well, she is in Tennessee primarily because she has a brother not to far away that said he would help her. he gave her a little help and then quit. some families are worthless (and her other brother took her car away so he is no help either)
some families are worse than worthless, alas it is not always possible to just tell people to get help from their relations
Here, caring for sick family is normal. Not all families are close, but in very rural areas, neighbors take care of each other. It was once more common than it is today.