Perspectives on ensuring safe and secure housing for the elderly

Abstract

"Residence," in the context of the community-based integrated care system, has been likened to a flowerpot that is needed to grow a plant, which, in this case, "medical care", "long-term care" and "living support and preventive care". For the promotion of a community-based integrated care system, " suitable residence that has been established as the foundation of life, where the elderly people can live within one's hope and means" is a prerequisite.However, there is no sufficient discussion on how to establish residences for the elderly. Although the home ownership rate of the elderly is more than 80%, the construction of housing for the elderly with life support services is the only specific senior housing policy. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss how the elderly live at home.There are different types of residences for the elderly, from homes to senior facilities. With the promotion of home care and medical services, the functions and roles of residences for the elderly have changed. Until now, housing has been viewed in terms of a personal space. However, there has been an increase in the population of elderly people living with the help of external services, such as long-term care services. Therefore, it is necessary to allow outsiders to enter the residence to provide services, or to restrict the time to receive such services. In order to promote home care and end-of-life care, it is necessary to study and verify the functions of housing, as it would differ from those of conventional housing.While the maintenance of housing is important, there are some problems in the "life style" of the elderly. The authors' observation on sole households of the late elderly revealed, issues concerning the living environment, such as narrowing of the daily living space, leaving a bed unmade, the use of portable toilets at night, and ensuring warmth by layering clothing due to the non-use of heating appliance. One aspect of support and care for them is to prvide them the "power to develop their own living environment," which would help the elderly be self-reliant. Consequently, awareness and support regarding "how to live" is necessary for the elderly.