In Yokohama they are called Community Care Plazas
The public desk you go to first about long-term care is the Community Comprehensive Support Centre. In Yokohama most of them sit inside facilities called Community Care Plazas (地域ケアプラザ); a few are in nursing homes. The name differs from other cities, but the role is the same.
Your centre is decided by your address
Centres work by district. In Yokohama the split can go down to banchi (lot) or neighbourhood-association level, so two homes on the same street can have different desks.
What you can ask about
- Applying for a care-level certification — staff can file on your behalf
- Choosing services and finding a care manager
- Moving into a residential facility
- Preventive care, and dementia
- Elder abuse, consumer fraud, and adult guardianship
There is no charge
Consultation is free, and you do not need a care certification to come in.