This article looks at the availability of help for aged home owners who want to stay in their homes but are finding it difficult to meet daily living costs. While there are no recent statistics on the numbers involved, anecdotal information suggests that increasing longevity is sometimes combined with a need for extra income to meet repairs and general living expenses. There are three broad strategies for low income owners who would like to access some of the equity in their home, however, they all have drawbacks. The asset rich but income poor can sell their home and buy something cheaper, but this involves costs, namely stamp duty. Another strategy is borrowing against the dwelling to try to generate income which more than meets interest costs. However, there is resistance of lenders who seek a salary sufficient to meet repayments. The third option is reverse equity mortgages, but low income borrowers may have to overcome relatively high up front charges and a shortage of organisations willing to lend.