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Planning for Aging When Family Support Isn’t Guaranteed
Martha’s decision, while painful, is a reminder to all parents—especially single parents—that long-term care and retirement planning cannot rely solely on family.
If your child chooses to help, it’s a blessing. But if not, you need to be financially and emotionally ready to care for yourself.
This includes:
- Planning for assisted living or in-home care if needed
- Building a retirement fund that protects your independence
- Investing in long-term care insurance
- Releasing expectations that may lead to resentment
- Surrounding yourself with a supportive community, whether family or chosen family
Love Doesn’t Mean Unlimited Sacrifice
Martha isn’t a villain. She’s a mother who gave everything she had. And when her child told her she would not be returning that care, Martha made a choice to protect her own future.
That’s not punishment—it’s preparation.
And perhaps, as hard as it is, it’s time we let go of the fantasy that family means the same thing to everyone. Love is real—but it doesn’t always come with guarantees.
Still, that doesn’t make the hurt any less. And for parents who spent a lifetime giving, the realization that support may not come back their way is one of aging’s most painful truths
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