2022 Volume 27 Issue 3 Pages 188-194
【Objective】 The Great East Japan Earthquake led to a problematic increase in the percentage of elderly residents in disaster-stricken areas who have been certified as requiring long-term care (long-term care certification rate) due to poor physical and mental function. During two natural disasters in Kumamoto Prefecture, rehabilitation professionals were utilized to improve the living conditions of the elderly through early modifications made to newly-constructed emergency housing (early-phase home modifications). The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of this initiative. 【Methods】 This retrospective study analyzed information from databases of administrative agencies and reports and various documents prepared by disaster support groups and other organizations. The study was also based on the responses of residents to a questionnaire on the newly-constructed emergency housing that underwent early-phase home modifications following the heavy downpours in July, 2020, as well as the responses of the personnel in charge of temporary housing in disaster-stricken municipalities. 【Results】 The areas affected by natural disasters in Kumamoto Prefecture saw no increase in the long-term care certification rate. The questionnaire revealed a high level of satisfaction overall among the respondents. 【Conclusion】 The study suggested that the early involvement of rehabilitation professionals in early-phase home modifications could be a contributing factor in preventing an increase in the long-term care certification rate in disaster-stricken areas.
