You can check a reverse mortgage if this is for them. I am not sure how much but this would be better for them if they need an income suppliment. No repayments needed until they sell the property. If they need the money for a project and the home is fully paid, you can get equity depending on their income to a maximum of 80% of the property value as long they have the means of repaying it back. They may also look at selling the house and down scaling so they will have no debts but extra cash in the bank.