Sandy

Wareham, Massachusetts

My mom is a 92-year-old widow with seven children. Until recently, despite being blind and hard of hearing, she pretty much took care of herself. Then she developed a health issue that needed some care. I had only unpaid leave. My siblings and I live week-to-week on our pay and can’t afford to go without income. The oldest daughter who works the fewest hours took on her care. My mom rebounded. Then she developed kidney disease. My company was restructuring and offered a retirement package to those over 55. I am not mentally or financially able to retire, but I took the offer to help my mom. I don’t know whether I’ll find another job at the same pay or be able to keep my home.