In addition, to improve medical and care systems, day service centers and group homes for the senile dementia elderly will be developed and institutionalized. The development of medical care and recuperation wards and health service facilities specializing in the treatment of dementia will be facilitated.
(3) Implementing comprehensive support measures to improve longterm care foundations
a. Promoting measures to train and secure staff to care for the elderly
In order to train and secure staff to care who have the responsibility of providing care services for the elderly, such as staff to care of social welfare facilities, nurses and home helpers, measures will be taken to improve training systems, including training centers, better qualifications, and working environments.
In addition, labor demand and supply coordination between public employment security offices and the private sectors will be enhanced.
Moreover, volunteer activities concerning welfare for the elderly will be highly promoted.
b. Popularizing technical aids
In order to encourage appropriate use of technical aids, practical health care training and dissemination centers will be developed to provide opportunities for equipment display and consultation. The popularization of technical aids will also be promoted through donation and lease programs. Furthermore, support systems will be developed for technical aids manufacturers and dealers to ensure provision of technical aids.
c. Comprehensive development of user-friendly service provision systems
To allow residents to seek for advice and obtain necessary information about care in areas to which they are familiar, specific measures, centering on in-home care support centers, will be taken. Care management systems will also be enhanced to properly understand the needs for care and link them to necessary services.
(4) Service costs
a. Medical expenses
In order to provide appropriate medical care suitable for the aging society, comprehensive measures, including drastic reform of medical in-
