What did you learn about caregiving from watching the brothers’ interactions with América? What sacrifices did they make to care for her?

Rodrigo looks for logical strategies and plans ahead. Diego is more idealistic, appreciating América for all she has to offer despite her frailty and dementia. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?

Rodrigo and Luis want to pursue lives beyond being full-time caregivers for América. In contrast, Diego says that he and Bruno “will do whatever it takes to stay with her.” What sacrifices should we expect from family members of those who need care? How long should family members be expected to put other interests or plans on hold to provide care?

In contrast to their sacrifices, in what ways did caring for América enrich her grandsons’ lives?

In an argument over the timing of a medical appointment and use of the car, Diego implies that Rodrigo is self-serving. Is it fair or helpful to blame one another for looking out for their own needs?

Bruno and Diego fight over money. Have you experienced conflicts over money in your family, especially involving adult children with aging parents? How were the conflicts resolved? What sorts of planning could you do to prevent future conflicts? Does Diego’s role as primary caregiver constitute work? Should he be compensated, and if so, by whom?

Many seniors do not have sufficient family members available and willing to care for them, and must rely on paid care from home health aides. What workplace issues do paid caregivers face? What do these challenges tell us about how our society values caregiving?