The rapid aging of the society and falling birthrates are causing issues on the burden of nursing care of the aged. Some people are obliged to stop working for their parents or someone like that. Some aged people with dementia frequently get lost, or eat anything even if it isn't food. After using cooking utensils, some people never mind the fire of the stove burner. It might lead to a big fire. From the viewpoint of human rights, we are not allowed to peg them down to their beds. Finally, someone has to keep their eyes on them 24/7.
In order to overcome these strains, several kinds of assisted-living facilities have been built across the country in the last 10 years. People who find it hard to live in their own home are accommodated into these facilities by the degree of their handicaps. On the other hand, some people don't want to farm their parents out and take care of them in their house.
When I made a house visit to one of those patients, I saw a portable bath tub and took pictures. This bath tub consisted of two parts. It was easily built up in front of my eyes. The sealing at the joint was perfect. The hot water was boiled in the van as you can see in the last picture and was sent to this tub. Three care workers help the patient take a bath. These run-of-the-mill services makes me feel that I was lucky to be born in Japan.
(Vocabulary)
stove burner ガスコンロ
keep/place under restraint / peg down 拘束する
strain 負担
assisted-living facility / care facility / care home〈英〉 介護施設
by the degree of ～の程度により
farm sb out （人を）預ける
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