This hospital office sets discharge timing and the options for after, working alongside the medical social worker. Japanese hospitals discharge sooner than many families expect, often before a parent feels ready. Ask this office, early and directly, what the realistic discharge date and destinations are. The mistake is assuming the parent stays until fully recovered. Use the answer to line up home services or a short stay before the bed closes.
Read more: Hospital discharge planning
Related terms
- 医療ソーシャルワーカー（MSW）— medical social worker
- ショートステイ（short stay）— short stay (respite)
- 区分変更（kubun henkou）— level change request
Getting help with this
See the full Japanese elder care glossary, or start with our long-term care insurance guide. If you would rather have someone handle the Japanese side, our care navigation service helps foreign families step by step, and you can contact us with your situation. Definitions are general orientation; rules vary by municipality (see our editorial policy).