Support Issues for People with Mental Disorders in Group Homes in Japan

Abstract In Japan, group homes for people with mental disorders are accommodations affiliated with hospitals where residents can live relatively independent lives. However, the scope of their activities is limited to interactions with caretakers, hospital visits, and nearby shopping. Caretakers in such homes often provide insufficient care and commonly lack medical knowledge and skills to manage aging-related situations. Previous surveys conducted by us in 2008, 2013, and 2018 among the staff of a sample of such establishments in a major city revealed the challenges posed by residents’ aging and the increasing severity of their mental and physical diseases. Another survey will be conducted in December 2023 to clarify changes over time and support difficulties by comparing the results to those of the previous surveys. In the 10 years between 2008 and 2018, the percentage of residents aged 60 and older increased from 25.6–28.6%, those who could manage their medication independently decreased from 90.8–78.4%, while those needing to be accompanied to medical examinations increased from 7.4–15.6%. These results can be used as a basis for implementing improved support systems that include qualified mental health nurses capable of advocating the rights of people with mental disorders in communities.