Refusal of Nursing Care as a Factor That Hinders Long-Distance Care in Japan

In this column, the author examines older adults' refusal of nursing care. Results from a questionnaire survey revealed that over 25% of children who lived away from their parents were troubled by their refusal of care. In addition, the author summarizes self-neglect like care refusal, which can explain older adults' care refusal. Interviews with care professionals showed that parental care refusal did not particularly relate to "parents refusing necessary services" as perceived by their children but to parents' perception of "children forcing unnecessary services" on them. The solution involves care provision geared toward older adults' daily needs rather than alleviating children's anxiety.