Who Will Be There for Me? Answering the Big Questions for Solo Agers

By Nicole Mathura-Price

It’s a question that doesn’t always get spoken out loud—but it’s there.

Sometimes it surfaces in the little things: seeing a neighbor get help carrying in groceries, overhearing someone talk about their kids visiting for the weekend, or scrolling past a photo of a family reunion. Other times, it’s during a quiet Sunday morning or while making a big life decision alone.

“Who will be there for me?”

If you’re navigating retirement on your own—without a spouse, children, or nearby family—you’re not alone. In fact, more than 1 in 5 adults over 65 are considered “solo agers.” At Franke Tobey Jones, we’ve come to know and deeply admire this growing group of older adults who are independent, resilient, and incredibly thoughtful planners.

But even the most self-sufficient person deserves the comfort of knowing someone will be there when it matters most.

The Reality of Aging Solo

For those who have always handled life on their own, planning for the future is second nature. But as the years go on, even the most prepared solo ager can begin to feel the weight of certain questions:

• Will someone notice if I need help—or will I be on my own?
• What does growing older look like without a built-in support system?
• Who will help me make decisions if I’m not able to?
• What happens if I have a medical emergency?

These aren’t small questions. They’re big, honest ones. And they deserve more than surface-level answers.

Creating a Safety Net That Doesn’t Compromise Your Independence

At Franke Tobey Jones, we don’t believe solo agers need saving or fixing. You don’t need a rescuer. What you need—and what you deserve—is a community designed to support your autonomy while making sure you’re not alone.

Here’s how we help:

Wellness Teams Who Know You by Name

From the moment you move in, our wellness staff take time to understand who you are, what you value, and how you prefer to live. You’re not a number. You’re a person with habits, preferences, and a life worth honoring.

And yes—people notice if something seems off. If you miss a class you usually love  or if your neighbors don’t see you around campus, someone, quite possibly your FTJ neighbor or friend, will check in. Not to be nosy, but to make sure you’re okay. That kind of quiet attentiveness can mean everything when you don’t have family close by.

A Thoughtful Pathway Through the Aging Journey

No one likes to think about needing more help someday. But when you do think about it, it’s good to know that you won’t have to move away or start over.

FTJ offers a full continuum of care and FTJ residents have the priority to receive care if needed. That means you can stay in the community you call home, surrounded by people who know you, and transition through levels of support if your needs change.

For solo agers, that kind of consistency can be a powerful source of peace.

A Place to Land, No Matter What

For many solo agers, planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s survival. You’ve handled the paperwork, thought through the “what-ifs,” and made the hard choices on your own. But even with everything in place, there’s one question that lingers:

“Where will I be if things change?”

At Franke Tobey Jones, we can’t predict every turn life might take—but we can offer one solid answer: you’ll be home. Our promise is simple—if you become part of this community, you won’t have to leave if your health changes. That stability isn’t just comforting. It’s life-giving.

You won’t be in a revolving door of facilities. You won’t be scrambling to make new plans.

You’ll stay in a place that knows you. That consistency matters—especially for those without a spouse or family member to advocate on their behalf.

And over time, something powerful happens. The team here becomes more than just staff. Neighbors become more than just fellow residents. You build a quiet network of trust—people who notice, who care, and who are there when you need them. Not out of obligation, but out of connection.

You’re Not a Burden. You Belong.

One of the deepest fears solo retirees carry is becoming a burden to others. But here, you’re not asking too much. You’re not taking up space. You’re part of a community built on mutual care and presence.

We see time and again how residents, especially those who come here on their own, find strength in neighborly support, in casual conversations, in staff who remember their dog’s name or their favorite coffee order. These small details create something strong: a real safety net, woven together with trust, attention, and care.

Finding Peace in Your Own Plan

At Franke Tobey Jones, we’re not here to fix loneliness with flashy promises. We’re here to walk beside you. To offer a quiet comfort: Yes, someone will be there. Yes, you can still live life on your terms. And yes, you’re not alone in this.

Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or ready to take the next step, we’re here to answer your questions—with honesty, respect, and no pressure. Because retiring solo doesn’t mean retiring unsupported. It means crafting a life you’ve chosen, with a community that has your back.

Here we understand what matters, feeling safe, being known, and having space to be yourself. We’re here to support your independence, honor your choices, and help you build a life that feels both grounded and open to what’s next.

So, if you’ve been carrying the question, “Who will be there for me?” — we hope you’ll let us show you the many ways the answer can be right here.