Senior Citizen Management in Japan and Prospects for Nepali Caregivers
Buddhi Narayan Shrestha
Introduction
Nepal-Japan diplomatic relation was established on September 1, 1956. Notes agreeing to establish diplomatic relations between two countries at the Ambassadorial level were exchanged on September 1, 1956, in New Delhi between Mr. Bharat Raj Rajbhandari, Charge d’ Affairs a.i. of Nepal to India, and H. E. Seijiro Yoshizawa, Ambassador of Japan to India. Since then formal diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan have always been co-operative and friendly. Both countries are keen to further develop the friendly relations for mutual respect as well as peace and prosperity. Japan is the 7th among 181 countries in the world that Nepal has established a diplomatic relation.
Relation between two countries have been marked by good will, understanding and co-operation. Japan has been providing assistance for the implementation of various development projects. There are so many JICA funding projects in Nepal. Most of them have been completed. Some are going on without any obstruction and the others are in pipe line. This is a good example of the relation between Nepal and Japan.
The Nepal-Japan relation, based on mutual trust is very cordial. Japan’s government is ahead for its continuous support of Nepal’s social and economic development endeavors. Japan, which is Nepal’s reliable and major donor partner, has achieved tremendous development in science and technology and has an impressive record in economic development sector. Japan’s assistance to infrastructure development, modernization of agro-sector, human resource development, air safety, school reform sector and other socio-economic development programs in Nepal are always commendable.
It is to be noted that people-to-people contact as friendship was started when Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese Buddhist monk visited Nepal in 1899; and a group of eight Nepali students went to Japan in 1902 for higher studies. Now the relation is becoming closer and strengthened year after year not only at the government to government level but also in the level of general people.
On the people-to-people relations, Japan Overseas Co-operation Volunteers (JOCV) are working in different districts of Nepal. They stay among the community people mostly speaking the local Nepali language. The first batch of JICA volunteers was dispatched to Nepal during September 1970. As of June 2021, a total of 1436 volunteers have worked in Nepal. They are providing their rich experiences at the grass-root level for Nepal’s nation-building endeavor through the ‘Learning by Doing’ approach. They are working and teaching practically and transferring knowledge and skills to the Nepalis in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, forestry, community development, youth social activities, civil engineering, environment protection, sanitation, health, education and culture.[i] A total of 1,437 JOCVs worked in various districts of Nepal till this year.
Japan opened up its labour market to Nepalese as specified skilled workers in March 2019 after the two countries signed a memorandum of cooperation to send Nepali workers with the status of residence. A number of Nepali youths are working in Japan in the sector of hotel management, agriculture, beverage, and the food service industry, nursing care and also as restaurant workers, domestic workers, and above all caregivers to the Japanese senior citizens. Such engagement of youth is due to the people-level relations between the two countries. Moreover, there is the prospect to Nepali caregivers in Japan as workers for the services of Japanese senior citizens.
Senior Citizen
A senior citizen defined by the United Nations is an older person who is over 60 years of age. Some countries have accepted the chronological age of 65 as a definition of ‘elderly or aged or older person’ especially one who is retired from work. But this does not adapt well across different countries. Citing the United Nations Population Division, the World Economic Forum has mentioned that the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to double over the next three decades, reaching 1.6 billion in 2050. Old age ideally represents a time of relaxation of social obligations, assisting with the family farm or business without carrying the main responsibility, socializing, and receiving respectful care from family and esteemed caregivers from the community.
So far as the senior citizens of some of the countries is concerned, proportion stands Japan has 29 percent of the total population as the first rank in the world and Italy 23, Finland, Portugal, and Greece have 22 percent of the total population ranking second and third respectively.
In Nepal, according to the Senior Citizens Act, of 2006, a Senior Citizen implies a citizen of Nepal having completed the age of 60 years. Senior citizens symbolize the enhancement of trust, respect, and good faith towards them by utilizing their knowledge, skills, capability, and experiences inherent in them. A number of senior citizens in Nepal, over 60 years of age, is 2 million, almost 9 percent of the country’s total population of around 30 million. The proportion of older people is expected to double to 19 percent in 2050 with 36 million people aged over 60.[i]
Senior Citizen Day
Senior Citizen Day is observed on different dates in various countries. The United Nations observes the Senior Citizens’ Day on 1st October every year, as the International Day of Older People. On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1st as the International Day of Older People. The holiday was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991 in different countries in the world including Nepal. The day was celebrated to recognize the issues that an elderly individual faces in old age.
Apart from the Senior Citizens’ Day, the World Senior Citizen’s Day is celebrated on the 21st of August each year. The history of the World Senior Citizen’s Day dates back to 1988. It was officially founded by the former President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan. He signed on August 19, 1988, the promulgation, which appeared on 21 August as the National Day of the Third Age. Ronald Reagan was the first to announce the first National Day of the Third Age.[ii]
The day is intended to increase awareness of the factors and issues that affect older citizens, such as health deterioration and elder abuse. It is also a day to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of older people to society. The day provides an opportunity to show appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they gave throughout their lives.
Senior citizens are the pioneers of science, medicine, psychology, civil rights and so much more. Their valuable contributions to the communities create better places to live. They deserve respect and dignity for their achievements earned by them. The day encourages supporting senior citizens to live their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible.
In Japan, senior citizens day is annually observed on the third Monday in September every year, usually 18th of September. Japan is known to be the country of long-living people. Elderly people are respected there and they even have their public holiday, which is known as Respect for the Aged Day.
In Nepal, the National Senior Citizens Day is observed on 1st October every year, at the call of the United Nations as the International Day of Older Persons. It is celebrated in commemoration of the day when the state started distributing social security allowance to senior citizens. The Nepal government started distributing social security allowance to senior citizens on 26 December 1994.
Caregivers
A caregiver is someone who regularly looks after people who struggle in daily activities, such as a child, the elderly, the disabled, or sick people. Caregivers can be family members, friends, neighbors, or paid professionals. The caregiver is a non-medical professional who assists an elderly person in a way that allows them to live independently or in their own home as far as possible. A caregiver’s main goal is to allow an elderly person to ‘age in place’ safely and with a sense of independence.
The duties of a caretaker range from assisting with hygiene to meal preparation, and daily living tasks that an elder needs which the caregiver can provide his best and efficient services. A caregiver is there to ensure that the senior or older person is safe while moving around their home or even outside, helping them avoid injury. These caregivers can also help to move those who are less mobile, such as assisting someone with moving from a wheelchair to the toilet. A personal caregiver can assist with meal preparation, ensuring that the food the older person eats is nutritious and healthy and that sticks to a diet recommended by a doctor.
A caregiver also offers basic cleaning and repair skills. They help to wash the dishes, unclog toilets, dust, and do the laundry. One of the other important roles a caregiver serves is as a companion. Caregivers should offer friendly conversation and can help him do the things he loves, He may take seniors to social events, and doctor appointments or run errands, such as shopping for groceries. It means that seniors can more fully enjoy their lives while living at home with the caretakers.
In short, the duties and responsibilities of a caregiver are the following:
- Grocery shopping and cooking food.
- Feeding and helping the patients to take medicine.
- Assisting patients with personal hygiene (bathing, showering, toileting, cleaning etc.).
- Assisting patients with physical therapy exercises
- Medication management with monitoring patient’s medical charts and health condition.
- Reporting incidents and scheduling appointments.
- Helping patients for mobility with transportation.
- Doing light household chores.
- Being a pleasant companionship, grooming and skill in advocacy.
- Senior Citizen Management in Japan
As mentioned before, Japan consistently has the oldest population in the world with significantly more people over the age of 65. According to the latest national data, more than one in ten people in Japan are now aged 80 or older. The country consistently rates as having the world’s oldest population. Almost a third of its population is over 65. Japan is getting ever greyer. And there are more people than ever blowing out 100 birthday candles.
National data also shows of the 125 million population is aged 65 or older that proportion stands at 29 percent in Japan. The United Nations says Japan has the world’s oldest population, measured by the proportion of people aged 65 or above.At the same time,Japan has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and has long struggled with how to manage its ageing senior citizen population.
Japan is aging faster than any other country in the world. The national pension system is under immense pressure to sustain a growing number of elderly, while the number of people contributing to the system dwindles. As of 2020, the number of Japanese over 65 years reached a record high of 36 million, or 29 percent of the total population of 125 million. According to Japan National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, this figure is twice as high as it was 25 years ago, and it’s expected to increase to 35 percent by 2040. It boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with women at 87 years and men at 81.[iii] In principle, the retirement age is 65, but the employment rate among Japanese seniors is the second highest in the world, behind only South Korea.
Japan is currently facing a significant challenge with its growing elderly population and declining childbirth rates. This demographic shift has led to the decline of extended families, resulting in a demand for caretakers in the Japanese market. A team of Japanese experts recently discussed the shortage of human resources and the increasing elderly population, highlighting the opportunities for some countries of south-east and south Asian nationals including Nepalis to address the human resource crisis in Japan.
There are no extended families in Japan anymore, and the childbirth rate is very low. Japan is experiencing a lacking to take care of the elderly population. With the decreasing childbirth in the country, the population has decreased in Japan. Currently, there are 5 million households in Japan, and about 20 percent of them are families of the elderly population. Unfortunately, the Japanese tradition of extended families has now ended, and the active working population is becoming low.
For elderly patients, medical doctors often recommend physiotherapy treatments in hospitals. However, some patients prefer to stay at home, and they cannot be left alone without proper care. This has created a significant need for caretakers to assist these patients in their daily activities. Against this backdrop, it needs efficient management of senior citizens in Japan.
Demand for Caregivers
Japan government had decided to recruit workers from various Asian countries such as Nepal, China, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam after it experienced a shortfall in labour supply. According to the reports, Japan plans to employ 345,000 foreign workers in its 14 industrial areas.
As Japanese grow older, caregivers are becoming an increasingly fundamental part of the family system. Caregivers help them adjust to the challenges and limitations that accompany the aging process. Caregivers help seniors to cope with the challenges of aging. They provide seniors with the physical and emotional support they need in order to live safely and comfortably. Working day-to-day with their clients, caregiver is an indispensable link in a chain connecting seniors to healthcare organizations and the wider community.
The impact of caregivers is far-reaching, and often transformative to the lives of those in their care. For patients recovering from illness or accident, the presence of a caregiver can help them regain their strength and vigor in an astoundingly short period of time, enabling them to live independently on their own terms.
Caretakers offer seniors regular companionship as well. Many seniors live alone and can go for days without talking to anyone. The loneliness that they experience can have serious health consequences. This can range from a risk of depression, dementia, and anxiety to a wide range of physical ailments. Loneliness has been shown to shorten a person’s lifespan.
Having a caregiver come to visit each day has a remarkably positive impact on seniors. Companionship enriches a person’s life, keeping their minds sharp and their hearts full. Even something simple as a casual conversation or playing a card game affords seniors a sense of belonging. This can help them to live happier, longer lives, and be more independent. In this perspective, Ichiro Kiryu, CEO of Human-I, a placement company in Japan said ‘Demand for caregivers is high globally, Japan alone will require 700,000 caregivers by 2028’.[iv]
Requisite to be a caregiver
A caregiver should be 18 years old or older. He has to pass the test and interview as enunciated by the Japanese skill minimum JLPT N4 (equivalent to J.TEST of Practical Japanese level E or Japanese Language NAT-TEST level 4). Presently, citizens of partner countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan, Peru, The Philippines, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam) are the caregivers in Japan.
To apply for the visa in Japan under this scheme, one must pass the Japanese language test. The test can be taken after completing three months of language classes at any recognized language institution in Nepal. Anyone willing to apply for the caretaker position, can sit for the test, which includes fundamental questions about caretaking. The application process is free of cost, and the air ticket will also be provided without any charge. Once selected, he can work in Japan for eight hours per day and earn almost NRs 2 Lakh per month, along with access to insurance facilities. Japan offers a minimum of a five-year contract, and the visa should be renewed every year. Also, the applicants can take a certificate within five years of their tenure and then apply for permanent residence in Japan.
Learning the Japanese language is the first thing one needs to work in Japan. Most people go to Japanese language school before they start work in Japan. Language schools offer a variety of courses, differing in length and purpose. They usually educate not only Japanese language but also Japanese culture, customs, and professional ethics.[v]
Nurses could be the caregivers in Japan. They need to clear an examination in Japan to become certified nurses. Those who happen to be licensed nurses in their country can get as much as NRs. 225,000 per month as basic salary, depending on the company. The workers are also provided with a bonus twice a year, besides an allowance from the government and pay rise every year. After working for three years and a six-month long training, the caregiver can sit for an examination to become certified nurses. The company bears the cost for workers to appear in such examinations.
According to Ichiro Kiryu, chief executive officer at Human-I, a placement company in Japan, the specified skilled workers can work in Japan for as long as five years. The Japanese authorities plan to allow the caregivers to apply for permanent residency in the country after working for five years and becoming certified nurses,[vi]
Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has given the responsibility to JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) since 2010 AD to conduct the Japanese Language and Culture Test Examination to the trainees/participants of Japan International Training Co-operation Organization (JITCO), before sending them to Japan through different manpower agencies. Only those trainees who succeed in this examination are allowed to go and work in Japan. This is a great recognition of the Government of Nepal to JAAN for assigning this important responsibility to the JAAN. From February 2022 to January 2023, the JAAN took the examination 77 times for more than 1,200 participants attended from various companies and agencies.
Salary of caregivers
Caregivers typically get JPY 120,000 to JPY 185,000 monthly, depending on his or her qualifications, company, and location. Caregivers with Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) receive the lowest salary as they usually have little experience and no certificates.
The salary can differ each month. A caregiver’s salary consists of the basic wage, night shift, overtime, monthly bonus, transportation fee, and other additions. They will receive much higher pay if they work the night shift often. Just like any other job, caregivers also receive yearly salary rise. Getting the Certified Caregiver License will increase the salary too. Some companies provide learning allowances and improvement allowances for caregivers as well.
Caregivers to Japan from Nepal
Japan, renowned for its high elderly population, is eying to employ Nepali workers to fill the labour shortage in the caregiving sector. Makoto Ishii, president and Chief Executive Officer at Nihon Care Quality, which runs 18 group homes and two private retirement homes, said that over the years, the number of youths interested in working in the caregiving sector has declined in Japan. So it needs to hire caregivers from friendly countries. Nepal is a prominent country among others especially for the service of caregivers, though Japan has been expected to recruit Nepalis in 14 sectors, including caregivers.
There were 97,109 Nepali citizens living in Japan in all sectors by the end of 2021, making up the sixth-largest foreign resident group after those from China, Vietnam, South Korea, the Philippines and Brazil, according to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. With a 1.2% year-on-year increase, the Nepalese group was only one among the top 10 that posted a rise amid the COVID pandemic.
Due to these factors, there has been a wide demand for caretakers in Japan. Having observed the qualities of Nepali caregivers, one can say that Nepalis are smart, dedicated, and honest in their work. Because of these attributes, Japan has been actively seeking to recruit Nepali caregivers in their care taking institutions including health and nursing services.
Japanese elder people prefer Nepalis because Nepali caretakers are honest and simple, so there is a demand for Nepali human resources in Japan. It is noticed that Nepalis are close to the pronunciation of the Japanese language, which is crucial for effective communication in elderly care. Nepalis are smart in developing these communication skills.
Nepalis have demonstrated better skills, and they are easy to teach. Once they receive proper training, it significantly make easy their work and enhances their abilities. With their inherent skills and the added benefits of training, Japanese have full confidence that Nepali caregivers can excel in their roles and achieve remarkable outcomes. Number of Nepalis working in social caregiver and nursing services in Japan has been estimated as 813 in 2021.
Conclusion
Number of aging citizens are increasing year after year in Japan. On the other side of the coin, the birth rate is decreasing simultaneously. At the same time, the traditional extended family system is declining. Japanese young boys want to be separated from their parents after marriage. They prefer their independent life. They don’t prefer to take care of their elderly parents and old grand-parents, because they have to work and look after their children. So there is a shortage of care takers for the elderly people. In this scenario, it’s becoming a problem for the management of senior citizens’ daily lives. To avoid this type of hindrance, Japan is compelled to hire caregivers from friendly countries to take care of their senior citizens.
Japanese senior citizens or elderly people prefer Nepali caregivers and nurses. It is a prospect for the Nepali workers in Japan. Nepalis are known to be sober, gentle, dutiful and obedient by nature.Thus it isa great prospects to Nepali workers to provide the services for the elderly people of Japan. However, at the same time, it is also a challenge to provide services in accordance to the Japanese sentiment, traditional behaviour, culture and customary circumstances. Therefore, Nepali caregivers must win the mind of kind hearted Japanese elderly people, providing efficient services to make them always happy.. If the caregivers make them cheerful, they may give tips and extra benefits. So, the Nepalis must work in Japan to maintain the identity of Nepal and the people. (3674 Words)
End Notes
[1] 50th Anniversary (1970-2020) JOCV in Nepal Bulletin
[1]https://tradingeconomics.com/nepal/population-ages-65-and-above-percent-of-total-wb-data.html
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Senior_Citizen%27s_Day
[1] https://thediplomat.com/2023/01/surviving-old-age-is-getting-harder-in-japan/
[1] https://kathmandupost.com/money/2023/05/22/japan-s-caregiving-sector-eyes-workers-from-nepal
[1]https://kathmandupost.com/money/2023/05/22/japan-s-caregiving-sector-eyes-workers-from-nepal
[i]https://tradingeconomics.com/nepal/population-ages-65-and-above-percent-of-total-wb-data.html
[ii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Senior_Citizen%27s_Day
[iii] https://thediplomat.com/2023/01/surviving-old-age-is-getting-harder-in-japan/
[v] https://kathmandupost.com/money/2023/05/22/japan-s-caregiving-sector-eyes-workers-from-nepal
[vi]https://kathmandupost.com/money/2023/05/22/japan-s-caregiving-sector-eyes-workers-from-nepal
Filed under: Uncategorized |
Border Nepal Buddhi 
Leave a comment