Family Caregiving and Helping at the Intersection of Gender and Kinship: Social Dynamics in the Provision of Care to Older Adults in Canada

This vignette outlines the caregiving contributions of a primary caregiver, Rita, and the activities of other family members and friends in the care of two older relatives, Aggie and Edith. In contrast to most caregiving research that focuses on one caregiver and one care

receiver, this vignette depicts the weblike structure and dynamic nature of family caregiving. It highlights multiple contributions in caregiving, both to the older person receiving care and to those involved in care provision. By providing reference to the different types of contributions and the multiple players involved in caring for older relatives, this vignette illustrates the complexity within family caregiving. It reflects the boundaries and intersections between caregiving and helping, and the competing care demands when there are multiple care recipients.