<p>This study explores the life changes experienced by young adults who assumed the role of informal caregivers for family members following a debilitating event. Over the course of seven months, these changes were analyzed across four aspects: routine, imagination, meanings associated with caregiving, and the use and availability of resources. Using an idiographic, systemic, and longitudinal approach, three young adults — two women aged 26 and 30, and a man aged 31 — were interviewed at three distinct points, with intervals of three and a half months. The data were gathered through narrative interviews and analyzed microgenetically, focusing on disruptive events and changes in the four mentioned aspects. The results and discussion indicate that the caregivers experienced shifts in the meanings associated with caregiving, ranging from overload and dependency to expressions of affection and reciprocity. With these changes, their routines were affected, as they initially devoted themselves intensively to family care, later adjusting this care to spend more time on personal projects. Changes in imagination were also observed, with fluctuations between immediate concerns and the planning of a more autonomous future. Regarding resources, the caregivers reported utilizing family support and professional help, as well as symbolic resources, such as religious beliefs, to cope with the challenges of caregiving. The study also proposes a theoretical framework illustrating the dynamic interdependence between these changes and the caregivers' priorities. The conclusions highlight the complexity of informal caregiving and the need for adequate institutional support, while pointing to future research and interventions in the field.</p>