Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the current situation in a rural community that is actively engaged in establishing a community-based integrated care system, especially for dementia, despite the community being at risk of becoming a marginal village. Six medical, longterm care, or welfare professionals in a rural area of City A, Gifu Prefecture were interviewed from May to September 2017 on the current status and challenges faced in establishing a community-based integrated care system for dementia. Qualitative data was structured by thematic analysis. Volunteer activities by long-term care facilities and an Osekkai (unsolicited) network comprising community specialists, social workers, and residents appeared to be foundational to the community-based integrated care system in the area. The key shared concept was that the intentional and proactive involvement of active elderly individuals as volunteers in community activities helps to prevent them from becoming dependent. Challenges to be addressed were providing these elderly individuals with opportunities to discuss their ideal final stage of life and to understand advanced care planning.
