Support group for people with disabilities sets up a consultation service over concerns about the “Megumi” group homes

From NHK 

November 17 2023

TOKYO – Group homes for people with disabilities operated by a company in Minato Ward, Tokyo, are being audited by the national and local governments for allegedly overcharging food expenses. A support group for the disabled has set up a consultation service, citing widespread concern among users and their families.

Megumi, which is headquartered in Minato Ward, Tokyo and operates group homes for the disabled in various locations, is under investigation by the local government for allegedly overcharging users for food and improperly claiming compensation for welfare services for the disabled.

Under these circumstances, NHK learned that Megumi had applied to open group homes in Midori-ku, Nagoya City, and Togo Town, Aichi Prefecture, respectively, but later withdrew the applications.

Megumi’s western Japan branch office in Nagoya City has not revealed the reason for the withdrawal, saying that it would not comment. However, the Aichi branch of Kyosaren, a group of organizations that support people with disabilities, and others have set up an online consultation service to address the concerns of users and families of the facilities operated by Megumi.

The consultation is free of charge, and is available to users of the facility, people who were planning to enter the facility to be opened, as well as to employees of the facility.

The Aichi branch of Kyosoren hopes that people will feel free to consult with them if they have any concerns or worries.