A consumer cooperative association specializing in services for the elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• The Fukushi Club Seikyo (FCS) is a Japanese cooperative association.
• FCS has operated for 10 years, specializing in elder services.
• It promotes a reciprocal support system within local communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the unique, non-profit community-based elder service model developed by FCS.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of FCS's approach in providing life support services.
• To explore the potential of civil initiatives in social service systems.

Main Methods:

• FCS organized active members, primarily homemakers, into workers' collectives.
• These collectives provided various life support services.
• Services were offered at a very small charge, emphasizing a human-touch approach.

Main Results:

• FCS successfully provided diverse life support services to the elderly.
• The services were characterized by a human-touch, contrasting with bureaucratic or profit-driven alternatives.
• The model demonstrated a viable community-based social service system.

Conclusions:

• FCS's initiative offers a sustainable model for community-based elder care.
• This non-profit approach provides quality services without increasing taxes or social insurance premiums.
• The model highlights the potential of reciprocal support systems in neighborhood communities.