Everyone has their own personal circumstances and I have to say there is a need for a safety net of sorts. Most people are not exhausting their options before turning to government.
Personally, my family is faced, has faced, the retirement of many family elders. At the same time, my family is also faced with our juniors making their way into the world. We don’t take government assistance. We help each other. It is difficult because my generation is less numerous than previous generations. Those previous generations, with 8 to 12 siblings, are being supported by the current generation of 2 to 3 siblings.
At my age, nearly 50, I have to deal with my own children going to college and getting into the world. My wife and I are helping her brother (her junior by 12 years) hold on to his independent trucking business, as well as care for my parents and my wife’s parents. We are holding things together, at least for now. We are not looking for handouts.
Not too long ago we were helping our grandparents. They have all past. None of them ever spent time in a nursing/retirement home. We (the family) made sure their needs were met. Our grandparents made it into their 90’s and died at home. They had healthcare till the end. But more importantly they had family with them every day. Literally, we took shifts.
They died with grace. They died with love. They died with family. It didn’t cost taxpayers anything. My family is stronger because of it.
I here ya, brother. God bless your family.