This is the diagnosis underneath much of elder care, and most municipalities run early support teams that step in at the first signs. The instinct from abroad is to wait until it is undeniable; earlier contact means more options and a calmer parent. The support center connects you to these teams. Get a proper assessment rather than guessing, since the diagnosis shapes which services, housing, and legal tools come next.
Read more: Dementia care guide
Related terms
- 徘徊（haikai）— wandering
- グループホーム（group home）— dementia group home
- 地域包括支援センター（chiiki houkatsu shien center）— community support center
Where to go next
This word will come back at the home assessment or in the first care plan. The full Japanese elder care glossary holds 52 terms, and the long-term care insurance guide shows where each one sits in the process.
If you would rather someone handled the Japanese side, our care navigation service does that, and the first consultation is 30 minutes and free. Definitions here are general orientation and rules vary by municipality; see our editorial policy or contact us with your situation.