Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the function of independence support for persons who live alone and need mild nursing care. The persons who need nursing care can be classified as level 1 or 2; however, in this study, we referred to them as “mild persons,” as care managers perceive. We interviewed nine care managers of in-home nursing care offices in Tokyo and conducted a qualitative analysis. As a result, 23 codes were extracted and classified into five categories. Care managers consider the functions of independence support for people with mild disabilities who live alone to be: [continue to do what they can], [use of their strengths], [live in a suitable environment], and [decide and choose a way of life]. The main concern of “doing” was to support mental functions and “to continue living at home” was to support social functions. Therefore, the care manager develops care management based on a comprehensive concept that intertwines physical, mental, and social functions to provide user-centered support.
