This report is designed to assist in the formulation of public policy as it relates to older people and their families by setting forth a comprehensive research-based framework to guide future public action in this area. It is intended for use by public officials, agency administrators, researchers, and academicians, as well as members of the private health and human service sector. Ten recommendations for public policy are listed and explained. A summary of the current knowledge base in the field of family care for older persons is provided in the areas of: (1) method of analysis; (2) characteristics of the elderly; (3) characteristics of family caregivers; (4) characteristics of family care; (5) problems associated with family caregiving; (6) family caregiving and formal intervention; (7) future demographic trends; and (8) existing policies and programs. Major findings are presented for each area, relevant issues are explored, and conclusions for policy and reseach are discussed. The appendices contain 54 data charts from research on family caregiving, the Soldo Study Caregiver Selection Methodology, New York City Dependency Study Material, Methodology for Dependency Ratios, and acknowledgements. (NRB)