Who is usually the primary caregiver?

It's called “primary” because that person has the most responsibility for a loved one or friend. At different times in life, many people become primary caregivers, including those who provide Home Care in Boca Raton FL. One of the most common roles of a primary caregiver is that of a parent. Another is that of an adult child who now cares for an older parent. What is a primary caregiver? Essentially, it is a person who helps an underage child or a sick, elderly, or disabled relative.

The gender nature of the family also has another dimension, rooted in asymmetries of gender intimacy. Personal care often involves the most intimate tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and going to the bathroom. Sons may struggle to cross cultural boundaries of intimacy in order to care for their mothers, and daughters may feel uncomfortable caring for their parents (Rossi and Rossi, 1990). This is supported by a study of 4,371 older people with disabilities in activities of daily living that shows that parents are more likely to receive care for children of the same sex (Lee, Dwyer, & Coward, 199).

We presume that this “gender preference” will also influence care transitions, so that children (both sons and daughters) will be less likely to transfer care to others when the parent requiring care is of the same gender.