Residents of Ishikawa Care Home Unable to Use Toilet or Take a Bath

From NHK

January 4 2024

Nanao City, Ishikawa Pref – According to Ishikawa Prefecture, as of 10 a.m. on the 4th, damage such as water outages and power outages had been confirmed at around 120 elderly facilities in the prefecture, including special nursing homes and group homes.

Among these, Elegante Naginoura, which operates a special nursing home and care house in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has been without water since the earthquake on the 1st, affecting the lives of its residents.

Residents are not able to take a bath, and the toilets cannot be flushed, raising concerns about hygiene.

In addition, parts of the building suffered damage, including cracks in the walls of the stairs, and the elevator was out of service, with staff carrying residents up and down the stairs.

A man in his 70s who was living in a room on the fifth floor of the facility when the earthquake occurred and is now living as an evacuee on the second floor with other residents said, “I was in my room when the earthquake hit and my TV and chest of drawers were destroyed.” I collapsed and couldn’t think of anything. I don’t want to go through that experience again. I want to go back to my room and get a good night’s sleep.”

Yuko Fujisawa of Elegante Naginoura said, “I think the residents are also stressed out due to the uncertain future.Not having access to water is also a big problem in terms of hygiene.Water and food. I hope the supplies arrive soon.”