Nancy, a 35-year-old single mother of three, found herself stretched thin—caring for her young children and her 74-year-old mother, who lived with them rent-free. When her mother suffered a fall and could no longer help with the kids, Nancy asked for modest financial support to continue caregiving. Her mother refused, saying, “I’m your mom. You owe me.”

The next day, without warning, a moving truck arrived. Her mother had arranged to move to a nursing home and took half the house—including the baby’s crib.

Nancy’s story highlights a growing crisis: unpaid family caregivers, especially among the “sandwich generation,” are burning out. Over 38 million Americans care for aging relatives, often without compensation. While gratitude is important, love doesn’t cover bills or childcare.

Nancy didn’t want to abandon her mom—just partnership. Her request wasn’t about greed. It was survival.

Should family caregivers be paid? More are turning to formal care agreements to protect both finances and relationships. Because when duty turns into quiet resentment, families fracture.

In the end, Nancy asked the question too many are afraid to voice: How do we care without losing ourselves?

The answer begins with honesty—and fairness