Long-term care for the elderly in Kyoto, Japan.

This is a descriptive study based on interviews and personal experiences of the author in Kyoto, Japan. The study examines long-term care in the Japanese context and government efforts to support home and institutional care.Because of cultural values and the prevailing health care system, Japan today maintains a tradition of providing long-term care at home. Medical and social supports for home care presently fall far short of need in Kyoto. Those who cannot afford home care or have no one at home to provide their care, rely upon institutional care. This care is extremely affordable by American standards, but suffers from medical staff shortages. In order to cope with future needs for more long-term care, Japan is rapidly expanding its system of institutional care. However, redistribution of some funds to improve support services for home care is recommended.