Seeking Ideas for Special Issues of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work

Two misconceptions-one having to do with "the low level of functional utility of the family" of today and the other with the particularly isolated situation of the old person-are challenged. Study findings in support of the challenge are presented, and then knowledge gaps are identified, with particular emphasis on the need for systematic studies of the relationships between formal and informal support systems and impact studies of family incentive programs.