So that everyone can think
“I’m glad to have lived until now”
to feel proud of their life until the very end.
Japan is entering a super-aged society where a small working age population supports many elderly. While social resources are unevenly distributed and connections between others become sparse in society, there will be more people that suffer unnoticed.
In particular, in the face of the suffering of people and their families who have reached the final stage of their lives, various measures have been taken so far, but the current situation is that no drastic solution has been reached. In the future, since it will be difficult to spend the remaining life at the hospital, living at home or in a long-term care facility will be required. While many people wish to do so, because of environment or resource reasons, not all wishes come true. Also, it is expected that more people will either struggle to balance work and long-term care for their families or live alone and have weak ties to the community feeling alone and anxious.
On the other hand, the suffering of those people is hardly noticed by the ones who live nearby. What makes this problem even more difficult is that even if one does notice the suffering, they do not know how to get involved with neighbors who feel that, "I do not want to bother anyone," or "I am not needed by others," or even "No one understands me." As a result, they (neighbors) do not extend a helping hand.
When there is someone
who, you feel, understands your suffering,
people can be at ease, even if/when facing death
The End-of-Life Care Association of Japan has been engaged in human resource development based on the methods of interpersonal support cultivated in hospice and palliative care. What we have learned in the field of end-of-life care is that people who have felt despair and loneliness, saying “Why only me?” or “No one understands my feelings,” may create a sense of calmness and a new perspective on them with the presence of even one person who they trust will understand their suffering. And when they realize their own support, even if the suffering remains, there is a possibility that they will regain their serenity. For this reason, we value listening to their stories.
People feel at ease for various reasons. We value not only the physical conditions, but also the facial expressions. Through dialogue, we explore with them and their families what “support” will help them to feel at ease. Then, we verbalize how to help them so that they receive more “support” they want by telling everyone involved who should do what, in a clear and concrete way without using difficult jargons or abstract words.
Even if they are not medical or nursing care professionals, there are things that can be done by families, friends, neighbors, or anyone who wish to support those who are suffering. By learning and by practicing how they can contribute regardless of profession or position, those who were less confident in getting involved will begin to change and gain more confidence.
From children to the elderly,
people can feel at ease even if/when they are suffering
It is not only those who have reached the final stages of their lives that are suffering from questions that have no definite answers. Everyone, from children to the elderly, may be suffering even if they do not realize it. We have introduced the lessons learned from interpersonal support methods cultivated in hospice and palliative care at schools, communities, and companies as “Lessons of Life”. Adults and children alike will be able to face the difficulties and suffering they will encounter in the future by applying what they have learned at the “Lessons of Life”.
In addition to facing one’s own suffering, if one can become aware of and be involved with those who are also suffering, and by voluntarily communicating what one has learned through suffering of others, then we hope that a chain reaction of kindness will start spreading in the community.
Supporting each other
learning through the community
For those who are suffering, just having someone who they trust will understand their suffering can create a sense of calmness and a new perspective on them. The same can be said for those who are trying to get involved with those who are suffering.
Interpersonal assistance is not something that is provided unilaterally by a person in a particular position or role. At times we care about someone, and at other times we are cared for by someone else. We learn from each other through mutual interaction. Our goal is not a one-way street, but a mutually supportive community.
Being aware of suffering, thinking about what you can do, and helping someone fosters a sense of self-affirmation. On the other hand, there may be times when you feel useless and unable to do anything.
Even if you encounter questions that have no definite answers, you may be able to accept yourself, take good care of yourself, and face your suffering when you realize there is someone who cares about you.
Creating a sustainable and inclusive society
We are committed to increasing the number of people in our society who can interact with each other in this way. Instead of specialized care that only some people can provide to only a few, a community where everyone, children and adults, can support each other by caring for and learning from people within a 5-meter radius will be created. This chain of action spreads throughout the community and creates a resilient community. We hope to realize such a society together with organizations that share the same aspirations.
In this super-aged, low birth and high death rate era, even with limited social resources, everyone lives their lives to the very end in a high state of mental and spiritual well-being
Long Term Vision
Create a culture of calm and resilient mindset while embracing suffering.
As a society, we are able to face suffering with increased resilience.
© End-of-Life Care Association of Japan