The Cabinet is holding a special meeting this afternoon to devise a new strategy on care for the elderly.
A range of issues including funding residential care and balancing the role of the State and the individual in relation to older people are to be discussed.
Tanaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney favours having as many people as possible cared for at home.
Ministers will also look at the practice of using the value of homes belonging to older people as part of a means-testing process.
A Government spokesman told ireland.com he did not expect any formal announcement to be made following the meeting.
Earlier Government sources said the decision to devote a special Cabinet meeting to the issue reflects the concern about care for the aged as Ireland's population ages.
According to a Government spokeswoman, no decisions will be taken, "but the Cabinet will be examining fundamental policy options in relation to the long-term care of the elderly."