I gave up a 6-figure career to care for my father at home. He died, and I’m still struggling financially.

• Suzanne Horton’s father lived with her for five years, as she had many health problems.

• She quit her well-paying job and cared for him full-time before her death at age 82.

• Horton stretched its budget to cover the costs and is still suffering the financial consequences.

This story is based on an interview with Suzanne Horton, 48, a mental health therapist from Tacoma, Washington. Edited for length and clarity.

My caring journey began at the end of October 2019, when my father’s neighbor came to my door.

After finding my father sleeping in the minibus, he brought him to me. He had lost his keys, fallen in the backyard and hit his head several times.

From then on, my father lived with me. He was given complex diagnoses, including medical problems. kidney failureheart problems and two types of cancer.

Long-term care wasn’t something we could afford

There was no doubt that I would take care of him. He has provided a life for my sister and me ever since. parents divorced When I was about 14 years old.

got me through Degreeand I was forever grateful for this opportunity.

Long-term care wasn’t something we could afford. Circumstances caused me to quit my well-paying job as a therapist, where I was under contract with the military and stationed in places like South Korea.

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I went from making six figures to nothing but started my own private practice. During the pandemic, I was able to watch television from home.

The cost of caring for my father was heavy. I had some savings, but when he died in March 2025, $80,000 and $21,000 in investments were gone.

I set a moratorium on my life student loan I made the payments and stopped contributing to my 401(k). I also decided to give up health insurance because I couldn’t afford it.

The money was spent on items such as a wheelchair, a larger-than-average walker, wound care supplies and transportation to countless medical appointments.

We had to build a $6,000 ramp outside my house because there were three stairs my dad couldn’t climb. Without the insertion, I wouldn’t be able to take him to dialysis three times a week.

My father received help from the Veterans Association

He also needed a special, high-protein diet because of his kidney disease. It can be expensive. At one point during COVID, the cost of a carton of eggs increased by 300%.

My father was an assistant chaplain in the army for five years, so Veterans Association. The people were amazing. But he hadn’t gone to war, so he had some contributions to cover.

Financial aid may be available, but this often involves long waits and a lot of bureaucracy. My father had urgent needs, such as assistance with feeding, and we could not wait two or more years until approval was given.

I developed sciatica

His mobility decreased and he needed a shower cabin. But the conversion price was $17,000. We had to make do with a folding chair instead.

Then I had my own poor health to deal with. I wound up trying to figure out how to maneuver him. I was diagnosed with sciatica After experiencing searing pain from my hip to my toes.

Because I didn’t have health insurance, I had to pay $120 per urgent care and three physical therapy sessions per week.

It scared me. I had already watched my dad go through this and I didn’t want to get sicker because I missed being taken care of as I got older.

My emotions also suffered. At my new job, I teach caregivers these things every day. Family of Standardsbut you are constantly in fight or flight mode.

My father was placed in a nursing home

You’re in a constant state of hypervigilance because you have to keep track of all these different pieces.

When my father died at home after being murdered, I was devastated. in the nursing home. He was a great father to me and I miss him very much.

My time as a caregiver is over, but I still feel financial responsibility. I work extra hard at my job, but I often feel like I’m using my future to fund my father’s last five years.

It was worth it though because he always knew he was loved and valued. If I went back in time, I would do the same thing.

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