Abstract
Purpose : This study aims to clarify cases of individual support measures for the elderly that were implemented by cooperation between neighbors and public health nurses (PHNs) based at comprehensive community support centers (CCSC) in Japan. Methods : Qualitative and inductive analysis was performed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine PHNs having over two years of experience at CCSCs. The interviewees were asked about their intentions and actions in the cases wherein they sought the cooperation of the community in providing formal services. Results : Four categories were extracted as the supports of PHNs at CCSCs: "extending network in order to obtain information on the elderly from other community members," "understanding the present situation and prospecting possible directions of support for each case based on consultation and paying attention to information," "Establishing the foundations of a support system involving the neighbors," "increasing neighbors' supporting ability through motivation and empowering of individual neighbors." Conclusion : As seen in cases wherein individual support measures are implemented through the cooperation of neighbors, PHNs in CCSCs have created a system to acquire information about elderly residents in the community and empower the neighbors, which is an approach similar to the process of community empowerment
