Study on Distribution of Home-based Medical Care and Nursing Home Care Facilities in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture

Background and Objectives: In Japan, local governments are required to construct community-based integrated care systems. This study investigated the distribution of home-based medical care and nursing home care facilities in a single municipality and examined the relationship between this distribution and the cooperation among residents in the region. Methods: We evaluated the distribution of home-based medical care facilities and nursing home care facilities by district in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, using geographic information system techniques. We assessed data publically available from local governments. Results: 84% of districts had both home-based medical care facilities and nursing home care facilities. 16% of districts lacked one or both of these facilities. We suspect a background of aging and depopulation in districts lacking one or both types of facilities. According to responses to the survey by Shibukawa City on the elderly, in districts lacking either home-based medical care facilities or nursing home care facilities or both, a high percentage of residents reported cooperation among residents. This suggested that cooperation among residents was an important local resource. Conclusion: Most areas had both home-based medical care facilities and nursing home care facilities. Cooperation among residents was seen more frequently in districts lacking one or both of these facilities were not available. These findings are potential references when constructing community-based integrated care systems.