What is home care? What can and cannot be requested from a caregiver, and how to use the service.

Home care is a long-term care insurance service in which home helpers visit your home to provide necessary care and support for daily living. It helps you continue living in the comfort of your own home.

What can be done with home care services

There are two types of care: personal care (assistance with eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, and transferring to a wheelchair) and daily living assistance (cleaning, laundry, shopping assistance, meal preparation, etc.).

Things I can't ask for

Home care services such as preparing meals for family members, doing laundry, deep cleaning, gardening, and pet care are not covered by long-term care insurance. Since there are specific services that can be provided, please consult with your care manager.

Steps to use the service

The process is as follows: ① Obtain certification of need for long-term care or support ② Consult with a care manager or community comprehensive support center ③ Create a care plan ④ Choose a home care service provider ⑤ Begin using the service.

As people begin using home care services, we see an increase in inquiries about clothing that is easy to handle, such as undergarments that open in the front. Choose clothing that is easy to handle not only for the person receiving care but also for the home helper providing it.

*Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Home Care (Home Help Service)," "Overview of the Long-Term Care Insurance System"