Over my years assisting families in exploring senior care options—whether locally or internationally—I’ve witnessed recurring patterns in how caregiving responsibilities get assigned, often by circumstance more than by choice. One of the most profound impacts of caregiving isn’t just on the individual performing the role but on the family dynamic that surrounds and, at times, complicates their journey.
In most families, caregiving responsibilities fall to a single sibling, creating an intricate network of emotional and logistical challenges that can strain even the closest relationships. The decision is rarely a straightforward one. Often, caregiving lands on the family member who lives closest has a more flexible career or is perceived as the one most willing to step up.
Statistically, women—whether daughters or daughters-in-law—are still more likely to become the primary caregivers, reflecting longstanding societal expectations.Despite this, many primary caregivers find themselves caught between duty and desire, shouldering a role that demands deep commitment and intense sacrifices. They may have willingly accepted the task, or perhaps assumed it by default. But either way, they face the weight of responsibility largely alone.
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