The Significance of Independence in Japan’s Long-term Care Insurance Act

抄録

This paper examines the meaning of the term independence as stipulated by Japan’s Long-term Care Insurance Act. Although this law aims to support the independence of those requiring long-term care, the term itself is not clearly defined. While it is possible to understand the meaning of "independence" as one interpretation of "care prevention" and "self-selection" as specified in Article 2 of the law, this paper explores the meaning of the term by analyzing from various perspectives the process of establishing the long-term care insurance system. As a result, we found "care prevention" and "self-selection," although the meaning of independence in long-term care insurance varies depending on factors such as services, care management, insurance systems, and user contracts. In summary, Japan’s long-term care insurance guarantees the daily life of those requiring care by utilizing necessary services, and their independence was confirmed that the improvement of their quality of life, the maintenance and improvement of their mental and physical conditions, and the prevention of care needs through self-determination and choice.