85% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan Anxious About Future “After Parents Are Gone”

From Kyodo via Nikkei

February 11 2026

TOKYO – A survey by the Nippon Foundation found on the 11th that 85.5% of families of people with disabilities aged 18 and over feel anxious about the future “after parents are gone,” when aging or the death of parents makes caregiving impossible. The foundation warned that there is a risk that support previously provided by families will no longer be sustainable and pointed to the need for community-based support systems.

The online survey was conducted last October targeting 2,500 family members of people with disabilities. Overall, 36.2% said they were “very anxious” about the future, 27.6% “anxious,” and 21.7% “slightly anxious.”

When asked about specific concerns, the most common response was “financial matters such as living expenses and medical costs.”

Meanwhile, 57.0% said they were making preparations for the time after parents are gone, including financial planning. When asked who would provide support in place of parents, 30.5% cited “siblings,” and 14.5% “welfare professionals.” On the other hand, 27.1% said “not decided / don’t know.”

Risa Fujiwara, a professor at the Junior College Department of Hokusei Gakuen University who served as an advisor for the survey, said at a press conference, “There is an issue of people with disabilities living at home relying heavily on parental support,” stressing the need to develop community care systems.