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Elders in Canada, Japan and Australia are an increasing proportion of the population. This research focused on (1) the expected familial roles for care provision of frail elderly and (2) the relationship of expected familial roles to social policy toward elder care. Using a case study method, analysis of government documents such as annual reports, white papers, and Web sites was undertaken. Results show that elders in Australia and Canada desire independence from offspring, whereas filial responsibility for elders in Japan is a cultural ideal. In all three countries, societal expectations fit the current federal governmental policies of shifting the burden of care to families, but families in need find limited societal assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]