The Japanese internal affairs ministry on Monday called for efforts to address a possible increase in contract disputes involving private-sector services for the elderly, with a survey showing that nearly 80 percent of providers do not explain important parts of the contracts to users.
Various services are currently offered to the elderly who live alone, including assistance with shopping, hospital visits, acting as personal guarantors, conducting funerals, and handling belongings after death.
But with no laws regulating such businesses and in the absence of government oversight, guidelines covering contract procedures and other rules are needed, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Administrative Evaluation Bureau said.
"As the number of elderly people who live alone grows, the need for services (to support them) is increasing. We have to make sure that the elderly can use services without anxiety and that the businesses develop soundly," it said.
There are about 400 service providers nationwide, of which 204 cooperated with the survey, according to the bureau.
The results showed that while 90 percent of providers offered contract sheets to their clients, 79 percent failed to include essential information, such as fees and termination conditions in the documents.
Only 68 percent had a third party present at the contract signing, such as relevant facilities' personnel or lawyers.
The bureau also warned of the need for fairness in light of the fact that some elderly people with dementia could use the services.
Seventy-seven percent of providers said they collected advance deposits for their services. But with the survey revealing that some kept the money in office safes and the personal accounts of company representatives, the bureau called for rules to be created to manage such funds, noting the risks of misappropriation.
© KYODO
10 Comments
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sakurasuki
J Govt comes to make things complicated like always. Is there any major scandal so far from this industry? Just a survey which show condition just vary between provider to another.
Seigi
Thinkers are doers...
lunatic
We must call the UN to do the job.
virusrex
The situation as described in the article is extremely worrying, it seems tailored to promote abuse from a very vulnerable segment of the population. Regulation in this case should be an urgent priority and not just guidelines but actual laws that can punish companies abusing people with these unfair contracts.
Yubaru
These are not the only one's either! When my father-in-law was ill, had lung cancer, and was dying, his cousin got him involved with a "religious" group that tried to take over all his assets in return for "taking care" of him while he was dying.
Long story short here, between the family, we were able to cut the ties between this group and him, and they got nothing.
Sadly they prey on the weak at their weakest time, and there is little that can be done to stop them if people arent aware of what is going on.
CuteUsagi
I just want to be able to say Sayonara and know I am saying it to family and friends.
But then again, nobody will get our assets except family.
Mark
I am certain that when these providers are NOT regulated things are running in their favor for sure.
The elderly are probably loosing their pants to SOME of these thieves on their watch and while still alive.
kaimycahl
@Seigi No procrastinators!!! Dreamers, If I could of, I would of, I should of!! Thats their thought process!!
Thinkers are doers...
Yubaru
Not if you live here in Japan. There is a reason why the phrase "No such thing as 3rd generation rich" here in Japan. Not totally true, but folks get the idea.
Jonathan Prin
acting as personal guarantors, conducting funerals, and handling belongings after death.
How on Earth is that even possible if not regulated, as it is like giving the steering wheel to a person without knowing if they can drive ?
That is exactly what is a solicitor is existing for.
I did not know scams could be official in Japan.
And yes, such article is then an ad to start your business in that field with minimum to no risk then unfortunately in Japan.