Family care of the elderly: the role of public policy.

There is little evidence to support the belief--and many policy initiatives flowing from it--that families are less willing or able to provide home care to elderly relatives. Informal care-giving remains at a high level; institutionalization rates have changed little over the past 30 years. But some demographic trends affecting both the elderly and families may change this picture in the future. Proposals for providing cash grants or tax allowances do not get to the heart of the matter.