Many older people are completely independent in activities of daily living and do not rely on their family for care. They contribute greatly to Irish family life. There is considerable evidence of their contribution through everyday emotional support, companionship and advice, gifts, care for ill and dependant relatives, care for grandchildren, shopping and running errands for relatives and doing housework or repairs.  For some dependent older people, however, the family is an important source of care and support. There is no doubt that family carers make an enormous contribution to care of older people in the community, often at a substantial personal cost in terms of opportunities foregone, as well as physical and mental strain. Yet there is limited recognition by policy-makers of the role played by carers. Indeed, certain community services have in the past been refused to dependent older persons on the grounds that a relative was present in the household.