Empirical Research on End-of-Life Care at Health Service Facilities for the Elderly

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The objective of this study was to investigate 408 health service facilities for the elderly (Kaigo Rojin Hoken Shisetsu) in all parts of Japan to find out what kinds of care are given to facility users when they reach the terminal stage of life. Out of 408 facilities, 66 responded, and an analytical survey was conducted on the following matters: how the users died; what kinds of care were given for the dying; the length of time spent at facility; and difference before and after the implementation of the national government's Insurance for Care and Assistance for the Elderly. Although health service facilities for the elderly do not function as institutions for terminal stage care, 33 out of 66 responded that they served as such facilities. Many cases where people lived until the terminal phase of life were seen, especially in Tokyo. No differences were observed in the kinds of care given before and after the implementation of the Insurance for Care and Assistance for the Elderly, but the number of families who leave all care of the elderly to facilities is increasing.