Volunteers: 3
Age: over 18
Language: English / Japanese
Host Institution: Takatsuki-so, Nursing Home for the aged
Airport: Kansai International Airport
Terminal: JR Settsu Tonda Station
Background:
The host institution, "Takatsuki-So" is a nursing home for elderly people requiring special care, which was founded in 1982 in OSAKA and owned by the local government. There are about 100 people of 65 or more years old staying in the facility, who are physically or mentally handicapped and in need of help for their daily lives. There is also a day care center attached and approximately 130 elderly, and 50 handicapped people come to the center to receive the "day care service". For example, they can take a bath and have meals with the help of care workers. Rehabilitation and recreation programs are also offered. The staff is also engaged in visiting-home helper service, helping the elders take a bath, cooking meals and helping with other matters in their daily lives. There are approximately 190 households that use this visiting service. The institution provides the area with comprehensive services and takes a central position in the field of welfare in the community.
Work:
- Volunteers will be engaged in helping elderly and physically handicapped people living in the facility with their daily routines.
- Communicating with them, eating meals/helping bath time/assisting the wheelchairs.
Accommodation:
Volunteers will be accommodated in the Takatsuki-So, which used to be a dormitory for the staff of the institution and the rooms are all in Japanese style.
Facilities:
Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a small kitchen, and a shower room. Internet access is available at the office. Public phone and a small shop are available nearby.
Meals:
All meals will be provided in the institution and volunteers will have meals with the staff and the elders either staying or visiting the facility.
What to bring:
Please bring indoor shoes and sneakers, toiletries, clothing suitable for the work (T-shirts, work pants), towels and sanitary goods. No skirt/short pants are allowed. One-piece is okay for day-offs.
Note:
Basic Japanese skills would be helpful to enjoy the project but it is not a must.
Location:
Takatsuki-So is located in Takatsuki-shi (city) ,Osaka prefecture. It is easily accessible from downtown Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, and Kyoto, the most famous ancient capital in Japan. Volunteers might enjoy visiting those cities on their day-offs.
URL: Takatsuki-So (JAPANESE) http://www.tcn.zaq.ne.jp/akbgu100/top.htm
Remarks:
Volunteers are expected to act respectfully and with consideration for others, and talk with those elderly people in a friendly manner. Those who value communication with the elderly people, and can work cooperatively are most desirable. If you can sing Japanese songs, the elderly people will love to listen to you.