Caring for parents becomes a reality in your 50s. At this time, when you begin to plan for your own retirement, how should you approach this issue?
Choosing a nursing home, especially when it becomes difficult to live at home, can have a significant impact on the emotional and financial burden.
Recently, when I spoke at a seminar titled “Choosing a Nursing Home for Your Parents,” I was bombarded with serious questions during the Q&A session, which became so heated that the time ran out.
Many of the questioners had previously searched for a nursing home for their parents, only to end up regretting their decision. Apparently, they attended the seminar because they wanted to move their parents to a different nursing home.
As the aging population continues, the options for nursing homes have become more diverse. While this diversification, tailored to individual needs, is welcome, it has also left many confused, with many expressing concerns such as, “I don’t know the differences between the different types,” “The admission requirements are too detailed,” and “I don’t know where to start.”
When you think about finding a nursing home, you probably search online for “nursing home in XX city.” While that’s not wrong, there’s something you should do before that. Find out what kind of lifestyle your parents want.

Few elderly people voluntarily want to move into a nursing home; many prefer to stay at home if possible. However, as their physical and mental functions decline, they find it difficult to continue living at home and are forced to decide to leave.

This brings with it the loneliness of having to leave the home they’ve lived in for many years, as well as the pain of being confronted with their own physical and mental aging.

At that point, wouldn’t it be a good filial piety to find a nursing home that matches your parents’ wishes? It’s your parents who will be moving in. The first thing you should do is confirm their wishes.

The next thing to do is understand your parents’ financial situation, including their pension amount, savings, and whether they own a home.

Nursing home costs vary greatly depending on the type of facility, location, age, physical and mental condition, and assets. According to Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare documents, the monthly out-of-pocket cost for a special nursing home for the elderly is approximately 70,000-100,000 yen. Privately run paid nursing homes cost approximately 200,000-300,000 yen per month, and some require initial costs of several million yen or more upon entry.
By organizing information such as your parents’ assets and your children’s ability to provide support, you can narrow down your options within a reasonable range.
Your options may be broad or limited depending on your parents’ financial situation, so you need to understand how much you can spend on caregiving.
Caring for your parents and running a business have one thing in common: the subsequent development and burden can vary greatly depending on whether you are prepared.
What choice is best for your parents? Is it sustainable for you? Few people can come to an answer instantly. That’s why you need to think about it and ask your parents when you feel it’s too early.
Gathering information and communicating in advance is key to avoiding regrets when choosing a nursing home.

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