[Josh Grisdale]

This might be challenging as most care services are through government services and not out-of-pocket private companies.

Do you speak Japanese?

I know one place that was offering such services, but they haven’t had any updates on social media since before the pandemic, so I’m not sure they are still operating, but may want to try: https://caregiver-japan.com/caregiver/

[Guy Halliburton]

Hi Josh,

thanks for the link. I thought my question was a long shot. And no, I don’t speak Japanese. Potentially I may be able to travel with a friend who is fluent (not Japanese but grew up there). So I take it there are generally not private nursing agencies in Japan.

[Josh Grisdale]

At least not common. You may want to try contacting Ohayo Travel (https://ohatra.com/en) as Nomura-san has a lot of contacts. I have heard of some physical care support for travelers, but it is aimed at elderly Japanese and would expect that Japanese is needed.　Maybe your friend can help. Here is a big one: https://www.aelclub.com

I certainly don’t know everything, so if you find something, or someone else has information, I am eager to learn and use the knowledge for the next person!

[Guy Halliburton]

Thanks for the extra info. As you know these travels take a lot of planning, we aren’t expecting to travel until 2025 – so as and when I find out more I’ll certainly update for other people to reference

[Carlos]

It’s interesting that you bring up 2025, as that’s when I plan on going to Tokyo and Osaka. I, too, need morning personal care assistance (toileting, showering/bathing, and dressing that will take no more than an hour to do). What I plan on doing is bringing one friend who used to live in Shinjuku for language and basic assistance and another to assist with any lifting or transferring. Thankfully, the friend who lived in Japan plans on paying his own way. I’ll just have to raise the money for myself and the other friend.

[Guy Halliburton]

Ah well, any useful information I turn up over the next 12 months or so I’ll post here Carlos. Fortunately my son can slide board transfer so we don’t need to travel with a hoist or do much lifting.

[neurohealth]

Hello Guy. I am wondering if you have found any helpful information regarding assistance with bowel care whilst travelling in Japan?

We are a case management services company and our client who sustained tetraplegia (C4-6) in 2014, will be travelling to Japan (Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka) in September/October 2024 and will need nursing support/ support worker for bowel care.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Melissa