#Japan #Tokyo #digital solutions #Rakuten Mobile #Elder Care

November 11: Caregiving Day

November 11 marks "Caregiving Day" in Japan, highlighting a crucial issue in our aging society: the shortage of caregivers. In response to this pressing challenge, Rakuten Mobile Inc. is helping organizations develop solutions that enhance caregiving quality while tackling staffing shortages.
This article concentrates on the importance of stable communication networks and operational streamlining in caregiving facilities, showcasing how the introduction of ICT devices and IoT technology can address these challenges through Rakuten Mobile's innovative approaches.

Acknowledging the Workforce Shortage in Elder Care

As Japan faces rapid aging, the demand for caregiving services has surged. According to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on September 8, 2023, many caregiving establishments are grappling with a significant lack of staff, with 64.7% of nursing facilities and about 80% of visiting care services identifying caregiver shortages as a major issue. The contradiction of increasing care needs against the difficulty of securing adequate staffing places immense pressure on caregiving organizations to operate efficiently with limited personnel.

The Shift towards Digital Transformation in Caregiving

With Japan's unprecedented aging population, the deficit of caregiving staff has reached a critical point. Consequently, the adoption of ICT devices and IoT technologies in caregiving settings is accelerating, paving the way for improved care quality even with a diminished workforce. Studies indicate that 67.5% of caregiving facilities have implemented caregiving software for information sharing and report preparation, while the use of tablets and smartphones is expanding.
However, the integration of numerous IoT devices within these facilities has exposed weaknesses in their communication infrastructure. Issues such as Wi-Fi instability due to building structures and the increased load from high-volume data transmission pose real risks—delaying emergency responses and leading to misinformation, ultimately jeopardizing care quality.

Rakuten Mobile's Role in Supporting Caregiver Digital Transformation

Rakuten Mobile focuses on enhancing work efficiency within the caregiving sector through advanced digital solutions and robust communication infrastructures. The company aims to improve staff working conditions, thereby actively promoting labor reforms. By reducing the physical burdens of analog tasks and enhancing the work-life balance for caregivers, Rakuten Mobile is contributing to the establishment of a sustainable caregiving environment.

Case Study: Kinoshita's Care

Point 1: Achieving Digitalization with a Stable Communication Environment

Challenges:
The facility struggled with analog methods for information transmission and record-keeping, hampering rapid responses during emergencies. The lack of a stable communication infrastructure also hindered the effective utilization of ICT tools, forcing staff to communicate through personal devices, creating additional psychological burdens.

Outcomes:
Following the installation of a reliable Wi-Fi environment, cutting-edge ICT tools—such as body movement sensors and a caregiver recording system—were implemented successfully, allowing real-time monitoring of residents' conditions and prompt handling of situations. Additionally, staff could now enter and share care records conveniently on their work smartphones, drastically improving operational efficiency and significantly relieving workload on caregivers, directly enhancing the quality of care provided.

Point 2: Revolutionizing Information Sharing with Buddycom

Challenges:
In a facility of considerable size, locating staff and confirming information could be time-consuming, leading to operational bottlenecks that compromised the quality of care. Additionally, coordination with staff off-site was challenging, complicating immediate communication needs.

Outcomes:
By integrating the multi-functional walkie-talkie app, Buddycom, staff could engage in group communications seamlessly across the facility. This innovation eliminated the need for time-consuming searches for staff with information, resulting in a savings of around 300 hours of operational time monthly, allowing for more focused caregiving efforts. Furthermore, 73% of staff expressed high satisfaction with Buddycom's communication capabilities, steering the overall quality of care and productivity improvements.

Rakuten Mobile's Comprehensive Support for Caregiving Quality

Rakuten Mobile is committed to further enabling caregiving DX (digital transformation) while aiming for both ease of work and quality enhancements in care services. The company provides customizable mobile plans, AI-supported IoT devices, and communication solutions that promote effective service delivery and diminish staff burdens.

Network Infrastructure for Business Needs

Stable communications are vital for caregiving operations. Rakuten Mobile offers a range of solutions, from high-speed internet to easy-to-install home routers tailored to meet diverse needs without imposing the complexities of setup or vendor management.

Swift Information Sharing Capabilities

To enhance inter-staff collaboration, Rakuten Mobile's Buddycom empowers real-time group communications, facilitating immediate information sharing and coordination for quality care. With transcribing features for records and translation functions for seamless interactions with foreign staff, it enhances care delivery while ensuring operational efficiency despite limited workforce availability.

AI-Powered Monitoring for Safety and Efficiency

The AI camera, Safie One, dramatically improves monitoring capabilities by allowing high-quality real-time assessments of resident conditions through PC or smartphone access. With feature notifications for detected movements in specified areas, it optimizes caregiving efficiency, needing minimal setup and reducing the burden on the caregiving team.

Conclusion: Rakuten Mobile is dedicated to bolstering the essential communication infrastructures in caregiving sectors, challenging existing limitations by integrating stable connectivity and advanced digital tools. As exemplified in the Kinoshita case, enhancing communication and operational efficiency promotes safety, consistency, and tranquility within caregiving environments, paving the way for a brighter future in eldercare.