The purpose of this Congressional study is to underscore the continuing contribution of the family in providing care to the frail and disabled elderly. This study has been developed to distill information that currently exists, to provide new data based on national estimates and to highlight both public and private sector initiatives targeted at caregiving. Informal caregiving is the first topic discussed. An historical perspective is provided, as well as current demographic, health, and social trends. Next characteristics of the caregivers themselves are described, including their gender, age, marital status, employment, economic status, health status, and living arrangements. The benefits and negative aspects of caregiving are described, including sources of stress and types of caregiver strain. The public sector response to informal caregiving is discussed. These topics are covered: status of current public policies; public sector support for informal caregivers, including service and financial strategies; and federal legislation, including the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984 and the Respite Care Act of 1986. The private sector response is also described, including education and training, respite care, and employee benefit programs. The report concludes that family members, friends and neighbors have continued their long tradition as the principal source of long-term care assistance to impaired elderly persons, and these caregivers will continue to be essential in providing care to dependent elderly. (ABL)