in exactly the same situation as the OP, but that it was more a case of "yeah, it's OK if you pay it back and don't do it again".
I could be wrong in which case I stand corrected.

hattie43 · 14/05/2024 18:31

OneRingToRuleThemAll · 13/05/2024 08:54

Is your mum paying keep? It's not unreasonable to take a portion of her money to help with living costs. What you did was wrong, but that doesn't mean you have to shoulder the whole cost of her being there.

This was my first thought . Yes it was wrong because your mum can't consent but had she been able to she probably would have given / lent the money anyway .

Cornishclio · 14/05/2024 18:57

Given the reason you can't work more hours is because you are caring for her I don't think what you did is awful especially if you paid off the CC. Technically it is fraud though. Are you claiming all the benefits you are entitled to? Carers, attendance allowance? Surely she could pay a regular amount towards bills if she lives with you?

WearyAuldWumman · 14/05/2024 19:11

Just in case OP doesn't have the info about the Council Tax discount.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/severe-mental-impairment-dementia-council-tax-rebate/

Silveroaks · 14/05/2024 19:12

You paid it back - so forget about it and just don’t do it again Flowers

MountCaramel · 16/05/2024 17:53

https://www.carersuk.org/

Get some advice from Carers uk on getting a needs assessment done for your mum. Can you get carers in to help with practical care?
carers UK can advise you on carers allowance or carers credit depending on which one is applicable for your circumstances.

If you can, pick up some seasonal bar/ restaurant work over the summer to build up some contingency funds. In the interim look for a salaried job so you're not dependent on your business. You can keep your business as a sideline but a p/t or f/t job will bring you a fixed income.

https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs?keywords=remote+jobs&workplace=remote
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