Mom wants to move in. Yikes! Help!

by Emma
(USA)

My mom wants to move in with my boyfriend and me. She isn't sick and has a PhD but for whatever reason "cannot find a job".

I get along ok with her, as does my boyfriend, but I would prefer that she get a job and a place of her own. I worry that it will effect my relationship in a negative way. We live in an apartment so space isn't exactly plentiful.

This year I am turning 30 and she will be 60. I understand that the economy is not at its greatest right now but I don't think that's an excuse for not at least trying to find a job, especially when she has several degrees and is able bodied. I myself am still trying to put myself through college.

My mother also has no back up plan for the future, as in retirement funds or something along those lines. Being an only child, I understand that I will most likely be the only one trying to help her in the future.

I feel like right now she needs to do her own thing and I have to do mine but I don't want to be harsh with her, nor do I want it to effect my relationship with my boyfriend. Any thoughts? Advice?