08/10/2026
March 2026, I moved both my parents in with our family.
After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to end my time with Humana. July 2026 begins a new chapter as an independent insurance agent. One of the biggest reasons for that decision is pictured right here — my parents.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2026 — that’s 1 in 9 seniors.
As my parents age I realize that I need to prepare for more focused care. Something a traditional work schedule could not always give me: flexibility, time, and the ability to be present.
I have chosen to care for my parents full time while continuing to build my career independently. Slow & Steady hasn’t meant giving up my professional goals. It has meant restructuring my life so that I can continue serving others while also being there for the two people who spent so many years being there for me.
Our family is far from alone.
The financial reality of long-term care is also significant. CareScout reports that the 2025 national median cost of assisted living was approximately $6,200 per month — $74,400 per year. A private nursing-home room had a national median cost of nearly $129,575 per year.
Those numbers are a reminder of just how important family caregivers have become. When it is safe and appropriate, having a family member involved can allow an aging parent to remain surrounded by familiar faces, routines, memories, activities they love and advocacy. Assisted living and professional care are absolutely necessary for some families, and choosing them is not a failure. Every family’s needs are different. But for our family, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be present.
This is my season of purpose. Using my talents and gifts for something more meaningful than myself.
Going independent gives me the flexibility to schedule appointments around my parents’ needs, continue helping seniors and families navigate their insurance options, while building Grace Legacy Benefits Group LLC with an even deeper understanding of what families experience when someone they love begins to need more care.
I don’t just understand caregiving from an insurance perspective anymore. I live it.
I’m a daughter.
I’m a caregiver.
I’m an advocate.
I’m an independent insurance professional.
And I’m building a business around the values that matter most to me: faith, family, integrity and service.
I don’t know exactly what every day of this journey will look like, but I know I will never regret making more time for Mom and Dad. ❤️
Family first.
Purpose always.
Faith through it all.
— Tonya Sanford
Grace Legacy Benefits Group LLC
Guiding Seniors with Faith, Integrity, and Care.
