A number of professionals in the family life field have examined the changing American values toward the family and responsibility to aging parents. Research shows that the provision of social services to the aged have in many ways eased the traditional norms of family members responsibility toward aging parents. In response, the social service worker seems to be emerging as the essential caretaker in this country. This paper presents a concise overview of the literature on intergenerational relations and the dilemma it presents to professionals in gerontology, and describes the efforts of one New York State Continuing Education Program in providing short-term gerontological training to these social service providers. The paper outlines the major components and idealogical dilemmas such training presents to a group that have had little formal training in working with the older client and what long-term benefits may be derived from such short-term training. (Author)