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Michiakari: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Healthcare

In an age where home healthcare is increasingly essential, Michiakari, a guide crafted by WILLBATONS, has emerged as a beacon of hope. Recently, this innovative program received the 2025 Good Design Award, initiated by the Japan Design Promotion Association. The dedication of WILLBATONS, led by CEO Akira Yamaguchi, shines through the three-part booklet tailored for patients and their families embarking on the journey of home healthcare.

Understanding Home Healthcare

Home healthcare is defined as a medical framework allowing patients with illnesses or disabilities to receive treatments and care in the comfort of their own homes. Unlike one-time home visits, this form of medicine offers continuous care based on the patient's wishes. A multidisciplinary team consisting of doctors, nurses, caregivers, and various professionals collaborates to support individual patients through regular visits and personalized care.

Overview of Michiakari

The Michiakari guidebook was specifically designed to aid patients and their families who are about to start home healthcare. It organizes complex and fragmented information regarding medicine, nursing care, relevant laws, and procedural guidelines into three distinct parts. Each booklet is uniquely tailored to serve the needs of patients, caregivers, and their families. By using video QR codes for assistance tutorials and downloadable practical sheets, Michiakari ensures that users can utilize the information daily.

Moreover, the booklet includes features similar to an ending note, allowing patients to document their thoughts and desires. This functionality encourages families and caregivers to engage in meaningful conversations regarding “What kind of medical care and lifestyle do patients desire?”.

Available for Free Access

While the guidebooks are available for purchase to cover printing costs, the team is motivated by a desire to reach as many individuals as possible. Following their recognition with the Good Design Award, WILLBATONS launched a project to provide Michiakari free of charge. Interested individuals can access the guide through their official website.

Judgement by the Jury

The jury praised Michiakari for its comprehensive support that addresses the anxieties and burdens families encounter when entering home healthcare. The book covers everything from medical systems, caregiving methods, advance care planning (ACP), to funeral arrangements and inheritance, organized into a three-part series for better understanding. Additionally, the emotional design featuring gradient colors makes heavy topics easier to digest in a positive way, enhancing communication not only for patients and families but also for healthcare professionals.

Comments from Experts

Dr. Takahiro Nakanishi, Director of Family Care Clinic Kichijoji

Dr. Nakanishi recognizes the increasing number of home healthcare patients, projecting a peak by 2040. He appreciates how Michiakari addresses distinct patient needs, filling a gap in providing comprehensive, easily accessible information.

Yoko Okada, Visiting Nurse at Family Care Clinic Kichijoji

From a visiting nurse perspective, Okada emphasizes the importance of having a common reference point for communication between patients, families, and medical professionals to streamline care instructions effectively.

Kazuki Morikawa, Business Succession Specialist

Morikawa notes that this guide serves as a valuable resource for families navigating complex end-of-life procedures, providing essential information on what should be done in times of loss.

Akira Yamaguchi, CEO of WILLBATONS

Yamaguchi shares that his experiences with over 100 home healthcare appointments motivated the creation of Michiakari. His goal is to alleviate the disconnection between medical providers and families and help them navigate the myriad of information that is often overwhelming.

About the Good Design Award

Founded in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’s premier initiative for design evaluation and promotion, gathering participation from many companies and organizations worldwide. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of living and address societal issues through design. The recognized G Mark symbolizes excellence in design.

In conclusion, the Michiakari guidebook stands out as a crucial resource in the realm of home healthcare. By offering well-organized information and fostering vital conversations, this initiative promises to make the home healthcare experience less daunting for both patients and their families.