Growing older comes with its own set of challenges, but for those without children, the question, “Who will take care of me?” often takes on greater significance. This concern is common and rooted in societal norms that traditionally associate elder care with family and children.
At Childfree Trust®, we believe you can age well without traditional next of kin — it just requires more deliberate planning, informed decision-making, and the right resources to feel secure, confident, and supported.
From financial preparedness and long-term care to creating a reliable support system, this guide will provide practical advice on planning for your future, and help you achieve the peace of mind that comes with aging on your terms.
Why is aging without children a unique challenge?
Many elder care models, legal frameworks, and financial- and estate-planning services base their assumptions on individuals having children or next of kin.
This lack of inclusivity can create significant gaps in care, decision-making, and support for those without children. It can also make Childfree folks feel unseen and ignored.
Core challenges of childfree aging
Here are some of the most pressing concerns faced by childfree individuals as they age:
- Medical decision making: Who will make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to advocate for yourself?
- Daily life management: Who will handle everyday tasks like paying bills, maintaining a home, or managing finances if mobility or health declines?
- Long-term care planning: What steps can you take to ensure access to quality assisted living or hospice care, and how will you fund it?
- Social and emotional support: Without children or immediate family, who will advocate for your needs, visit you, or provide emotional connection?
Acknowledging these challenges is an essential first step in creating a plan that prioritizes your autonomy, comfort, and dignity as you age.
Identifying a medical decision maker without next of kin
One of the biggest concerns for individuals without next of kin is ensuring someone trustworthy is in place to make medical decisions in the case of emergencies, cognitive decline, or incapacitation.
It’s common to need an emergency point of contact to get a surgery, and it can be tough for those of us without children to identify that trusted person.
But without a healthcare proxy identified and a plan in place, these decisions can fall to courts or hospital administrators who may not be aware of your preferences or values. Do you have a DNR? Do you want to have CPR performed anywhere but the hospital?
Wishes are unique, and the more preparation and planning you do, the better care you’ll receive.
How to handle this challenge:
- Understand what representation really means, what role needs to be nominated, and what documents are legally required to ensure your wishes are followed.
- Establish a medical power of attorney that legally designates someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
- Create advance directives that clearly outline your medical preferences, including treatments you want to receive or avoid.
- Regularly communicate your wishes with the person you’ve chosen as your medical proxy to ensure alignment.
For those without next of kin, the biggest challenge may be in figuring out who to appoint as medical POA. A spouse, family member, or friend can serve in this role, but it can feel like a lot to ask. (And even if they accept the role, they may be in shock, grieving, or simply unavailable when they’re called upon.) That’s why we created Childfree Trust®, the first nationwide comprehensive estate-planning solution for Childfree people — including professional next of kin. We can step in as your primary POA or as a backup. We provide 24/7 emergency response and ensure your wishes are followed according to how you’ve written them.
Planning for long-term care without kids
The costs of long-term care can be overwhelming. In the United States, the average annual cost of nursing home care exceeds $115,000, and these costs are only expected to increase.
Medicaid coverage only becomes available after you’ve spent down most of your assets, leaving many childfree individuals vulnerable to financial strain.
Additionally, Medicaid funding has been cut recently and the availability of Medicaid support is in question.
How to handle this challenge:
- Research and purchase long-term care insurance in your 40s or 50s to lock in more affordable premiums and ensure coverage for future needs.
- Create a self-funded care plan by allocating dedicated savings or retirement accounts to cover these expenses.
- Proactively research and select a care facility that suits your needs to avoid last-minute choices during emergencies.
The key is to have a plan. You can work with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® to create a financial plan that includes how you’ll pay for long-term care.
As a Childfree person, be sure the financial advisor understands how your finances are different because you are Childfree. If you’re looking for other assistance, you can enlist an aging care manager to create a care plan that includes facility options. Once you’ve created your Childfree long-term care plan, you can upload it to the Childfree Trust® system and we will do our best to make sure it is followed.
Financial and estate planning without next of kin
Without children as natural heirs, financial and estate planning becomes more complex. Beyond ensuring you have enough saved for your care, you’ll also need to determine how you want your assets distributed after your passing. How to handle this challenge:
- Work with a fee-only, fiduciary, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® to develop a solid plan for savings, investments, long-term care and retirement income.
- Designate a trusted executor and financial power of attorney to manage your finances in case you’re unable to do so. Childfree Trust®, through our partner trust company, can serve as either your primary or backup executor and financial POA.
- Consider legacy planning, whether by leaving assets to charities, other family members, or causes that align with your values.
The key is to make sure that your financial and estate plan reflects you and your Childfree life. Whenever you enlist a financial professional, be sure to ask them how your plan is different because you are Childfree.
Some may be able to help you embrace a “Die With Zero” approach, which challenges many financial models.
Mitigating loneliness and isolation childfree
Childfree adults over 55 are twice as likely as parents to live alone. While independence can be empowering, it can also lead to isolation, especially during major life transitions or health challenges. Social isolation can have significant negative impacts on mental and physical health, so building a support network is crucial. How to handle this challenge:
- Prioritize cultivating and maintaining a support network, whether through close friendships, neighbors, or community groups.
- Explore shared housing models where non-related individuals pool resources to live collaboratively and provide mutual support. (Think The Golden Girls!)
- Participate in clubs, meetups, or volunteer opportunities to stay socially connected and build meaningful relationships.
- Volunteer with local organizations or causes that align with your interests to meet like-minded people.
- Join virtual communities or forums tailored to Childfree individuals — or any of your other interests! — to connect with others who share similar life experiences.
- Organize regular check-ins or accountability groups with close friends to support one another as you age.
The Childfree Trust® Solution
To address the unique challenges of aging without children, Childfree Trust® offers a comprehensive solution designed to act as your “next of kin when you need us.”
This service ensures your care, finances, and end-of-life wishes are managed according to your preferences.
Customized care plansÂ
Our app helps you create personalized end-of-life plans that cover everything from medical proxies to financial oversight, ensuring your values and preferences are always the priority.
You can upload your long-term care plan, details about who should walk your dog, and anything else you might want us to know in case you need the support.
24/7 emergency assistanceÂ
Our team is available around the clock to provide support during emergencies. Whether it’s delivering medical records, contacting care facilities, or advocating on your behalf, we’re always here when you need us. That includes calling your dog walker.
Fiduciary oversightÂ
Our fiduciary partner trust company will manage your finances and assets ethically and transparently, so you can be confident that everything is handled professionally and securely.
Ongoing peace of mindÂ
With all aspects of your care and estate accounted for, you can focus on living your Childfree life worry-free, knowing your future is in trusted hands.
It’s never too early to plan
Aging without children offers a unique opportunity to shape your life and legacy with autonomy and intention. By starting early and taking proactive steps to address common challenges, you can create a future that ensures comfort, security, and peace of mind.
Using tools like Childfree Trust®, you can navigate this stage of life confidently, knowing every detail is handled according to your wishes.
Click here to learn how Childfree Trust® works and start planning today.