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Measuring the Social-Care Service Needs of Impaired Elderly People in Japan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2008

Ikuko Nakano ,
Y. Shimizu ,
K. Hiraoka ,
Y. Nakatani ,
J. Wake ,
A. Honma ,
T. Okamoto  and
Y. Izumo
Ikuko Nakano
Affiliation:
Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35–2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo 173, Japan.
Y. Shimizu
Affiliation:
Sophia University.
K. Hiraoka
Affiliation:
Meiji Gakuin University.
Y. Nakatani
Affiliation:
Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35–2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo 173, Japan.
J. Wake
Affiliation:
Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35–2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo 173, Japan.
A. Honma
Affiliation:
Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35–2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo 173, Japan.
T. Okamoto
Affiliation:
Tokai University.
Y. Izumo
Affiliation:
Akita Keijo Junior College.
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Abstract

This study aims to measure objectively and/or estimate the needs of impaired elderly persons and their families for social care services. The research was carried out in Maebashi, a medium size Japanese city. In our study, ‘impaired elderly persons’ included both physically and/or mentally impaired persons. In total, 693 impaired elderly persons and their families were classified according to 20 specific types of need: these ‘need types’ were cross-tabulated with two sets of factors: (1) Severity of impairments and (2) Difficulty of caregivers in providing the required care. A standard model of the service provision necessary for each ‘need type’ was established through group consultation with social care service professionals. Finally, the total amount of each service required in the city was calculated. Major findings are: (1) Our estimates indicate that 7.1 per cent of all persons 65 and over residing in Maebashi City were physically and/or mentally impaired to a certain degree. (2) Forty per cent of these elderly people were being cared for by caregivers who themselves had serious difficulties. (3) The demand for social care services in local Japanese cities is high. In order for this demand to be met a substantial expansion of both nursing home care and in-home care services is required.

Keywords

Need measurementsocial-care servicesimpaired elderly peoplewelfare planningfamily care.
Type
Research Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , May 1996 , pp. 315 - 332
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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