Sons and Daughters as Caregivers to Older Parents: Differences in Role Performance and Consequences

This paper examines gender differences within a sample of 131 adult children identified as the primary caregiver to an older frail parent. Findings indicate that sons tend to become caregivers only in the absence of an available female sibling; are more likely to rely on the support of their own spouses; provide less overall assistance to their parents, especially “hands-on” services; and tend to have less stressful caregiving experiences independent of their involvement.