90% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan “Worried” About Life After Parents’ Death

From The Tokyo Shimbun

November 17 2025

TOKYO – A survey conducted by a private organization and released on the 17th found that 90.2% of families of people with disabilities aged 18 and older responded that they are “worried” about their loved one’s life after the parents pass away. The survey also found that 58.2% of respondents felt they were reaching the limits of care.

The organization highlighted the shortage of residential facilities and group homes, arguing that many people with disabilities are forced to rely on family care. The group is appealing for the urgent establishment of support systems within local communities.

• The survey was conducted between June and September by the “National Association for Considering Living Spaces for Children and Adults with Disabilities” and targeted the families of people with disabilities. A total of 2,151 people nationwide responded.

• Of all respondents, 72.8% answered “very worried” and 17.4% answered “a little worried” about life after the parents’ death.

Group homes are facilities where people with disabilities live together in the community while receiving support. The government is promoting a “community transition” policy to shift the living base of people with disabilities away from residential institutions toward homes or group homes. When asked about their “desired future living arrangement,” “group home” was the most frequent answer at 53.7%, followed by “residential institution” at 21.0%.

Comments in the free-response section included pleas such as:

“I want to see my child settled so I can end my own life in peace.”

“We hope for strong assistance from the government.”