Care Product Insights

Discover the Bedsore Nurse Repositioning Pad, designed with Fusion® 3D fabric to reduce caregiver burden and improve comfort.

In healthcare and long-term care settings, “positioning” is essential to prevent pressure injuries (pressure ulcers) in people who cannot move independently. Positioning means keeping the body in an appropriate posture to reduce pressure and shear, thereby maintaining comfort. Among commonly used methods is the 30° lateral position (30° tilt). In practice, however, relatively few people apply it correctly. I myself used to perform it based on a vague understanding. However, continuing to do so can invite unintended risks. This article explains the significance and pitfalls of the 30° lateral position, fundamentals of pressure injuries, and a cushion—the Bananafit Small Flow Type—which appears useful for repositioning; my discussion draws on related patent filings.

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in Japan. While many associate pneumonia with COVID-19, aspiration pneumonia has a different cause. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, liquids, or saliva mistakenly enter the airway, causing inflammation. According to data from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, more than 60,000 people died of aspiration pneumonia in 2022—surpassing the annual death toll from COVID-19. With Japan’s aging population, this number is expected to rise further. As a result, oral function and aspiration prevention have become essential concerns in elderly care and nursing. In previous posts, I have introduced products aimed at reducing aspiration risk. This time, I’d like to introduce “Isotonic Jelly”, a jelly drink we recently tried in our facility to support alternating swallowing. I’ll share our practical experiences and discuss key characteristics of easy-to-swallow jellies based on relevant patent information.

This article focuses on a product introduced in the Silver Industry Newspaper: the "Wans Care Toilet Disposal Bag," designed to support hygienic and simplified handling of waste in portable toilets.

As a home-visit nurse, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of oral care through daily practice. In both caregiving and nursing settings, the value of maintaining good oral hygiene is being reevaluated. In 2024, Japan’s long-term care insurance system introduced a new reimbursement category called the “Oral Care Collaboration Enhancement Add-On,” encouraging collaboration between dental professionals, nurses, and caregivers to improve the quality of care and enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals. In previous blog posts, I’ve introduced swallowing support products such as thickening agents and the K-spoon that help fulfill the desire of many older adults to “keep enjoying food.” (The English version of that post is currently in preparation.)