People with disabilities in Japan to be ‘de-institutionalised’ as support for living in the community amended bill finalized

From The Asahi Shimbun via Yahoo! Japan

October 17 2022

JAPAN – The Cabinet of Government of Japan has approved regarding amendments to related laws, which include the establishment of new group homes for people who wish to leave institutions and live alone, and the establishment of bases for community life as an obligation of municipalities to make an effort.

Compared to other countries, Japan has more people with disabilities living in institutions and hospitals, which is regarded as a challenge. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare intends to amend the Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities Act and the Mental Health Welfare Act to promote the transition to community life and put in place a system.

A new type of group home will be set up where people who wish to live alone gather together and move in for a certain period of time. They will be supported to learn how to clean and manage their finances. Home providers will be required to provide consultation for a certain period after people have left and started living in the community.

Local support centres set up by municipalities provide services in emergencies, such as the death of a family member, as well as support for people living in institutions and psychiatric hospitals when they are temporarily discharged (discharged from hospital). The aim is to make it easier for people who have been in hospital or hospitalised for a long period of time to transition by giving them a taste of life in the community.