Elderly family members shoulder unpaid caregiving duties in Vietnam and Hungary

In Vietnam, a new mother describes how her mother‑in‑law moved to the city to help during her postpartum confinement but spent most of the time repairing the house, tending to orchids and sewing curtains, leaving the mother without timely meals. The mother‑in‑law’s diligent work was well‑intentioned, yet the newborn’s primary need for food and rest was often delayed.

In Hungary, a retired woman recounts that after selling her rural home and moving into an apartment above her son, she became the primary caregiver for her grandchildren. She handles feeding, bathing, laundry and household chores day and night, using almost all of her pension. When her daughter‑in‑law became pregnant again, her responsibilities increased, leaving her with little personal time or financial relief.

Both narratives highlight the pressures on older relatives who provide extensive, unpaid care for young children, often at the expense of their own well‑being and finances.