Florida Grandmother, 70, Delays Retirement to Raise 7-Year-Old Grandson
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Aug 23
Florida Grandmother, 70, Delays Retirement to Raise 7-Year-Old Grandson
1 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Aug 23
Summary
Ruth Olinger, 70, said she cannot retire while raising Atlas, the 7-year-old grandson she adopted after her daughter was unable to care for him.
More than $10,400 a year in day care, $1,500 monthly Social Security, $4,500 annual property tax and $3,800 homeowner's insurance have squeezed her budget in Lakeland, Florida.
Olinger works as an office manager at a car dealership and said Atlas' health issues and dyslexia have also cost her work time and added caregiving demands.
Her decision fits a lifetime of caregiving: Olinger said she fostered 51 children, did mission work abroad and now worries most about giving Atlas stability as she ages.