Long-term caregiver retires early, faces mounting financial and emotional strain

Tama Phelps, a lifelong Ann Arbor resident, gave up a four-decade tenure at the University of Michigan to become the primary caregiver for her daughter, who was born with spina bifida and now lives bedridden with multiple health complications. Maintaining her daughter's insurance required continued employment, so Phelps worked part-time for years before retiring at 60, a decision that has taken a heavy financial toll despite a university pension and advice from her brother, a financial advisor.

Her daughter’s care costs—including a costly wheelchair, catheterization supplies and potential facility fees—run into thousands of dollars each month, a sum Phelps cannot afford. In addition to caring for her daughter, Phelps supports her 89-year-old father, who has his own health issues, and is handling a pending divorce that could further destabilize her living situation. Her husband continues to work and pursue personal activities, leaving Phelps as the sole provider of daily care, with little social life or personal time. She calls for better long-term care options to give families like hers a reprieve.