Even though my company allows 3 paid days, most people take at least 5 for a close family member, usually by taking vacation time or family care (we get 3 days a year).
One thing that has changed for the better is the Family Leave Act. We had a girl in the late 80's who used all her earned time taking care of her terminal dad, was given additional paid & unpaid time off and was about to be left go when he died and she returned to work. That wouldn't happen today, at least not before 3 to 6 months.