How do I stop my sister from sponging off our mum?

DEAR DEIDRE: DESPITE being 40, my sister is still living at home and fleecing our mum for everything she has.

She knows that she is too kind to say anything and is taking full advantage.

I’m 42 and Mum is 74. She had been living alone since our dad died a while back.

Then six years ago, after my sister had separated from her partner, she and her ten-year-old daughter moved back home.

While she said it was only temporary, she has been living there rent-free ever since.

My sister knows Mum is struggling with a lot of health conditions but does absolutely nothing to help her – whether it’s around the house or with money to pay the bills.

Mum says she doesn’t mind, but I can tell it’s becoming too much for her. I know I need to do something, but I feel powerless.

DEIDRE SAYS: Ultimately this has to be down to your mum. It is up to her to talk to your sister but perhaps you can do this together.

Explain to her the way her behaviour is affecting your mum and that she needs to sort it out.

I’m sending you my Standing Up For Yourself support pack to help you talk to her without causing a row.