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The Care Process (Kaigo Katei)

National Exam for Certified Care Workers 介護福祉士 · 介護福祉士国家試験(筆記) · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Significance, Purpose, and Cycle of the Care Process

The 'Care Process' (Kaigo Katei) is a systematic, intentional process of delivering care based on 'scientific evidence (problem-solving thinking)' rather than intuition or habit alone, aimed at realizing the better life (self-actualization and QOL) desired by the user.

Its purposes are: (1) realizing 'user-centered care' tailored to each individual, (2) sharing goals within the team and across professions to ensure 'consistency and continuity of care,' and (3) objectively evaluating care practice.

The Care Process progresses through a cyclical PDCA loop: '(1) Assessment (Information Gathering and Problem Analysis) → (2) Care Plan Formulation → (3) Implementation → (4) Monitoring and Evaluation (→ Re-assessment).'

Rather than ending once a plan is written, it must be continuously reviewed in response to changes in the user's physical/mental state, environment, and feelings, elevating support quality in an upward spiral.

By verbalizing and visualizing the care process for team sharing, any care worker involved can deliver consistent high-quality care, fostering reassurance and trust for the user and family.

Key points


  • The Care Process relies on 'scientific evidence' rather than guesswork to achieve individualized care and unified team support

  • Sequence of the cycle: Assessment (Information Gathering & Analysis) → Planning → Implementation → Monitoring & Evaluation
WordMeaning
Unfolding the Care Process (4-stage cycle)
Evidence-based caregiving
Consistency and continuity of care
Respecting individuality and self-actualization

Perspectives of Information Gathering and Subjective vs. Objective Data

In 'Information Gathering,' the first step of assessment, workers collect comprehensive data—basic profile, family structure, medical history, life history, values, living environment, and the 6 ICF components—to grasp the user's holistic picture.

Collected information comprises 'Subjective Data' (S-data: words, thoughts, wishes, and complaints spoken by the user or family) and 'Objective Data' (O-data: observed behaviors, facial expressions, measured vital signs, and test results).

For users with dementia or severe disabilities who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, carefully observe non-verbal signs such as tense facial expressions, eye movements, food intake, and sleep patterns.

Information sources include both primary information (direct interviews with the user and family) and secondary information from related records (physician's diagnosis, nursing records, Care Manager's face sheet).

Information gathering is not an end in itself; workers must gather necessary information continuously while building trust and protecting the user's privacy.

Key points


  • Collect both Subjective Data (user/family statements) and Objective Data (observed facts and measurements)

  • For users with difficulty communicating verbally, carefully observe non-verbal signs such as facial expressions and behavioral changes
WordMeaning
Subjective Data (S-data) and Objective Data (O-data)
Information gathering based on the ICF perspective
Observing non-verbal signs (expressions, gestures, daily rhythms)
Privacy protection and building trust

Assessment (Problem Analysis) and Distinguishing Demands from Needs

In 'Assessment,' fragmented pieces of information (physical/mental functions, life history, environment, user wishes) are interrelated, interpreted, and integrated to clarify the 'causes and background of why a difficulty is occurring.'

Crucial here is distinguishing between a 'Demand' (the surface-level request spoken by the user) and a 'Need' (the underlying life challenge identified together with professionals).

For example, behind the statement 'I don't want to go to day service anymore' (Demand), workers uncover the background—'anxiety about going out due to knee pain and embarrassment over toileting mistakes'—and identify the Need as 'being able to excrete and move safely while interacting with others.'

Rather than focusing only on problems or disabilities, workers derive life needs by focusing on the user's 'Strengths' (residual abilities, motivation, and family/community support).

Furthermore, when analyzing the background of behaviors, care workers must set aside preconceptions and make comprehensive judgments that include future predicted risks and possibilities.

Assessment (Problem Analysis) and Distinguishing Demands from Needs

Key points


  • Interrelate multiple pieces of information to analyze and interpret the 'causes and background' of behaviors or condition changes

  • Distinguish surface requests (Demands) from underlying 'life challenges (Needs)' while focusing on 'Strengths'
WordMeaning
Assessment (problem analysis and connecting information)
Demands (surface requests) vs. Needs (underlying life challenges)
Focusing on Strengths (residual functions and motivation)
Interpreting background factors behind words and actions

Formulating the Care Plan (Long-Term Goals, Short-Term Goals, Support Content) and Consent

To resolve the life needs clarified during assessment, a 'Care Plan' is formulated, specifying 'Long-Term Goals' (the desired life vision), step-by-step 'Short-Term Goals' to reach them, and 'Concrete Support Content.'

When setting goals, make 'the user the subject of the sentence'—expressing positive, concrete states achieved by the user ('Mr./Ms. A can...', 'Mr./Ms. A spends time...') rather than actions of the care worker ('Assist with...').

In particular, 'Short-Term Goals' must be achievable (realistic with slight effort given current abilities) and stated concretely so achievement can later be 'objectively evaluated and measured.'

Write support content ('when, where, who, and how to support' plus safety precautions) concretely so any staff member can practice it consistently, and always explain the plan clearly to obtain 'consent' from the user and family.

When multiple life needs exist, prioritize them in the plan starting from urgent issues affecting life and safety or matters most strongly desired by the user.

Key points


  • State goals with 'the user as the subject' in realistic, concrete terms that allow objective evaluation of achievement

  • Always explain the formulated care plan to the user and family and obtain their consent before implementation
WordMeaning
Long-Term Goals and Short-Term Goals (step-by-step setting)
Goal formulation with the user as the subject
Concrete support content and safety precautions
Informed consent (explanation and agreement)

Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Plan Revision

In 'Implementation,' the entire team provides support using unified methods based on the plan while observing the user's daily physical condition, mood, and reactions to ensure safety and comfort.

Ongoing 'Monitoring' during implementation checks whether support is delivered as planned, how satisfied the user is, whether physical/mental conditions have changed, and whether progress toward short-term goals is on track.

If a sudden change in condition, a fall, or strong refusal occurs during implementation, conduct a re-assessment immediately and revise the plan without waiting for the scheduled evaluation date.

In 'Evaluation' after a set period, judge success based on 'the degree to which the user achieved the goal' rather than staff self-satisfaction; if unachieved, analyze the causes and link findings to the next plan.

Even when short-term goals are achieved, the plan is constructively reviewed to set new next-step short-term goals or maintain the achieved state.

Key points


  • Monitoring continuously checks implementation status and user changes; revise the plan immediately if sudden changes occur

  • Evaluate based on the 'user's goal achievement level,' leading into re-assessment and plan revision
WordMeaning
Intentional and unified implementation
Monitoring (checking implementation status and progress)
Evaluation (judging goal achievement)
Re-assessment and Care Plan revision

Linkage Between Master Care Plans and Individual Support Plans, and Key Roles

Under the Long-Term Care Insurance System, based on the master 'In-Home Service Plan' (or Facility Service Plan) created by a Care Manager, each provider creates individualized plans such as a 'Home-Visit Care Plan' or 'Day Service Plan.'

At a home-visit care agency, the 'Service Provision Representative' (Sabisu Teikyou Sekininsha / Sa-seki) creates the 'Home-Visit Care Plan' aligned with the Care Manager's plan, instructs home helpers, and conducts monitoring.

Under the Services and Supports for Persons with Disabilities Act, based on the 'Service Utilization Plan' created by a Consultation Support Specialist, the facility's 'Service Management Representative' (Sabi-kan) creates the 'Individual Support Plan.'

At 'Service Representative Meetings' convened by the Care Manager, the Sa-seki and care workers attend alongside the user and family to share daily care insights and synchronize team-wide support.

If changes in the user's living challenges or condition arise during home-visit care, the agency reports and proposes adjustments to the Care Manager so the In-Home Service Plan is reviewed in tandem.

Key points


  • Based on the In-Home Service Plan (by the Care Manager), the Service Provision Representative creates the 'Home-Visit Care Plan'

  • In disability welfare, based on the Service Utilization Plan, the Service Management Representative creates the 'Individual Support Plan'
WordMeaning
In-Home Service Plan (Care Plan) and Home-Visit Care Plan
Service Provision Representative (Sa-seki in home-visit care)
Service Utilization Plan and Individual Support Plan (Sabi-kan)
Multidisciplinary collaboration at Service Representative Meetings

Older Adult Cases (Long-Term Care Insurance): Interpreting Behavior and Revising Plans

In 2-question sequential case problems for older adults on the national exam, questions test 'interpreting behavioral changes (assessment)' and 'revising short-term goals or support content' at care conferences.

For instance, when a user refuses recreation, bathing, or meals or becomes irritable, do not hastily label it 'selfishness' or 'dementia progression'; explore underlying factors such as hearing/vision loss, fatigue, constipation, pain, former occupation, or pride.

In cases aiming for discharge home or continued home living, extract challenges by comparing current facility performance with the actual home environment (steps, toilet location, family caregiving capacity).

When revising plans, rather than jumping to overly high goals or full assistance, leverage the user's self-esteem and strengths (familiar chores or hobbies) and select small-step support such as small-group activities or meaningful roles.

Furthermore, to address confusion right after facility admission or service initiation (relocation damage), plans that arrange familiar belongings or assign consistent staff to build reassurance are effective.

Older Adult Cases (Long-Term Care Insurance): Interpreting Behavior and Revising Plans

Key points


  • Multidimensionally interpret physical discomfort, sensory decline, life history, and pride behind refusal or restlessness

  • When revising plans, leverage the user's 'strengths and familiar skills' and set short-term goals in small steps
WordMeaning
Interpreting background of behavioral changes (physical, psychological, environmental)
Respecting life history and pride (self-esteem)
Short-term goal revision using small steps
Role support leveraging user strengths

Disability Welfare Cases and Ethics in Case Research (Case Studies)

In disability welfare case problems (Group Homes, Continuous Employment Support, Living Care), questions ask for the 'highest-priority information to gather' when a user's condition changes due to environment or aging, and appropriate 'Individual Support Plan goals.'

For example, when a user with an intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experiences panic, tardiness, or loss of appetite at a workshop or group home, first check daytime activities, night sleep, physical health, interpersonal relations, and sensory sensitivities.

Respecting the user's 'self-selection and self-determination,' incorporate visual schedules or environmental adjustments to build a support plan that fosters reassurance and confidence.

Furthermore, 'Case Research' (Case Study / Jirei Kenkyuu)—reflecting on care practice to derive principles and lessons—is conducted to promote the care worker's 'self-awareness' (Jiko Kakuchi) and elevate professional expertise.

When conducting case research, strictly observe research ethics: explain the research purpose to obtain consent from the user and family, thoroughly 'anonymize' data so individuals cannot be identified, and ensure no disadvantage occurs.

Key points


  • In disability cases, coordinate information between daytime activity sites and living spaces, and build plans supporting self-determination

  • The purpose of Case Research is 'self-awareness and improving care professionalism,' requiring informed consent and strict anonymization
WordMeaning
Group Home (Community Living Support) and Continuous Employment Support
Information sharing with daytime activity providers and environmental adjustment
Case Research (Case Study) and Self-awareness (Jiko Kakuchi)
Research ethics (Informed consent and Anonymization)

Official references