Expanding Care: The Launch of Youth Style Home in Hokkaido for Severe Disabilities

In a significant step toward improving the quality of care for individuals with severe disabilities, Youth Style Laboratory Corporation has announced the opening of its first daytime service support group home, Youth Style Home Sapporo Shiroishi, in Hokkaido on July 1, 2025. This initiative is not just a local endeavor; it reflects the company's commitment to fulfilling its mission: "Providing necessary care for all those in need." Based in Nakano, Tokyo, Youth Style Laboratory specializes in severe home care and group home services aimed at individuals with severe disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Addressing the Shortage of Living Spaces for Severely Disabled Individuals

The need for dedicated living spaces for people with severe physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities has become increasingly urgent. In light of Japan's policies promoting community integration for disabled individuals, highlighted by the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has taken steps to reevaluate the structure of support facilities. On May 26, 2023, the ministry established a study group focused on the role of support facilities that take into account community living.

Understanding Daytime Service Support Type Group Homes

Group homes for individuals with disabilities are categorized into three types: Comprehensive Care Service, External Service Use Type, and Daytime Service Support Type. The latter allows residents to spend daytime hours within the home itself, providing continuous support 24/7 throughout the year. This type of facility was institutionalized in 2018 to cater to the needs of residents classified with support needs of grade 4 or higher, which is characteristic of those with severe disabilities.

Although there has been an increase in homes accommodating lighter disabilities, those that specifically address the needs of severe cases remain limited. Currently, only 10% of group homes across Japan fall into the category of daytime service support. Many service providers lack the necessary expertise, resulting in inadequate care tailored to the specific needs of this vulnerable population.

Youth Style Laboratory’s Commitment to Nationwide Expansion

Since its establishment in 2012, Youth Style Laboratory has focused on providing specialized services for those with severe disabilities and chronic illnesses. Acknowledging the growing demand nationally, the company is accelerating the establishment of Youth Style Homes across Japan. After launching its first facility in Hokkaido, further plans are already in place to open another facility in Teine-ku, Sapporo by December.

For individuals preferring at-home support, the company also offers services such as Youth Style Care Sapporo Severe Home Care, ensuring that various needs are met.

Tackling the Aging Caregiver Crisis

According to recent government statistics, about 6.1 million individuals hold a disability identification card in Japan, with a significant portion being intellectual disabilities. More than 60% of these individuals live with aging parents, raising concerns as caregivers grow older and the feasibility of home care diminishes. Reports of tragic incidents involving isolated caregivers have prompted the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare to investigate the waiting lists for group home admissions. Currently, more than 20,000 individuals with disabilities are on waiting lists across the country, with over 70% being intellectually disabled.

Features of Youth Style Home

Pioneering Daytime Service Support Type Group Homes

- Currently, only 4% of domestic group homes are of the daytime service support type, highlighting the uniqueness of Youth Style Home.
- Accommodates up to 20 residents in a supportive environment, with options for larger homes of up to 30 beds.
- Provides 24/7 living support tailored for those requiring intensive care.
- Open to individuals with support needs grade 4 and above, including seniors with disabilities.
- Flexible support arrangements that adapt to the evolving needs of residents without fixed time limits for their stay.
- Offers short-stay options for temporary care.
- Services are combinable with nursing care and medical insurance.
- Newly constructed facilities equipped with elevators, machine baths, and personalized menus developed by certified nutritionists.
- Proven expertise in collaborating with severe home care services ensures comprehensive care.

Service Offerings

- Life Support/Environmental Management: Assistance with bathing, toileting, meals, night care, and financial management.
- Meal Provision: Nutritious meals provided three times daily, with options for cut or blended diets.
- Health Management: Support for medication management, vital checks, weight management, oral care, and liaising with healthcare providers.
- Leisure Activities Support: Includes light exercises, movie screenings, creative activities, and seasonal events.
- Professional Consultation and Support: Continuous guidance from service managers and nurses on daily living, welfare benefits, and disability pensions.

Eligibility and Fees

Residents must possess a disability identification card and be classified under support levels 1 to 6. The costs include:

- Rent: Starting from ¥40,000/month
- Food: ¥1,150/day
- Utilities: ¥17,000/month
- Daily necessities: ¥3,000/month

Youth Style Home Sapporo Shiroishi marks a critical development in providing necessary care for individuals with severe disabilities in a supportive community environment. With plans to broaden its outreach across various regions in the coming years, including Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Shizuoka, and Hiroshima, the company aims to surpass 50 facilities nationwide by 2027, ensuring that more individuals can live as independently as possible in their communities.

Contact Information

- Facility Name: Youth Style Home Sapporo Shiroishi
- Address: 1-1-9-8 Kikusui Motomachi, Shiroishi, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Company: Youth Style Laboratory Corporation
- Service Website: Youth Style Home Service Site

In conclusion, as Youth Style Laboratory continues to champion the rights and support for those with severe disabilities, it is developing not just homes but a future where care can be delivered with dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging.