caring for an aging parent - bring here?

This is an effort to gather information way in advance...

The DF and I may end up living in the States at some point but as of now, there are no plans to even think about living there permanently. So, my mother is widowed and 60 now. She'd like to retire around 65 but has very little retirement savings. It's always been a bit of a family joke that I'm her retirement fund.

While we have a good extended family, none of them would really be in a position to help her indefinitely if she became disabled or ill. Is there any provision in UK immigration law that would allow me to have her live with us in the UK if we entirely supported her (health insurance, etc.)?

It would be great if there is some way to do it, as she could come when she's retired and be there to see any grandkids that may come her way, and then we'd be with her when she began to need help at home.

Anyone come across this scenario before? It's actually a huge concern of mine. The DF has 2 brothers here in the UK so his parents have more kids to rely on, I'm an only child. 

I brought my elderly mother to England with me.  I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Actually, I'd like this info, too, as I know my brother won't be the one to take care of my mother when it comes time...

Hi Saffron, pretty basic questions to start with...what's the legal process?! What do you need to show immigration?

Here's a place to start:

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/default.asp?pageID=140

And this:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721067523

It also says that for this sort of application, the request must be sent to Chicago - only mentions Chicago, not NY or LA.

Here's a place to start:

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/default.asp?pageID=140

And this:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721067523

It also says that for this sort of application, the request must be sent to Chicago - only mentions Chicago, not NY or LA.

Yes, Peedal, that first URL says it all.

I had to prove my siblings were not capable of caring for my mother and that she was mainly financially dependant on me.  I also had to prove that my husband could support her here in the UK.  Some good news is that her Social Security benefits transferred to the UK.

We dealt with the Chicago consulate and they were very helpful and sympathetic to our case. 

See, I'm going to have a problem because it won't be that my brother "couldn't" care for her - it will be that I know he doesn't want to be bothered and she would just be so much better of - at that point - with us here in the UK.  So any personal experience in how you proved you were the "better child for the job" or whatever would help.

Again - I'm not at that point yet, but I know it will happen...

Of my three siblings, two could not care for her and the third, my brother didn't want to.  Oh, he was financially capable but just not willing.  So, what I did was type a letter to that effect and sent it to him to be signed and notarized.  Basically what I put in the letter was that he (my brother) was aware that Mom wanted to move to England to live with me and that I had been her primary caregiver for the past twenty years.  That he approved of Mom moving with me and that he recognized Mom would be better taken care of with me. 

Saffron, thanks so much for your info. It will be great to have in the future. One thing, my Mom will hopefully be in reasonably good health but in need of my financial help. Do you think that will make a huge difference? Do you mind if I ask how old your Mom is?

balmerhon, you're welcome.

I think health is not an issue.  Just age/dependancy.  My mom is 84 and other than type 2 diabetes, she was/is in good health.  Actually, she's healthier than me! 

Good luck and if I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.