Three older women walking together along a tree-lined path

Without siblings, cousins, or other extended family, your support network is built entirely from chosen relationships — which, while requiring more deliberate effort, can be just as strong.

Start from existing relationships

Long-standing friendships, former colleagues, and neighbors are often your highest-leverage starting points, since some trust already exists.

Layer in structure

Combine informal friendships with formal supports (a professional fiduciary, a care manager) to cover roles that specifically require legal authority or professional expertise.

See Building a Care Team With No Children or Spouse for a role-by-role breakdown.