Quiz: long-term care in Japan
10 questions
Nobody is taught how long-term care works in Japan until they need it — and less so if you do not read Japanese. Do not worry about the score. One "I did not know that" is enough to make this worth it.
Every answer comes from what the national government or the city publishes. Each explanation links to the page that covers it.
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Q1 Where do you go first when care becomes an issue?
Answer：The Community Comprehensive Support Centre
The support centre for your neighbourhood is the first place to ask. Which one serves you is decided by your town, sometimes by chome.
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Q2 What does asking there cost?
Answer：Nothing
It is free, and you do not need a care-level certification to use it. "Not really care yet, but something feels different" is a normal reason to call.
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Q3 What does applying for a care-level certification cost?
Answer：Nothing
Applying is free. The city pays for the assessment visit and for the doctor's written opinion as well.
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Q4 How long does the result normally take?
Answer：Within 30 days
The result is posted normally within 30 days of the application. It takes most of a month, so starting while you are still unsure actually gets you there sooner.
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Q5 Which indicates the lighter level of need?
Answer：Support Level
There are seven levels, from Support Level 1-2 up through Care Level 1-5. The level sets which services can be used and the monthly ceiling.
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Q6 What do you pay for having a care plan written?
Answer：Nothing
Nothing. It is paid in full by the insurance. For Support Levels the support centre writes it; for Care Levels a care manager does.
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Q7 Handrails and removing steps. How much does the insurance cover?
Answer：Up to 200,000 yen
Up to 200,000 yen of work, less your own share (180,000 paid if you are on 10%). Six categories of work qualify.
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Q8 Can you claim for home modification after the work is done?
Answer：No
No. You must apply before the work starts. Fitting the handrail first and asking afterwards is the most common mistake. A dated "before" photograph is required too.
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Q9 Can people aged 40 to 64 use long-term care insurance?
Answer：Yes, with one of the specified diseases
Yes, if the cause is one of the specified age-related diseases. Early-onset dementia is one of them, so being under 65 is not a reason to give up.
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Q10 How are places at a special nursing home allocated?
Answer：By assessed need
By assessed need, not by the order of application. Applying early does not move you up. As a rule it is for people at Care Level 3 or above.
Find your desk before you need it
The single most useful thing to know in advance is which number to call for your own address. It is decided by your town, and some towns are split by chome. Asking is free.