The Arrival of the Big Nursing Care Era
In 2025, the baby boomer generation in Japan is expected to reach the latter-stage elderly age of 75 and over, leading to a significant increase in the number of people requiring nursing care.
Referred to as the “2025 problem,” this marks the explosion of the nursing care issue, with the country preparing to face the challenges of large-scale nursing care.
As the long-term care era dawns, the rise of “business carers” has captured attention.
The Concept of “Business Carers”
“Business carers” are individuals who provide nursing care while maintaining their work commitments. It encompasses those who strike a balance between work and caregiving responsibilities.
The Growing Importance of Business Carers
According to an independent survey conducted by Lixis Co., Ltd., among a sample size of 30,878 people, there is a notable proportion of individuals who currently serve as business carers or are prepared to take on caregiving duties in the near future.
In the age group of 45 to 49, 1 in 20 people are business carers, while this ratio increases to 1 in 8 for those aged 50 to 54.
When considering potential future caregivers, the magnitude of this issue becomes evident and warrants significant attention at the societal level.
A Looming Societal Challenge
Factors such as an increasing number of unmarried individuals, delayed marriages, a rise in dual-income households, and smaller family sizes contribute to a situation where the number of people available to provide caregiving while working is diminishing.
Moreover, nursing care itself is becoming more complex and demanding. Thus, with most people likely to be involved in caregiving at some point, it is crucial to foster “aging literacy” and learn about nursing care well in advance to ease the burden when the time comes.
Companies Facing the Business Carer Challenge
The increase in business carers is not only a concern for individuals but also a pressing issue for companies. A survey conducted by Tokyo Shoko Research on 7,391 private companies revealed that 71.3% of them anticipate an increase in employees leaving their jobs to take on nursing care responsibilities in the future.
Companies have begun acknowledging the urgency of the matter and exploring measures to retain their workforce, but limited budgets and a lack of experience in balancing work and nursing care pose challenges in implementing effective support systems for employees.
Seeking Solutions for Work-Care Balance
As the number of people in need of nursing care continues to rise, companies are compelled to devise strategies to prevent job turnover and maintain employee performance amidst caregiving responsibilities.
Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive work-care balance support system that empowers business carers to manage both their professional and caregiving roles efficiently.
Empowering Business Carers for the Future
In response to these challenges, Discover Twenty One Co., Ltd. presents “Business Carers: People who Care for their Parents while Working,” authored by Minoru Sakai, Deputy Representative of Lixis Co., Ltd.
With over 30 years of personal experience in caregiving, while working, Sakai sheds light on the realities of nursing care and provides insights for successfully navigating the complexities of caregiving and work responsibilities.
Book Outline
The book comprises three key chapters:
Chapter 1: New Common Sense of Business Carers: Unraveling the concept of business carers and the growing Importance of Balancing Work and Caregiving.
Chapter 2: Balancing Work and Nursing Care: Exploring effective strategies to maintain a harmonious equilibrium between professional duties and caregiving responsibilities.
Chapter 3: Facing Nursing Care Positively: Empowering individuals to approach nursing care with a positive mindset and readiness.
Introducing the Author: Jo Sakai
The book is authored by Jo Sakai, Executive Vice President and Representative Director of Lixis Co., Ltd. A distinguished professional with a background in business development and extensive caregiving experience spanning three decades, Sakai brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by business carers.
Conclusion
“Business Carers: People who Care for their Parents while Working” offers valuable guidance to individuals and companies alike in embracing the upcoming era of large-scale nursing care.
By fostering a deeper understanding of caregiving and implementing supportive measures, society can ensure that business carers continue to be an indispensable and effective workforce in the face of caregiving challenges.
Sources: THX News & Discover Twenty One Co., Ltd.
