Hiroshima

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Elderly and Accessible Care

Sections

1. Elderly Care Services in Hiroshima

Japan has a robust long-term care system under the national Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) program, which provides a wide range of services for elderly individuals. Hiroshima offers these services through local government offices and private providers.

Key Services Available

  • In-Home Care Services:
    • Home visits by caregivers for assistance with daily activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, meal preparation).
    • Home-visit nursing services for medical care.
    • Rental of assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds.
  • Day Care Services:
    • Day centers provide social activities, meals, and rehabilitation programs.
  • Residential Care:
    • Assisted living facilities and nursing homes for those requiring 24/7 care.
  • Rehabilitation Services:
    • Physical and occupational therapy for elderly individuals recovering from illness or injury.
  • Dementia Care:
    • Specialized programs and facilities for individuals with dementia.
  • Meal Delivery Services:
    • Nutritious meals delivered to elderly individuals who cannot cook for themselves.
  • Respite Care:
    • Temporary care services to give family caregivers a break.

Costs

  • Costs are subsidized under the LTCI program, but users must pay a co-payment of 10-30% of the service cost, depending on their income level.
  • For example:
    • In-home care services may cost around ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 per month after subsidies.
    • Nursing home fees can range from ยฅ50,000โ€“ยฅ150,000 per month, depending on the facility and level of care required.

Eligibility

  • Individuals aged 65 and older are eligible for LTCI services if they require assistance with daily activities or have age-related conditions like dementia.
  • Individuals aged 40โ€“64 may also qualify if they have age-related illnesses such as Parkinsonโ€™s disease or early-onset dementia.

How to Access Services

  1. Apply for LTCI Certification:
    • Visit your local municipal office (e.g., Hiroshima City Hall) to apply for certification.
    • A care needs assessment will be conducted, including a home visit and medical evaluation.
  2. Receive a Care Plan:
    • Once certified, a care manager will create a personalized care plan based on the individualโ€™s needs.
  3. Choose a Service Provider:
    • Select from a list of approved service providers in Hiroshima.

2. Accessibility Services in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a highly accessible city, with infrastructure and services designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The city complies with Japanโ€™s Barrier-Free Law, ensuring public spaces and transportation are accessible.

Key Accessibility Services

  • Accessible Transportation:
    • Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden): Trams are equipped with low floors and ramps for wheelchair users.
    • JR Hiroshima Station: Elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms are available.
    • Accessible Taxis: Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked through local taxi companies.
    • Discounts for Disabled Individuals: Public transportation offers discounts for individuals with a disability certificate.
  • Public Facilities:
    • Museums, parks, and tourist attractions (e.g., Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park) are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
  • Assistive Devices:
    • Rental services for wheelchairs and other mobility aids are available through local welfare centers.
  • Sign Language and Communication Support:
    • Some public facilities and hospitals provide sign language interpreters or communication boards for individuals with hearing or speech impairments.

Costs

  • Many accessibility services are free or heavily subsidized.
  • For example:
    • Public transportation discounts can reduce fares by 50% or more.
    • Wheelchair rentals may cost around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ3,000 per month, depending on the type.

Eligibility

  • Individuals with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities are eligible for accessibility services.
  • A Disability Certificate (Shลgaisha Techo) is required to access most benefits and discounts.

How to Access Services

  1. Obtain a Disability Certificate:
    • Apply at your local municipal office with medical documentation of your disability.
  2. Register for Services:
    • Once you have the certificate, you can register for transportation discounts, assistive device rentals, and other services.
  3. Contact Local Welfare Centers:
    • Hiroshima has several welfare centers that provide information and support for individuals with disabilities.

3. Cultural and Practical Considerations

Cultural Attitudes

  • Japan has a culture of respect for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. You will find that people are generally helpful and accommodating.
  • However, some elderly individuals may feel reluctant to ask for help due to cultural values of independence and self-reliance.

Language Barriers

  • While many services are available, English-speaking staff may be limited. It is helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps when navigating services.

Community Support

  • Hiroshima has a strong sense of community, and local volunteer groups often assist elderly and disabled individuals with daily tasks or social activities.
  • Look for local NPOs (Non-Profit Organizations) or community centers for additional support.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Hiroshima is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons. Ensure that elderly or disabled individuals are registered with the cityโ€™s Disaster Preparedness Program, which provides evacuation assistance.

4. Key Contacts and Resources

  • Hiroshima City Hall:
  • Hiroshima Welfare Centers:
    • Provide information on elderly and disability services.
  • Hiroshima Prefectural Council of Social Welfare:
    • Offers support for caregivers and individuals in need.
  • Accessible Tourism Hiroshima:

5. Summary

Hiroshima offers a wide range of services for elderly care and accessibility, supported by Japanโ€™s national policies and local initiatives. The cityโ€™s infrastructure is designed to be inclusive, and costs are subsidized to make services affordable. To access these services, you will need to navigate the application processes for LTCI or disability certification, which are straightforward but may require Japanese language support. By understanding the cultural context and leveraging local resources, you can ensure a smooth experience for elderly individuals or those with disabilities in Hiroshima.

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