Abstract
This paper examines the effects of the home modification program to the diminution of the care cost and the amelioration of the daily life among frail elderly under the Long-term Care Insurance System. Based on the simulation analysis, previous studies indicate that the home modification would be effective in order to lower the total care cost for frail elderly. However, our survey to the five care managers in 2003 and 2004 found that, among 69 cases having operated home modification program, only five cases lowered the care service cost between before and after the operation. In addition, the detailed analysis of these cases suggests that the diminution of care cost has been promoted not only by the amelioration of self supportiveness but also by other factors such as the unsatisfactory care services, the avoidance of care services provided by someone else other than family members, the economy of one's self-pay cost and so on. In conclusion, it discusses some possible reasons why the home modification program cannot lower the total care service cost as anticipated.
