Surge in Bankruptcies in Japanese Eldercare Sector Hits All-Time High

The number of bankruptcies in the caregiving industry in Japan has reached an all-time high, as numerous businesses struggle to meet the rising demand for elderly care amidst a rapidly aging population. The increase in insolvencies is primarily due to financial challenges faced by these companies, alongside pressures resulting from COVID-19. This concerning trend could risk the availability and quality of care at a time when Japan's elderly population is in greater need of caregiving services.

In Japan, the rapid aging of the population has resulted in a strong demand for elderly care services. Businesses in the caregiving sector are under immense pressure to provide quality and affordable services while dealing with increasing costs. Bankruptcies in this sector are a significant concern for the public due to potential disruptions in care provision for the country's sizable aging population.

In the US or EU, elder caregiving also presents significant challenges, but solutions such as increased government investment, insurance systems, and a combination of private and public facilities are being explored. Unlike in Japan, where a majority of the caregiving businesses are private, the government plays a crucial role in these regions.

Information for Your Country

Research care provision services or eldercare policies in your own country. Learning from Japan's challenges could stimulate conversation about how to better support this critical industry. For example, check out how Australia's Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is reshaping their eldercare system.