Despite a persistent economic downturn, Japan, as the country with the world’s oldest population, set out in 2000 to establish an entirely new approach to social care.
Part-social insurance model, part-general taxation model, the Japanese system has grappled with the series of questions facing the social care sector here: what should the state offer; who should be eligible; and how should it be funded?
Our event shared learning on:
- How Japan was able to gain public support for funding reform;
- While England tries to develop a balance of service integration with provider competition, we asked how Japan created a vibrant provider market for community-based care;
- How has Japan been able to incorporate small single-service organisations to large 'integrated delivery systems' which provide a comprehensive range of health and long term care insurance services?
Delegates had the opportunity to discuss the Japanese experience of health care reform, care for frail and/or vulnerable older people, and the latest thinking on the progress towards funding reform and integration in England.