Dosh dilemma: Shell's parent pay predicament

Shell works full-time as an administrator earning £34,000 a year. She enjoys her job and relies on her salary to cover her mortgage, bills and saving for retirement.

Her dad was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. While he can still live independently, he needs help with shopping, appointments and household tasks several times a week.

Her employer has offered her the option to reduce her hours to four days a week, but this would mean losing around £500 a month after tax.

Hiring a private carer would cost hundreds of pounds a month, which her dad can't afford on his pension. Shell has siblings, but they live hours away and can only help occasionally.

She's torn between protecting her finances and being there for her dad while he needs her most.

What are her options?

Reduce her working hours

Working fewer hours would give Shell more time to support her dad and may reduce stress in the short term.

But she'd need to review her budget carefully. A lower income could make it harder to pay for bills, save, or contribute as much to her pension.

Stay full-time and look for support

Keeping her salary would protect her long-term finances, but she'd need help with caring responsibilities.

Depending on her dad's circumstances, he may be entitled to financial support or services that reduce the pressure on Shell.

Before making any decisions, Shell could:

• Ask her dad's local council for a care needs assessment. If he's eligible, he may receive practical support or funding towards care.
• Check whether her dad qualifies for attendance allowance, which helps people over state pension age who need help because of illness or disability, regardless of whether they have a carer.
• Speak to her employer about flexible working, compressed hours or occasional home working instead of permanently reducing her hours. UK employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
• Talk openly with her siblings about sharing responsibilities, even if they can't provide regular care. They may be able to contribute financially or take over during weekends and holidays.

There isn't a single right answer. Caring for family often affects both your finances and your wellbeing.

Before sacrificing income, it's worth checking what support is available. A combination of flexible working, benefits and local care services could allow Shell to keep more of her income while making sure her dad gets the help he needs.