“Coexistence” and “Prevention” in Japan’s Dementia Policy Measures
In 2019, Japan promoted dementia policy measures around “coexistence” and “prevention”, and encouraged people with dementia and their families to participate in policy discussions. We can learn from this: listen to older people’s voices, let families and communities accept them together, and improve services in small details.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Automatically reviewed, without human verification. Programmatic checks are not professional review. Seek professional advice where appropriate. Automatically reviewed on 10/4/2026, 7:14:25 AM
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: G7長崎保健大臣会合｜厚生労働省 · Original language: ja
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Facts from the sources
Under the Dementia Measures Promotion Outline established by Japan in 2019, comprehensive dementia policy measures are promoted with “coexistence” and “prevention” as the two pillars. View source
In recent years, there has been progress in the voices and participation of people with dementia and their families in Japan’s policy formation process. View source
Japan held a dementia symposium with “coexistence” and “risk reduction and innovation” as its topics. View source
The symposium schedule included a greeting session by people with dementia and their families. View source
For older people and families
Older people with dementia can also express their opinions. At home, listen more to what the older person says, and do not rush to make decisions for them.
Japan’s experience is to invite family members and older people together for discussion. Family caregivers can try taking part in community activities with the older person.
“Coexistence” means everyone lives together, supports one another, and does not isolate older people.
Understanding policies is not unnecessary. Family members can keep an eye on local eldercare service news and speak up if they have ideas.
See what care and community teams can do
You can refer to Japan’s two directions of “coexistence” and “prevention”, and design community activities in ways that make older people willing to go out and willing to speak.
When holding resident forums, include a speaking session for people with dementia and their family members, so service users can take part in expressing their views.
When inviting people with dementia to speak, staff familiar with care should be present on site to assist and ensure smooth communication.
Before drawing on another country’s system, first check China’s laws and regulations and your own organisation’s qualifications; implementation conditions require professional assessment.
When modifying the environment using a “risk reduction” approach, safety indicators such as slip resistance and load-bearing capacity must be verified on site by professionals.
Do not treat Japanese practices as China’s current policies; when implementing, follow the guidance of local civil affairs and health departments.
What needs local assessment
This article only introduces information about Japan’s dementia policy measures; Japan’s system is not the same as China’s current policies. The symposium and other specific activities mentioned in the article do not mean that equivalent arrangements exist in China. Before carrying out any care or activity, please consult professional doctors, social workers, and relevant departments in China; when home modifications or facility adjustments are involved, parameters such as slip resistance and load-bearing capacity must be measured on site by qualified organisations. Older people with dementia vary greatly from person to person, and statistics or experience cannot be directly applied to an individual; please respect the wishes of the older person. Source: Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (see original article link). This website has compiled and translated this article based on the original facts; it is not a translation produced, approved, or published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Japan’s system is not equivalent to China’s system.
Sources
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareWas this article helpful?
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