Dear Abby: I have cared for a sibling for 2 decades and need to stop. Should I feel guilty?

DEAR ABBY: I'm a caregiver and have been since the age of 13. I'll soon be 54. I have taken care of my sister since our parents passed nearly 20 years ago. I'm seriously considering placing her in a nursing home because she has started needing even more care, and I'm having some health issues myself.

We have brothers and sisters who promise to help care for her and give me a break, but they haven't done it. I am married. Both my sons are grown and out of the house, living their lives. Should I feel guilty or not? -

DEAR DUTY-BOUND: I don't think so. It is now time to take care of yourself. You have done more than your fair share of taking care of your sister. If she needs assisted living, your siblings should step forward, at the very least, in sharing the cost since they have done nothing else in the past to help.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.