Long-term Care Insurance System Research Articles

Effect of Early Rehabilitation Services After Discharge on Social Activity Among Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Multicenter Prospective Study

BackgroundSocial inactivity after a stroke leads to adverse outcomes, making social activity after discharge important for chronic stroke survivors. ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of early rehabilitation services after discharge on social activity among chronic stroke survivors. MethodsThe participants were prospectively recruited from three convalescent hospitals. Receipt of early rehabilitation services after discharge for chronic stroke survivors was defined as the utilization of day care or home-based rehabilitation services by the Japanese long-term care insurance system. Social activity was assessed using the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) premorbid and at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. In this study, the outcome was defined as the change in the FAI score from 3 to 12 months after discharge. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of access to rehabilitation on changes in FAI. ResultsNinety stroke survivors (age 67.2 ± 11.6 years, 52 male) were enrolled. The FAI showed improvements by 27.4% and 1.4% from 3 to 12 months after discharge in the rehabilitation and non-rehabilitation groups, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that access to rehabilitation after discharge was positively associated with the FAI change from 3 to 12 months after discharge (B = 30.3, β = 0.38, 95% confidence interval = 11.13–49.47, p = 0.002). ConclusionEarly rehabilitation services after discharge were significantly associated with increased social activity.

Changes in physical activity during the year after the Great East Japan Earthquake and future frailty in older survivors.

This study examines whether changes in physical activity (PA) during the first year after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011-2012) contributed to preventing the onset of future frailty among older survivors of the disaster. This study tracked 2561 physically active Japanese survivors aged ≥ 65 years (43.6% men; mean age 72.9 years) who had completed self-administered questionnaires in 2011 and 2012. PA levels for participants were classified into four categories based on ≥23 and <23 metabolic equivalent hours/week in 2011 and 2012: "consistently low," "decreasing," "increasing," and "consistently high." Frailty was defined as a Kihon Checklist score ≥ 5, which is used in the long-term care insurance system in Japan. Hazard ratios were calculated for the onset of frailty using a Cox proportional hazards model that fitted the proportional sub-distribution hazards regression model with weights for competing risks of death. From 2012 to 2018, 283 men and 490 women developed frailty. Men with consistently high or increasing PA during the first year after the disaster had a lower risk of frailty. Furthermore, even increasing PA by walking for just 30 min/day prevented future frailty in men; however, this association between a change in PA and the decreased risk of frailty was not observed in women. Older men who remained physically active or resumed PA at an early stage and at a low intensity, even after being physically inactive owing to the disaster, were able to prevent future frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 563-570.

A Study on the Sufficiency and Desired Needs of Long-term Care Insurance System for the Elderly - Focusing on Service Users

A Study on the Sufficiency and Desired Needs of Long-term Care Insurance System for the Elderly - Focusing on Service Users

Dose-response associations between physical activity and sedentary time with functional disability in older adults with or without frailty: a prospective cohort study.

Evidence regarding the dose-response curve shapes of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in older adults with functional disability (FD) is extremely limited. Moreover, these associations may differ depending on with/without frailty. We examined the dose-response associations between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and ST with FD among older adults with/without frailty. We included 7,480 initially nondisabled adults (3,795 men and 3,685 women) aged 65-84 years in Ota City, Tokyo, Japan. MVPA and ST were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. FD was prospectively identified using a nationally unified database of the long-term care insurance system. Frailty was determined using Check-List 15, validated against Fried's frailty criteria. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of MVPA and ST for FD were calculated, and dose-response curves were examined using restricted cubic splines. During 3.6 years of follow-up, 1,001 (13.4%) participants had FD. Among all participants, compared with no MVPA, the HRs for FD reduced linearly up to approximately 2000 metabolic equivalents (METs)■min/week of MVPA, and the lowest HR (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.51-0.74) was reached at around 3,000-4,000 METs■min/week. Although the shape of this association was consistent regardless of with/without frailty, the magnitude of the association tended to be stronger in frail older adults than in non-frail older adults. Compared with those for the median (300 min/day) of ST, the HRs for FD increased linearly as ST reached approximately 600 min/day or more, independent of MVPA, with a maximum HR of 1.31 (95% CI: 1.01-1.71) for 1,080 min/day among all participants. This association was more pronounced among non-frail older adults but not statistically significant among frail older adults. Higher MVPA levels consistently reduced the incidence of FD regardless of frailty in a significant inverse nonlinear dose-response manner. A significant positive nonlinear dose-response association between ST and FD risk was identified among non-frail older adults but not among frail older adults. Increasing MVPA and reducing prolonged ST are important for preventing FD among non-frail older adults. However, reducing ST alone may be insufficient; increasing MVPA, even if by only small increments, is highly recommended for frail older adults.

Factors Contributing to Health Deterioration in the Japanese Long-Term Care Insurance System in Terms of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

This study aimed to determine which instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are associated with health deterioration from the “support level” to the “care level” among users of the long-term care insurance system in Japan. From April 2017 to March 2020, we conducted a retrospective follow-up survey on 178 Japanese community-dwelling older adults (64 men, 114 women) newly certified as support level. Independent variable was 8 IADL items and the outcome defined as the “support level maintenance time.” Cox models were used to assess the risk of health deterioration, with adjustments for age group, family composition, dementia status, and frailty status by gender. Dependence on 5 items, “laundry” (hazard ratio [HR] =2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-5.8), “cooking” (HR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.1-12.2), “telephone use” (HR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-4.7), “financial management” (HR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2-5.0), and “medication management” (HR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-4.8), was independently associated with a worse outcome among men, whereas dependence on “financial management” (HR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5-4.7) and “medication management” (HR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.5) was independently associated with a worse outcome among women. These findings suggest that difficulties in “financial management” and “medication management” are common factors associated with health deterioration from the support to the care level among both genders. An association with household tasks was also seen among men, indicating that a paradigm shift is needed to increase the participation of men in household tasks.

Evaluation of China's long-term care insurance policies.

In response to the increasing demand for long-term care services for older people, the Chinese government has launched a pilot program for long-term care insurance (LTCI) since 2016. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of this program in China and provide recommendations for the future development and expansion of the LTCI system. We developed a comprehensive evaluation framework to assess these LTCI policies implemented in all 49 pilot cities in China. Based on our evaluation, the average assessment score for the LTCI program across all pilot cities was 71.8 points, with scores ranging from 57.5 to 92.5 points in these cities. Furthermore, most of the pilot cities achieved higher scores in the fact-based assessment compared to the value-based assessment. The results suggested that the overall pilot effect regarding LTCI was favorable, but there were significant regional disparities. Moreover, in most of pilot cities, current LTCI policies were designed to alleviate both the financial burden and the burden of caring for people with disabilities that families faced. However, some challenges still remained, such as the lack of community and home-based care services, the need to expand the coverage of insurance, and the importance of diversifying funding sources.

The impact of reducing formal care benefits on caregivers’ well-being: evidence from Japan

AbstractThis study examines the impact of reducing formal care benefits on the well-being of informal caregivers, contributing to the ongoing discourse about establishing sustainable and adequate levels of formal care. We utilize a reform introduced in Japan’s public long-term care insurance system, which curtailed formal care benefits for a group of recipients with low care needs. Employing a difference-in-difference approach with fixed effects on a nationally representative sample of coresident informal caregivers, we explore both the overall and temporal effects of this reform. Our findings reveal that the reform had an adverse impact on caregivers’ physical well-being, leading to diminished mobility and stability. The impact on caregivers’ mental well-being was less clear, reflecting a competing influence of stress and the psychological rewards associated with caregiving. The decline in physical well-being endured over time, while the effects on mental well-being were transient. Additionally, female caregivers exhibited greater vulnerability compared to their male counterparts, experiencing more significant deterioration in both physical and mental well-being. Alarmingly, the reform also negatively influenced the well-being of care recipients, suggesting that reducing formal care benefits does not yield positive outcomes for either caregivers or recipients. This study underscores the necessity of accounting for caregivers’ well-being when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of reducing formal care benefits and advocates for policies aimed at safeguarding female caregivers from health and financial challenges.

Development of a weighted scoring model for social activities to predict disability incidents among older Japanese adults

BackgroundSocial activities contribute to health improvements in older adults, but methods for evaluating these activities are not yet established. We developed a scoring model for social activity, weighted by specific activities, to assess the association between disability incidence in older adults and social activities. MethodsData were obtained from Japan's National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Study of Geriatric Syndromes (NCGG-SGS). Social activity was evaluated across 16 domains. Disability was determined using data extracted from Japan's long-term care insurance system. ResultsData from 4998 older adults were analyzed; among them, 422 (8.4 %) developed a disability within 35 months (Interquartile range: 32-39). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess 16 domains of social activity. The results yielded risk factors for disability incidence in six social activity domains: work, travel, hobbies, babysitting, family caregiving, and events. The coefficients for these activities were assigned weights of 3, 3, 2, 1, 1, and 1, respectively. The weighted social activity scoring model significantly improved the ability to predict disability incidence when the number of social activities in which individuals participated was considered (social activity score: area under the curve [AUC] 0.691, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.664–0.717; number of social activities: AUC 0.681, 95 % CI 0.654–0.707, P = 0.042). ConclusionsThe composite score derived from the weighted social activity scoring model serves as a valuable tool due to its enhanced predictability, which complements established background factors associated with the incidence of disability in older adults.

Comparison survey on family caregivers of older persons in Japan and Thailand.

While rapid population ageing is occurring worldwide, its speed is especially prominent in Asian countries. In Asia, cultural diversity might significantly affect care burden; however, few studies have investigated the differences in care burden, and mental, physical and social conditions among Asian countries. This study aimed to clarify the situations of and differences in family caregivers (FCs) of older persons in Japan and Thailand, and evaluate the factors associated with care burden in both countries. A cross-national survey of 217 in-home FCs was conducted in Japan and Thailand and mainly included items regarding care burden and psychosocial conditions. Differences between the two countries were obtained, and the factors associated with care burden were analysed by multiple regression analyses. The FCs' and care receivers' mean ages (64.8 ± 11.1 and 84.8 ± 8.6 years, respectively) in Japan were significantly higher than the mean ages (49.1 ± 13.3 and 77.1 ± 9.5 years) in Thailand. In Japan, FCs had more severe care burden, loneliness, and stress compared to those in Thailand. In Thailand, FCs had more social connections and informal support than those in Japan. The factors associated with care burden were different in each country; thus, severe stress, low emotional care preparation, and low willingness to continue care at home were significantly associated with severe care burden in Japan, whereas poor relationships with care receivers, few social connections, low confidence in providing care, low emotional care preparation, and lack of informal support were significantly associated with severe care burden in Thailand. Despite there being a long-term care insurance system in Japan, which is absent in Thailand, care burden and psychosocial conditions of FCs might be worse in Japan. There was a clear difference in the factors associated with care burden between Japan and Thailand.

The impact of long-term care insurance pilot on the mental health of older adults: Quasi-experimental evidence from China

The Chinese government launched pilot programs for a long-term care insurance system in response to the ongoing increase in the aging population. This study uses the difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyze the impact of long-term care insurance on older adults' mental health based on China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) four-period panel data from 2011 to 2018. This study found that long-term care insurance reduced Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores among older adults by 1.059 points. Moreover, there was an improvement of 0.181 and 0.870 points in mental status and scenario memory scores, respectively. The impact of the long-term care insurance pilot program on improving the mental health of older adults was more pronounced, especially for those with chronic diseases or disabilities as well as those living in rural and western regions. This study also revealed that long-term care insurance enhances mental health by reducing medical expenses and increasing daily companionship and social interaction. Therefore, a pilot study of long-term care insurance showed a significant improvement in the mental health of older adults. To provide a comprehensive care service system for older adults, the government should expand the scope of the pilot program and increase the accessibility of mental health services for older adults.

Sleep duration, its change, and risk of dementia among Japanese: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study

ObjectivePrevious findings on the association between sleep duration, changes in sleep duration, and long-term dementia risk were mixed. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between midlife sleep duration, its change, and dementia. MethodsWe recruited 41,731 Japanese (40–71 years) and documented their habitual sleep duration at baseline (1990–1994) and a 5-year follow-up survey. Changes in sleep duration were calculated as differences between baseline and 5-year measurements. We identified dementia using the Long-Term Care Insurance system (2007–2016). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of dementia were calculated using the area-stratified Cox model. ResultsDuring 360,389 person-years, 4621 participants exhibited dementia. The multivariable HRs of dementia compared with 7 h of sleep were 1.13 (95% CI: 0.98–1.30) for 3–5 h, 0.93 (0.85–1.02) for 6 h, 1.06 (0.99–1.14) for 8 h, 1.13 (1.01–1.27) for 9 h, and 1.40 (1.21–1.63) for 10–12 h with a J-shaped fashion (p for linear < 0.001 and quadratic < 0.001). For its change, the HRs compared with no change were 1.02 (0.90–1.16) for decreased ≥2 h, 0.95 (0.88–1.03) for decreased 1 h, 1.00 (0.91–1.09) for increased 1 h, and 1.37 (1.20–1.58) for increased ≥2 h. The positive association for decreased sleep duration was observed in individuals with an initial sleep duration of ≤7 h, but not in those with ≥8 h (p for interaction = 0.007). ConclusionsLong and increased sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of dementia.

Impact of Japan’s Aging Population on Healthcare Costs and the Long-Term Care Insurance System

Japan’s demographic landscape is rapidly changing, leading to an unprecedented increase in the aging population. This demographic shift presents significant challenges for the healthcare system, particularly in escalating healthcare costs and the sustainability of the Long-term Care Insurance (LTCI) system. This paper examines the impact of these demographic changes on healthcare costs and evaluates the current LTCI system’s ability to meet the increasing demand for elderly care services. Through a thorough review of existing literature, demographic data analysis, and policy evaluation, this study proposes strategic recommendations to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of Japan’s healthcare system in the face of an aging society.

Impact of LTCI on Degree of Life Satisfaction and Psychological Blessedness of the Elderly Population: An Empirical Analysis of Psychological Mechanisms and Moderating Effects

Objectives: In order to keep a proactive watch on the economic aspect of old age care, the Chinese government strives not only to build the sense of life satisfaction and blessedness in families, but also ensure social development through social support mechanisms, including the Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) plan. This study examines the impact of LTCI on the degree of life satisfaction and psychological blessedness of the old and further investigates the psychological mechanisms and moderating factors involved. Methods: In order to use authentic data related to coping measures for population aging, the CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) database was chosen to examine the impact of the LTCI system. Results: The study results found that LTCI significantly improved the degree of life satisfaction of middle-aged and older people. The effect was found to be heterogeneous at the level of gender, marital status, and the number of children through heterogeneity analysis. The results revealed that LTCI had a significant improvement effect on the degree of life satisfaction of middle-aged and older adults, particularly of the male population, in variables such as marital status, having fewer children, increased intergenerational financial support, all of which wove a mechanism showing how LTCI made an improvement effect on the degree of life satisfaction of middle-aged and older people. Conclusion: These results are of great significance in promoting the formulation and implementation of LTCI policies. It provides useful insights to the government, social organizations, and individuals with a scientific basis for the impact of LTCI on the mental health of the old. It also provides a valuable reference for improving the quality of life and blessedness of the elderly population.

Patterns of long-term care service use and multimorbidity in older Japanese adults: A cross-sectional study of claim data.

The long-term care (LTC) insurance system provides a combination of several services in Japan; therefore, it is important to clarify service utilization. Furthermore, it is important to consider multimorbidity among older adults, who frequently present several diseases. This study aimed to clarify LTC service utilization patterns, including those for newly added multifunctional services, and to describe the basic characteristics, including multimorbidity, of these patterns. We included 37 419 older adults in care need levels 1-5, living at home, who used LTC services in October 2017. We used LTC and medical claims data that were linked using unique identifiers from the National Health Insurance, Advanced Elderly Medical Insurance, and LTC Insurance of Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. LTC service utilization patterns were identified using cluster analysis based on service fees. Multimorbidity was analyzed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and compared characteristics in these patterns. Six LTC service utilization patterns were identified: light use (51.0%), intensive use of day care (33.7%), intensive use of short stay (6.3%), intensive use of home help (5.1%), multifunctional LTC in small-group homes (MLS) use (3.7%), and MLS and home-visiting nurses (MLSH) use (0.2%). MLSH use had the highest CCI (3.6 ± 2.3). Intensive use of day care and short stay had the lowest CCI (2.6 ± 1.9). The characteristics of multimorbidity differed by LTC service utilization patterns. Our findings are useful for considering service utilization that takes into account the characteristics of older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 283-289.

Do older adults with disability face home care poverty? Evidence from China

ABSTRACT Home care poverty is the inability of older people to access adequate home care services and their unmet needs for home care. With the increasing number of older adults (60 years old and above) with disability in China, the Chinese government pays more and more attention to home care. In this case, it is of great significance to explore whether older adults with the disability face home care poverty and its influencing factors. The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data in 2018 were utilized. SPSS 22.0 was used as a data analysis tool to conduct descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis on the sample (n = 1932). The study found that in 2018, 48.0% of older adults with disability faced home care poverty. Multiple logistic regression results showed that degree of disability, age, rural and non-eastern regions, income poverty, family caregiver, and reluctant caregivers were positive factors that increased the risk of home care poverty in disabled older adults (p < .05). But care duration, care expenditure, social pensions insurance, community daily life care and community medical services are the positive factors to eliminate the home care poverty for older adults with disability (p < .05). In order to solve the problem of home care poverty of older adults with disability, based on the research conclusions, the study proposed to establish a long-term care insurance system, formulate supportive policies for family caregivers or their families, and establish a wide variety of community care services.

Changes in dementia treatment patterns associated with changes in the National Policy in South Korea among patients with newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease between 2011 and 2017: results from the multicenter, retrospective CAPTAIN study

BackgroundThe South Korean government has been actively involved in plans to combat dementia, implementing a series of national strategies and plans since 2008. In July 2014, eligibility for mandatory long-term care insurance (LTCI) was extended to people with dementia enabling access to appropriate long-term care including the cognitive function training program and home nursing service. This study aimed to investigate changes in treatment patterns for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) between July 2011 and June 2017 which spanned the 2014 revision.MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective, observational study of patients with newly diagnosed AD analyzed electronic medical records from 17 general hospitals across South Korea. Based on their time of AD diagnosis, subjects were categorized into Cohort 1 (1 July 2011 to 30 June 2014) and Cohort 2 (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2017).ResultsSubjects (N=3,997) divided into Cohorts 1 (n=1,998) and 2 (n=1,999), were mostly female (66.4%) with a mean age of 84.4 years. Cohort 1 subjects were significantly older (P<0.0001) and had a lower number of comorbidities (P=0.002) compared with Cohort 2. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in Cohorts 1 and 2 at the time of AD diagnosis or start of initial treatment were 16.9 and 17.1, respectively (P=0.2790). At 1 year, mean MMSE scores in Cohorts 1 and 2 increased to 17.9 and 17.4, respectively (P=0.1524). Donepezil was the most frequently administered medication overall (75.0%), with comparable rates between cohorts. Rates of medication persistence were ≥98% for acetylcholinesterase inhibitor or memantine therapy. Discontinuation and switch treatment rates were significantly lower (49.7% vs. 58.0%; P<0.0001), and mean duration of initial treatment significantly longer, in Cohort 2 vs. 1 (349.3 vs. 300.2 days; P<0.0001).ConclusionsComparison of cohorts before and after revision of the national LTCI system for dementia patients found no significant difference in mean MMSE scores at the time of AD diagnosis or start of initial treatment. The reduction in the proportion of patients who discontinued or changed their initial treatment, and the significant increase in mean duration of treatment, were observed following revision of the LTCI policy which enabled increased patient access to long-term care.

Services in public long-term care insurance in Japan.

In Japan, a public long-term care insurance system was launched in 2000. Residents can receive long-term care according to their care needs, as determined by a nationally standardized certification system. The present report describes the details of the long-term care services covered by public insurance. The Long-Term Care Insurance Act categorizes services into three major types: in-home, nursing-home, and community-based long-term care services. In-home care services include visiting, commuting, short-stay, and other services. Welfare, health, and medical facilities provide nursing-home care services for the elderly. Community-based care services were categorized into visiting, commuting, nursing-home, and composite services.

Long-term care insurance facilitating integrated care: the "whole-person, full-responsibility" system in Qingdao City of China

Introduction: The ageing of China has brought the burden of long-term care, and some local areas started the piloting of long-term care insurance (LTCI). In response to its rapid ageing situation, Qingdao was the first city in China to establish LTCI, and it became a national pilot city in 2016. Qingdao has explored an integrated LTCI system, featuring "whole-person, full-responsibility", which promotes the integration of health and long-term care service delivery.&#x0D; Short description of practice change implemented: LTCI in Qingdao is financed through a variety of channels, including the reallocation of medical insurance funds, government financial subsidies and premiums. The scope of LTCI coverage is centred on people’s needs and facilitate the provision of integrated services, including medical care, nursing care, living care, functional maintenance and spiritual comfort services. It meets the complex care needs of people with long-term disabilities, reduces the use of hospital beds, and promotes the development of the care service market.&#x0D; Targeted population and stakeholders: The targeted population is the LTCI participants in Qingdao, especially the severely disabled and dementia population. Stakeholders include medical insurance agencies, medical institutions, long-term and elderly care facilities, families, etc.&#x0D; Timeline: Qingdao has been exploring the construction of LTCI since 2012, and in 2018 it introduced the concept of ""whole-person, full-responsibility"" as a new insurance model.&#x0D; Highlights: Qingdao has innovatively established a ""whole-person, full-responsibility"" integrated insurance model facilitating the combination of medical, ageing, nursing, rehabilitation and prevention services. The core is a person-centred, integrated approach to care needs, with the same designated care provider taking full responsibility for providing the integrated services.&#x0D; The care includes ""special care"", "" institutional care"", ""home care"" and ""ambulatory care"", covering longer-term hospitalization, institutional care and home care.&#x0D; People with dementia were also reimbursed for dementia care. In addition, the Dementia Prevention Fund has been established to promote the prevention of dementia.&#x0D; Sustainability and transfer-ability: The establishment of LTCI in Qingdao has effectively reduced the use of hospital beds, reduced the burden of medical insurance funds and promoted the development of the service market. It has been scaled up to the whole province of Shandong and became a national model for LCTI with potential of large scale duplication. But the scheme still faces funding pressure as its expansion of benefits.&#x0D; Conclusion: LTCI in Qingdao is based on the concept of ""whole-person, full-responsibility"", taking into account the care needs of people in a holistic manner, which addresses the care integration for long-term disabled and dementia population. It also promoted the development and capacity building of providers and reduced the burden of medical system, resulting in a win-win situation for all parties. It provided a model for China to explore the LTCI system and integrated care for the elderly.&#x0D; Discussion: To promote the sustainable development of Qingdao's LTCI system as well as the national LTCI system, issues should be considered in the next step including the sustainable fund raising through diversified channels, the supervision of service quality, training of professionals and workforce, and priority given to disability prevention.

DEMENTIA PREVENTION: THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF PREVENTION SERVICES IN JAPANESE LONG-TERM CARE SYSTEM

Abstract Objectives To analyze the cost-effectiveness of prevention services (Named “Support” in Japanese official documents) in Japanese Long-Term Care Insurance system, which draws data from a large volume of 10-year database in Osaka Prefecture. Design: We design an approach to estimate cost-effective prices using aggregate data including costs of dementia in 10 years, time of dementia first diagnosed, changes of care levels, and quality of life. Measurements: The outcomes were average annual expenditure per unit of services. Results In higher risk groups of dementia, prevention services delaying cognitive decline and enhancing quality of life were cost effective at $206 per individual. However, this cost-effectiveness will wear off as symptoms worsen and the care levels increase. Conclusion Prevention services from Long-Term Care Insurance system are possibly to be cost-effective, but this cost benefit is not long-term .

GROWING OLD IN CHINA: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PILOT STUDIES

Abstract Between 1970 and 2020, there was a three-fold increase in China’s ≥65 population, compared to less than a doubling in UK. This rapid-ageing demographic has led to a rise in age-related disabilities. At the same time, internal migration and declining fertility have shaken traditional models of care. An important policy response is to pilot differing long-term care insurance (LTCI) systems, with the aim of establishing equitable care for all. Strengths and limitations of the first set of pilot studies have been identified. In 2020, a second set of 34 pilot studies was introduced. Following PRISMA guidelines, we undertook a systematic review of literature published since introduction of the second pilot phase, to answer the question: ‘what are the key challenges to China achieving an equitable nationwide long-term care system for older people?’. Records were eligible for inclusion if published between June 2020 and June 2022 in Mandarin or English. 42 studies (n=16 Mandarin) were included. Four themes emerged: poor quality of service provision, widespread preference for family care, inequitable distribution of cost burden, and varying LTCI eligibility. Key recommendations included increasing salaries to attract and retain staff, mandatory financial contributions from employees and a unified standard of disability with regular assessment. Strengthening support for family caregivers and improving smart care capacity can support preferences to age at home. Our systematic review highlighted significant challenges in provision of equitable care which suits preferences of its users. China’s LTCI pilots will provide useful lessons for other middle-income countries with rapidly ageing populations.