Content area

Abstract

Japan's population is ageing rapidly because of long life expectancy and a low birth rate, while traditional supports for elderly people are eroding. In response, the Japanese Government initiated mandatory public long-term care insurance (LTCI) in 2000, to help older people to lead more independent lives and to relieve the burdens of family carers. LTCI operates on social insurance principles, with benefits provided irrespective of income or family situation; it is unusually generous in terms of both coverage and benefits. Only services are provided, not cash allowances, and recipients can choose their services and providers. Analysis of national survey data before and after the programme started shows increased use of formal care at lower cost to households, with mixed results for the wellbeing of carers. Challenges to the success of the system include dissatisfaction with home-based care, provision of necessary support for family carers, and fiscal sustainability. Japan's strategy for long-term care could offer lessons for other nations. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Details

Title
Japan: Universal Health Care at 50 years 4: Population ageing and wellbeing: lessons from Japan's long-term care insurance policy
Author
Tamiya, Nanako; Noguchi, Haruko; Nishi, Akihiro; Reich, Michael R; Ikegami, Naoki; Hashimoto, Hideki; Shibuya, Kenji; Kawachi, Ichiro; Campbell, John Creighton
Pages
1183-92
Section
Series
Publication year
2011
Publication date
Sep 24-Sep 30, 2011
Publisher
Elsevier Limited
ISSN
01406736
e-ISSN
1474547X
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
894843481
Copyright
Copyright Elsevier Limited Sep 24-Sep 30, 2011