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Caregiving Conversation & Addressing (Situation-Specific Phrases and Reporting, Contacting, Consulting)

Nursing Care · 介護 - Kaigo · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Core Principles of Addressing Users (Polite Speech, Independence Support, Self-Determination, Prior Notice)

When addressing care users (Koe-kake), always use polite speech (Teineigo) such as ~desu, ~masu, ~mashouka (shall we ~?), ~te kudasaine, and ~te itadakemasuka (could you please ~?) to show respect. Never use commanding tones like 'Sit down quickly' or casual slang.

As the foundation of Independence Support (Jiritsu shien), do not do everything for the user from the start; first ask Go-jibun de ~ dekimasuka (Can you do ~ by yourself?) and offer help only for difficult parts by saying Otetsudai shimashouka (Shall I help you?).

Respect the user's self-determination (Jiko kettei) by asking them to choose—such as 'Which clothes would you like to wear?' or 'What would you like to drink?'—and obtain consent beforehand with ~ shitemo yoroshii desuka (May I ~?).

Before touching a user's body or moving a wheelchair, always give prior notice by saying Korekara ~ shimasune (I am going to ~ now) so you do not startle them. During and after care, check their condition with Go-kibun wa ikaga desuka (How do you feel?) or Itami wa arimasenka (Do you have any pain?).

Key points


  • Always speak to users in polite form (~mashouka, ~te itadakemasuka) and never use imperative or rough language.

  • First ask Go-jibun de ~ dekimasuka to watch over what they can do, and offer Otetsudai shimashouka for parts that require help.

  • Give prior notice before any action with Korekara ~ shimasune, and check how the user feels with Taichou (Go-kibun) wa ikaga desuka.
WordMeaning
Addressing users (Koe-kake) and Polite speech (Teineigo: ~desu, ~masu)
Can you do ~ by yourself? (Go-jibun de ~ dekimasuka)
Shall I help you? (Otetsudai shimashouka)
May I do ~? (~ shitemo yoroshii desuka)
I am going to do ~ now (Korekara ~ shimasune)
How are you feeling? (Go-kibun / Taichou wa ikaga desuka)

Addressing Users for Getting Up, Transfers, and Wheelchair Mobility (Shoes, Steps, and Slopes)

When transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, first ask: Can you sit up from the bed by yourself? (Bed kara okiagaremasuka). If the user sits up alone on the edge of the bed and asks for help putting on shoes, reply: Yes, let me help you and assist with their shoes.

When standing up to transfer into the wheelchair, ensure safety by saying: I am locking the wheelchair brakes now (Kurumaisu no brake wo kakemasune), then guide them gently: Please hold onto my shoulders or Please grip the handrail as they sit down slowly.

Before moving in a wheelchair, place the user's feet on the foot supports, make eye contact, and always announce: I am going to push the wheelchair now (Korekara kurumaisu wo oshimasuyo) before starting smoothly.

When going up a step or curb (Dansa), say: I am going to lift the front wheels now; it will tilt slightly. When going down a steep slope (Sakamichi), going forward is dangerous, so say: We will go down slowly facing backward (Ushiromuki de yukkuri orimasune) while standing below the wheelchair.

Addressing Users for Getting Up, Transfers, and Wheelchair Mobility (Shoes, Steps, and Slopes)

Key points


  • Check whether the user can sit up on their own, assist with putting on shoes when asked, and guide them to hold onto your shoulders or the handrail.

  • Always announce Kurumaisu wo oshimasuyo before pushing a wheelchair so the user is never startled by sudden movement.

  • Announce lifting the front wheels at a step, and say Ushiromuki de yukkuri orimasune when descending a slope backward.
WordMeaning
Can you sit up from the bed? (Bed kara okiagaremasuka)
Shall I help you put on your shoes? (Kutsu wo haku no wo tetsudaimashouka)
Hold onto my shoulder (Kata ni tsukamaru), Grip the handrail (Tesuri wo nigiru)
I am going to push the wheelchair now (Kurumaisu wo oshimasuyo)
We are going up the step now / Lifting the front wheels (Dansa wo agarimasune)
We will go down slowly facing backward (Ushiromuki de yukkuri orimasune)

Addressing Users for Walking Practice, Cane Walking, and Outings (Walks and Silver Car)

During walking practice using a handrail in the functional training room or hallway, ask: Do you have any pain in your legs? (Ashi no itami wa arimasenka) and encourage them: Please grip the handrail firmly and walk slowly. If they get tired, immediately bring a chair for them to rest.

When a user with hemiplegia walks on a flat floor with a cane (three-step gait), they hold the cane in the unaffected hand (Kensoku), and the caregiver guides the exact order: First place the cane forward, next step with your affected leg (Kansoku), and finally step with your unaffected leg (Kensoku).

When going up stairs, the order is Cane -> Unaffected leg -> Affected leg; when going down stairs, the order is Cane -> Affected leg -> Unaffected leg. Be careful never to mix up Kansoku (affected side) and Kensoku (unaffected side).

When inviting a user for a walk after lunch on a sunny day, say: The weather is lovely, so would you like to go outside for a walk?. If the user uses a Silver car (senior pushcart), tell them: I will prepare your Silver car at the entrance (Genkan).

Key points


  • During walking practice, check whether the user has leg pain and bring a chair immediately if they feel tired.

  • Remember the exact verbal cue for cane walking on flat ground: (1) Cane forward -> (2) Affected leg (Kansoku) -> (3) Unaffected leg (Kensoku).

  • Invite users for walks according to weather and condition, and prepare their Silver car or shoes at the entrance (Genkan).
WordMeaning
Do you have any pain in your legs? (Ashi no itami wa arimasenka)
First the cane, next the affected leg, and then the unaffected leg
I will bring a chair so let's take a rest
The weather is nice, so would you like to go for a walk?
I will prepare your Silver car at the entrance (Genkan)
Please walk slowly (Yukkuri aruite kudasaine)

Mealtime Addressing 1: Starting Meals, Changing Utensils, Menu Choices, and Hot/Cold Checks

When starting a meal, encourage saliva secretion and moisten the mouth for easier swallowing by saying: Shall we start by drinking some tea (or soup) first? (Mazu ocha kara nonde mimashouka), and clearly explain the menu items and dish positions.

If a user is eating very little during a meal, gently ask the reason. If they say: My right hand hurts so I cannot hold chopsticks, do not immediately feed them everything; instead say: I will bring a spoon for you (Spoon wo motte kimasune) so they can eat by themselves.

On days with selectable menus or desserts, ask the user to choose: For lunch today we have Tempura and Hamburger steak; which would you prefer? or For dessert, would you like pudding or jelly?.

When asking about after-meal drinks, confirm both temperature and type: Would you prefer cold barley tea (Tsumetai mugicha) or warm black tea (Atatakai koucha)?. If soup has cooled down, ask: Shall I warm it up? (Atatamemashouka), and if it is too hot, ask: Shall I cool it down a little? (Sukoshi samashimashouka).

Key points


  • At the start of a meal, suggest drinking tea or soup first (Ocha kara nonde mimashouka) to moisten the mouth and prevent aspiration.

  • When hand pain prevents chopstick use, offer to bring a spoon (Spoon wo motte kimasune) to support independent eating.

  • Let the user choose menu items and drinks, and never confuse Atatameru (warming up cold food) with Samasu (cooling down hot food).
WordMeaning
Shall we try drinking some tea first? (Ocha kara nonde mimashouka)
I will bring a spoon for you (Spoon wo motte kimasune)
Which would you prefer, Tempura or Hamburger steak?
Cold barley tea (Tsumetai mugicha) and Warm black tea (Atatakai koucha)
Shall I warm it up? (Atatamemashouka) / Shall I cool it down a little? (Sukoshi samashimashouka)
Shall I cut it into bite-sized pieces for you?

Mealtime Addressing 2: Clearing Dishes, Post-Meal Sitting Posture, and Reporting to the Leader

Even when a user appears to have finished eating, never clear the tray silently. Always confirm with the user first by asking: Would you like to finish your meal now? (Oshokuji wo owari ni shimasuka) and saying: I will clear the dishes now (Shokki wo sagemasune).

Lying down in bed immediately after eating is dangerous because stomach contents can reflux and cause aspiration or heartburn. Therefore, encourage the user: Let's stay seated and rest for about 30 minutes after the meal to maintain a sitting posture.

If you observe a user coughing or choking when drinking tea or miso soup during a meal, accurately report both intake amount and symptoms to the Leader or Nurse: Ms. A ate all her food, but she sometimes chokes when drinking tea or miso soup (museru koto ga arimasu).

When the Leader instructs: To prevent choking, it is better to add thickener (Toromi) to her tea, and please be sure to record the amount of food and fluids consumed, repeat the instruction to confirm: Yes, I understand. I will add thickener and record the amounts and carry it out.

Mealtime Addressing 2: Clearing Dishes, Post-Meal Sitting Posture, and Reporting to the Leader

Key points


  • Before clearing dishes, always ask Oshokuji wo owari ni shimasuka and say Shokki wo sagemasune rather than clearing silently.

  • To prevent reflux and aspiration, advise the user to remain seated for about 30 minutes after eating.

  • Report choking on liquids to the Leader or Nurse, follow instructions to add thickener (Toromi), and always record food and fluid intake.
WordMeaning
Would you like to finish your meal? (Oshokuji wo owari ni shimasuka)
I will clear the dishes now (Shokki wo sagemasune)
Let's stay seated and rest for a while after eating
She sometimes chokes when drinking tea or miso soup
It is better to add thickener (Toromi)
Please be sure to record the amount eaten

Excretion Addressing (Pre-Meal Toilet Guidance, Call Button, Urinal, and Reporting Redness)

When a user returns from a walk and is about to enter the dining hall directly, consider their modesty so others do not overhear and gently suggest: You will feel more at ease if you use the restroom before the meal. Shall we go together?.

After guiding the user into the restroom, saying: I will pull your pants down now (Zubon wo sagemasune), and confirming they are seated stably on the toilet seat (Benza), instruct them: Please press this call button (Yobidashi button) to let me know when you finish. I will wait outside the door.

At night or when a user has lower back pain and says: My back hurts so I cannot walk to the restroom, do not force them to walk or hold it in; instead suggest: Shall we use the portable toilet beside the bed? or Shall we use the urinal bottle (Nyouki) in bed?.

If you notice redness (Hosseki) on the skin of the buttocks (Denbu / Oshiri) during excretion care or diaper change, check with the user: Your bottom is slightly red. Does it hurt?, and report it immediately to the Nurse (Kangoshi) or Leader to prevent a pressure ulcer.

Key points


  • When guiding a user to the toilet before a meal, protect their modesty and gently say: Going to the restroom before eating will help you feel at ease.

  • After the user sits stably on the toilet seat, explain how to press the call button (Yobidashi button) when done and wait outside the closed door.

  • Suggest a Nyouki or Portable toilet when back pain prevents walking, and immediately report any buttock redness (Hosseki) to the Nurse.
WordMeaning
You will feel more at ease if you use the restroom before the meal
I will pull your pants down now / I will pull your pants up now
Please press the call button (Yobidashi button) to let me know when you finish
Please wait just as you are (waiting outside the door)
Shall we use the urinal bottle (Nyouki) or portable toilet?
Your bottom is a little red (Report to the Nurse)

Grooming and Dressing Addressing (Choosing Clothes, Dakken Chakkan, Toothache, and Hair Care)

During morning dressing or before going out, let the user choose their clothes: It is a little chilly today; which sweater would you like to wear?. If the user wants to wear the yellow sweater in the drawer gifted by their daughter, bring it and compliment them after dressing: It looks wonderful on you (Totemo oniai desuyo).

When a user with left-side hemiplegia puts on a jacket or top, follow the principle of Dakken chakkan (dress the affected side first): First I will put your left (affected) arm through the sleeve. Next, could you put your right (unaffected) arm through by yourself?, and finish by asking: How does it feel to wear? (Kigokochi wa ikaga desuka).

During oral care, if a user says: My tooth has been hurting since last night so I don't want to brush my teeth, do not force brushing; respond: Let's just rinse your mouth with water today (Kuchi wo yusugu dake ni shimashou). I will inform the Nurse so you can be examined by a dentist.

After toothbrushing, check inside the mouth and gently remove any remaining food debris by rinsing or using a sponge brush. After washing hair, say: I will dry your hair with the hair dryer now, and hand them a comb: Here is a comb; can you comb your hair by yourself?.

Key points


  • Respect the user's clothing preferences (such as a gift from family), and after dressing say Oniai desuyo and ask Kigokochi wa ikaga desuka.

  • When dressing a user with hemiplegia, guide the affected arm (Kansoku) into the sleeve first, then ask them to put the unaffected arm (Kensoku) through.

  • When a user has a toothache, have them rinse their mouth with water (Kuchi wo yusugu) instead of brushing, and report to the Nurse for a dental checkup.
WordMeaning
Which sweater would you like to wear? / It looks great on you
I will put your left (affected) arm through the sleeve now
Could you put your right (unaffected) arm through the sleeve by yourself?
How does it feel to wear? / Is it comfortable? (Kigokochi wa ikaga desuka)
Let's just rinse your mouth today / Would you like a dentist to examine it?
Dry hair with a hair dryer (Dryer) / Comb hair with a comb (Kushi)

Bathing and Bed Bath Addressing 1: Health Check, Room Temperature, and Water Temperature

Before bathing, if the Leader instructs: The Nurse said Mr. A can take a bath today, but please check Mr. A's physical condition with him once more before bathing, repeat to confirm: Yes, I will check Mr. A's condition before bathing, and ask the user: How are you feeling today?.

Before starting a bed bath (Seishiki) in a user's room, if the user says: The room is a bit cold, do not undress them right away; say: I will turn on the air conditioner (Aircon) to warm up the room. Let's wipe your body after it gets warm.

In the bathroom, always test the shower water temperature on your own hand first, then pour water from the feet while asking: I am pouring warm water now. How is the water temperature? (Oyu no ondo wa ikaga desuka). If the user says: It is a little lukewarm (Sukoshi nurui desu), reply: I will make it a little warmer for you.

When getting out of the bathtub or walking in the bathroom, the wet floor is very slippery, so support the user and remind them: The bathroom floor is slippery, so please hold onto the handrail and walk slowly.

Bathing and Bed Bath Addressing 1: Health Check, Room Temperature, and Water Temperature

Key points


  • Even when the Nurse has approved bathing, always reconfirm the user's physical condition directly with the user right before bathing.

  • Warm up a chilly room with the air conditioner before a bed bath, and adjust the water warmer if the user says it feels lukewarm (Nurui).

  • In the bathroom, prevent falls by reminding the user: The floor is slippery, so please walk slowly.
WordMeaning
I will check your physical condition once more before bathing
I will turn on the air conditioner to warm up the room
I am pouring warm water now / How is the water temperature?
Is it a little lukewarm? / I will make it a little warmer
The floor is slippery, so please walk slowly
Let's drink some tea to rehydrate after your bath

Bathing and Bed Bath Addressing 2: Skin Observation, Hair Washing, Foot Bath, and Leader Guidance

During bathing preparation or dressing, if a user says: My back is redder and itchier than yesterday, do not let them bathe or apply ointment on your own judgment; say: Let me check your back. Before taking a bath, I will consult the Nurse (Kangoshi).

If a user says: My head is itchy because I haven't washed my hair since last week, respond warmly: Let's wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo today. Please tell me if any spot feels itchy and wash their hair carefully.

On days when a user has a mild cold and cannot take a full bath, suggest an alternative: Today let's skip the bath and soak your feet in warm water (Sokuyoku) instead? or Shall I wipe your body with a warm towel (Seishiki)?.

When the Leader instructs on facial wiping technique: When wiping the user's face, gently wipe with a warm towel from the inner corner of the eye (Megashira) toward the outer corner (Mejiri), be sure to follow the exact direction from Megashira to Mejiri.

Key points


  • If redness or itching on the back is worse than yesterday, always consult and report to the Nurse before bathing.

  • Ask about itchy spots while washing hair, and propose a bed bath (Seishiki) or foot bath (Sokuyoku) when full bathing is not possible.

  • When wiping the eyes during facial care, always wipe from the inner corner (Megashira) toward the outer corner (Mejiri).
WordMeaning
Is your back itchier than yesterday? (Checking skin condition)
I will ask the Nurse before you take a bath
Let's wash your hair thoroughly today (Senpatsu)
Shall we wash your feet in warm water? (Sokuyoku - Foot bath)
Shall I wipe your body with a warm towel? (Seishiki - Bed bath)
Wipe from the inner corner of the eye (Megashira) toward the outer corner (Mejiri)

Conversations on Housework, Environment, Temperature Check, Night Calls, and Handover

When you are about to open a window for ventilation (Kanki) and the user says: It's cold right now, so please don't open it, do not open it forcibly; adjust the timing by saying: I understand. I will ventilate the room later while you are in the dining hall (Shokudou).

In housework scenes, utilize the user's remaining abilities and strengths by inviting them: Would you like to fold wet hand towels (Oshibori) together? or Ms. A, you are so good at this—could you teach me how to fold the laundry?. When they wipe the table, express gratitude: Thank you very much; the table is nice and clean now. You can also plan tomorrow's cooking together, such as simmered vegetables and grilled fish.

When measuring body temperature, say: I will place the thermometer under your arm. It is 36.5 degrees—your normal temperature. Before bedtime or during night rounds, speak softly: Excuse me for disturbing your rest (Oyasumi no tokoro sumimasen). Please press the Nurse call button if you need anything.

If a user presses the Nurse call saying they feel unwell, visit the room immediately to check on them and report right away to the Leader or Nurse. In the workplace, greet colleagues with Otsukaresama desu during shifts, say Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu when leaving work, and reliably carry out handover instructions (such as observing a user's back).

Key points


  • If a user feels cold during ventilation, offer to ventilate later while they are in the dining hall (Shokudou ni itte iru toki ni kanki wo shimasune).

  • Invite users to join in folding towels or laundry, wiping tables, or cooking with polite invitations and warm gratitude.

  • Immediately report any unwellness from a Nurse call to the Leader/Nurse, and observe workplace greetings (Otsukaresama desu, Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu).
WordMeaning
I will ventilate the room while you are in the dining hall
Shall we fold Oshibori towels together? / Could you teach me how to fold the laundry?
Thank you, the table has become very clean
I will measure your temperature now / It is 36.5 degrees
Excuse me while you are resting / Please press the Nurse call button
Thank you for your hard work (Otsukaresama desu) / Excuse me for leaving first (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)

Frequently Tested Points & Memory Tips

In 'Conversations & Verbal Cues', questions ask you to choose polite expressions that respect the user's wishes and physical condition across situations (meals, bathing, toileting, transfers, entering rooms).

Golden rule for picking the right answer: 'Commands, prohibitions, or rushing phrases (Hurry up, Don't move) are ALWAYS wrong'; 'Polite suggestions or consent-seeking questions (~shimashou ka / ~wa ikaga desu ka / yoroshii desu ka) are right'.

In staff handovers and reporting dialogues, choose expressions that 'concisely state the facts and numbers (who, when, what happened) and ask the leader or nurse for instructions'.

Key points


  • Basic verbal cue rule: 'Avoid one-sided commands or rushing; choose consent-seeking phrases like ~shimashou ka (Shall we...?) or Yoroshii desu ka (Is it alright?)'.

  • Standard phrase when entering a room: 'Knock -> Shitsurei shimasu, (Name) desu. Haittemo yoroshii desu ka? (Excuse me, it is (Name). May I come in?)'.

  • Checking comfort during bathing/hygiene: 'Oyu no atsusa wa ikaga desu ka (How is the water temperature?)', 'Samukunai desu ka (Are you cold?)', 'Onaka no choushi wa dou desu ka'.

  • When a user feels unwell or refuses care: 'Do not force them; accept their feelings with Dokoka itamimasu ka (Does it hurt anywhere?) or Ato ni shimashou ka (Shall we do it later?)'.

  • Reporting to a leader or nurse: 'State objective facts and numbers, then ask for guidance, e.g., Mr./Ms. A has a temperature of 38.2°C. What should I do?'
WordMeaning
Verbal cues to confirm consent and wishes
Greeting and stating one's name when entering a room
Expressions for checking water temperature and condition
Reporting facts and asking for instructions

Caregiving Conversation & Addressing

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