| [ Summary ] |
The elderly population in Japan is now increasing and is predicted to continue to rise in the foreseeable future. Even after these patients receive acute treatment in hospitals, given their physical decline, dementia and other conditions, we must provide life support together with extended care and treatment. For this reason, measures are being taken to move ahead with in home medical treatment and care. A number of clinics and nursing facilities are working together with the "Integrated Community Care System" as a basis for providing strong support of local hospitals and medical institutions. However, many issues must be addressed to provide support for home hemodialysis (HHD) systems. As a result, their distribution has been delayed. The fact that HHD dialysis treatment times and the number of sessions per week can be set rather freely, means that HHD distribution is a critical issue. We must clarify the conditions in which we may better provide appropriate dialysis care. Home care support for HHD for the elderly is an important issue. |