After an early morning travel journey that involved multiple trains, buses, and beautiful scenic views of the countryside, we arrived at our first destination for the day. The sprawling campus of Tokai University (Shonan Campus) was brimming with students who were welcoming and accommodating. The faculty and students of the Health Studies program met us, and they graciously extended kindness and an eagerness to continue collaborations in the future. Though our visit was short, we even enjoyed a nice lunch in the park with some of the students, so we could share further.
After that it was another journey of many steps through the countryside, which allowed us to explore areas of Kanagawa Prefecture that were different than the urban spaces that we have experienced. Along the way, there were stops for cool, sweet treats and hydration to keep us going in the heat (this being one of the hottest days we have had so far!).
Next up, we journeyed via train and bus to Magokoro Town Shinyurigaoka, which is a nursing home in Kawasaki City. Here we learned about long-term care both in-home and in-facility. The staff made presentations that introduced us to the LHASIC digital technology they developed to address caregiver burden and staffing shortages, while also reducing falls and other adverse incidents. By utilizing this sensor technology, staff can monitor residents’ motion and key indicators like heart rate with the goal of allowing caregivers to have access to residents’ health status even when they are not physically in the room. After the presentations, we toured the facility and saw the best part of Magokoro – its residents! The joy on their faces as they waved, smiled, and encouraged our group to come again was palpable.
Ivana Alexander
University of Maryland Baltimore, Social Work