Sometimes people stay dependent
Sometimes people stay dependent because they fear independence. If someone has been under your wing for a long time the thought of standing on their own might seem daunting. By subtly reinforcing the idea that going without your help could be risky or challenging you can keep them close.
Consider the dynamic between a teacher and a student. Some students cling to the teacher’s guidance even when they might be ready to explore concepts on their own. The teacher in turn might reinforce the need for assistance by pointing out the difficulties of self-learning. This keeps the student dependent.
In a business context a boss might keep their employees reliant on their input by frequently reminding them of how complex certain tasks are without proper supervision. This fosters a sense of need ensuring that the employees will keep turning to the boss for direction.