Dependent-care has its origins in people's requirements for regulatory care. The foundations for dependent-care are found in the ability of individuals to provide their required care. First introduced as a corollary to self-care, this work emerged through a process of reading and discussion. Models that support the theory of dependent-care are identified. Premises are stated. There is elaboration of the conceptualizations representing the work that has been done. There are still elements that need further development, such as specifying the enabling abilities of dependent-care agency and verifying and formalizing the various elements presented.