Ballooning Long-term Care Insurance System

: Perspective of System Reforms and Related Issues

Abstract

This study elucidates the changing content of the long-term care insurance system through a series of legal amendments since the system was introduced while describing its current state. The study examines how the long-term care insurance system has affected the elderly and social welfare policy and its related challenges. The findings elicit two conclusions. First, with each successive system revision, preventive care, family care, and daily life support have been incorporated into the long-term care insurance system for older adults. Previously, these services had been provided outside of this system. The scope of the long-term care insurance system has expanded from persons needing support and care to independent older adults, their families, and community residents. Second, the maintenance of nursing-care infrastructure has been integrated with the long-term care insurance system, as evident in the establishment of community comprehensive support centers and projects regarding lifestyle support systems.