I think that this also ties into the change in society. For instance, families used to include more grandparent help - so parents had some time away from the kids. That is more rare now. Plus, kids are less capable to look after themselves than earlier. Self-imposed issues for sure though.
It's now often the other way around. At least here in The Netherlands. Elderly people aren't allowed to move into retirement homes that easily anymore. The government expects that their kids will help them while they keep living on their own.
Fortunately it hasn't come this far yet for me, but my dad (75 years old and lives 1,5 hours away by car) will probably need some help in the years to come.