Almost all disabled elderly people in Taiwan are cared for by their family members. This study examined family caregivers?characteristics and their commitment to caregiving. Potential subjects were identified from 1994 National Survey on Disabled Elderly. Among the 3,155 elderly subjects interviewed in that survey, 349 (11.1%) were considered as disabled elderly cared for by the family. Among these, 309 (92.5%) of their caregivers responded to this further interview. However, only 290 were true famil y caregivers. Approximately 30% of these caregivers were over 65 years of age, and over 70% were female. About half of the female elderly were cared for by their daughters-in-law; and half of the male elderly were cared for by their spouses. Forty-four percent of the respondents had been caregivers for at least 5 years. In addition, caregivers also had other competing demands: 38% of them reported child care responsibilities, 18% experienced work conflicts, and 24% had even quitted their jobs. A few c aregivers(6%) had additional ill family members to care for. A sizeable proportion of caregivers expressed a need for other types of assistance; accident prevention was the most often demanded (70%) assistance, followed by friendly calls/leisure time activities/counseling (40-50%), and respite care (42%). In conclusion, family care for the disabled elderly is a long-term intensive commitment more likely to be undertaken by women. Caregivers also have other competing demands at the same time. These find ings should be very important it decision making for the development of long-term care system in Taiwan.