The fact that care work within families, for example for a member affected by illness, is taken for granted is emphatically demonstrated by the biennial care statistics in Germany. There is consensus that (chronic) illness can only be understood within the familial context. At the same time, the introduction of family-centered concepts and interventions in the care of people with chronic illness is still in its infancy in all care settings in Germany, which should be critically reflected upon, especially in view of the changing forms and practices of families in society.