Support Practices in the Stage of “Connecting” Elderly People Who Are Homebound to Local Resources in Tertiary Prevention: A Review of Domestic Literature

Abstract

Abstract: Japan faces growing concerns over the increasing number of elderly individuals who have difficulty going out due to the aging population and changing societal values. Health, medical, and welfare professionals are striving to "connect" these homebound elderly individuals with local community resources, yet the details of these interventions are not well understood. This study aims to review domestic literature on practices that support the connection of elderly individuals requiring nursing care to community resources. A literature search was conducted using the Japanese Medical Abstracts Society (Ichushi) database. Keywords included terms such as “homebound,” “elderly,” “public health nurse,” “community comprehensive support center,” “encouragement,” “support,” “link,” “going out,” “community resources,” “day-care center,” “exercise class,” “salon,” and “nursing care prevention project.” Out of 25 papers retrieved, six papers describing support practices at the tertiary prevention stage for connecting homebound elderly to community resources were selected for qualitative analysis. The support practices were categorized into six themes: (1) linking elderly individuals to community resources based on their individuality, (2) providing concrete images of how to utilize community resources, (3) identifying the appropriate timing to link individuals through accumulated daily support, (4) collaborating with families, (5) partnering with key persons and professionals within the community, and (6) engaging with community group activities. This study suggests that when connecting elderly individuals living at home with community resources, health, medical, and welfare professionals should focus on individual needs and emphasize the importance of family and community collaboration. Tailored interventions and partnerships with key community figures are crucial to facilitating meaningful connections and enhancing social engagement.departmental bulletin pape