Public long-term care insurance service use among foreignresidents in Japan : Survey by Osaka city

目的：本研究的目的是分析在日本的外国居民使用家庭长期护理（LTC）服务的情况，以了解如何最好地为这一人群服务。方法：利用门户网站WAMNET数据库的信息，向大阪市居家LTC支持提供者和地方综合支持中心的护理经理（CMs）发送匿名问卷。这些数据是在2011年2月至3月初收集的。对应答数据进行定量分析，重点是描述性流行病学。结果：从隶属于1,065家居家LTC支持提供者和中心的1,800名CMs中收到460份回复（收集率为25.6%）。利用问卷调查的数据，对312名在大阪接受in - home LTC的外籍老年居民进行分析。数据显示，三分之一的家庭护理外国用户在日语交流方面存在困难，近60%的人面临经济困难。最常使用的家庭服务类型是家访护理、日间服务和福利设备租赁。结论：为解决在日外国居民LTC服务的沟通问题和经济困难，需要加强支持系统。

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze the use of In-Home Long-term Care(LTC) services by foreign residents in Japan to know how best to serve this population. Methods : Using information from the database of the portal site WAMNET, an anonymous questionnaire was sent to the care managers(CMs) affiliated with In-Home LTC Support Providers and Local Comprehensive Support Centers in Osaka city. The data were collected between February and early March 2011.The response data were analyzed quantitatively, focusing on descriptive epidemiology. Results : Responses were received from 460 of 1, 800 CMs affiliated with 1, 065 In-Home LTC Support Providers and Centers(collection rate, 25.6%). With data from the questionnaire responses, analysis was performed on 312 foreign elderly residents in Osaka who were receiving In-Home LTC. The data revealed that 1 in 3 of foreign users of In-Home Care had difficulty communicating in Japanese, and nearly 60% faced economic hardship. The types of home services most frequently used were Home-Visit Care, Day Service, and Welfare Equipment Rental. Conclusion : The support system needs to be strengthened for addressing the communication aspects and economic difficulties of the foreign residents in Japan who need LTC services.