232 nursing homes are voluntarily closed in 7 prefectures

232 nursing homes are voluntarily closed in 7 prefectures May worry about nursing collapse 19:58 on April 13

Interviews with local governments revealed that at least 232 nursing care services have been voluntarily closed in seven prefectures where the government declared emergency in the wake of the new coronavirus. Experts have pointed out that if the business is not supported, there is a concern that even nursing care may collapse.

Of nursing homes, nursing homes and other nursing homes are not subject to the leave of absence that has been declared an emergency, but only short-term such as day service facilities that can be requested by the governor and day services. Regarding the facilities to enter, all seven prefectures plan to continue the service.

However, when NHK interviewed local governments in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka where emergency declarations based on the law were issued, at least 232 nursing care facilities were closed. I understand that there is.

Of these, Tokyo was the largest with 75 cases, followed by Osaka with 41 and Chiba with 38.

By type, most of the facilities are day services and other types of outpatient-type facilities, including short-term admissions and home care facilities.

The main reasons for voluntary leave were local outbreaks and lack of hygiene products such as masks and disinfectants.

In areas where emergency declarations have been issued, local governments have asked nursing care providers to provide alternative services, such as on-site nursing care, if necessary. The occurrence of a cluster of infected people, called a cluster, has been confirmed on site, and the issue is how to care for elderly people who can no longer go to nursing homes.

Associate Professor Tatsuaki Takano of Toyo University, who is well-versed in nursing care for the elderly, says, "In many areas, it is not always possible to secure alternative services immediately after leave of absence. It is necessary for the operating corporations to cooperate beyond the framework of the organization, and without the support of business sites, there is a concern that even nursing care may collapse. "