OMAHA, NEB. – According to the Statistics Bureau of Japan, the senior population of Japan is due for a significant upsurge in the next decade. The number of Japanese residents over the age of 65 — already accounting for more than 20 percent of the country’s total population — is predicted to swell to more than one-fourth of the population by the year 2030. As a response to this dramatic rise in the country’s ageing population, Right at Home, a leading in-home senior care company, is partnering with the well-known Japanese company, Watahan, to bring a brand new care solution to Japan. Starting rollout in Tokyo, Right at Home hopes to begin offering services to seniors and disabled adults by fall 2014, with plans to expand throughout Japan thereafter.
At the helm of Right at Home’s development in Japan is the Japanese, family-owned company Watahan. The company is currently headed by Mr. Kanji Nohara, President, and his son Isamu Nohara, Senior Vice President and COO, both descendants of Mr. Nihei Nohara. Watahan provides several services and products under their umbrella: including construction, steel process engineering, home aid products, medical and pharmaceutical materials, and social welfare services.
Understanding the growing need presented by the rapidly aging Japanese community, Watahan began developing a “Platinum Life” business segment that offers senior equipment rentals, preventative care and housing and day care centers. In an effort to provide the full continuum of senior services, Watahan saw the value of developing an in-home care segment and have chosen to do so with the proven business model of Right at Home.
“With one of the highest life expectancies worldwide, coupled with the growing population of seniors, Japan’s need for in-home care solutions will reach a critical mass as the country’s residents continue to age,” said Allen Hager, CEO and Chairman of Right at Home. “We know we will have a successful partnership with Watahan because they exemplify the same commitment to quality and dedication to excellence as Right at Home. Working closely together will greatly affect the ageing population of Japan to provide for a better quality of life for the elderly across the country.”
Right at Home Japan, an affiliate of Watahan Kouki, signed the master franchise agreement in late 2013, with plans to staff the operations team with Mr. Yohei Kumagai as President, alongside three directors.
While the in-home care industry is still in its infancy on a global front, and government regulations vary from country to country, the fact remains that the general public is ageing, living longer and wanting to spend their last years in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, people aren't just growing older; they are living longer due to an increased commitment to health and wellness, as well as the advancement of medicine.
On a global scale, estimates show there will be over two billion people age 60 and older by 2050. While on the whole, the in-home care industry is still in its infancy on a global front — and government regulations vary from country to country — the fact remains that the general public is ageing, living longer and wanting to spend their last years in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, people aren't just growing older; they are living longer due to an increased commitment to health and wellness, as well as the advancement of medicine.
“With the substantial increase in the population of seniors throughout Japan, there is a growing market for in-home senior care throughout the country,” said Blake Martin, Vice President of International Operations at Right at Home. “Fueled by Watahan’s reputation, experience, commitment and passion, we have an incredible opportunity to generate job creation and more business opportunities, but more significantly, to positively affect the health of the Japanese population.”
In addition to Japan, Right at Home is providing in-home care to seniors and disabled adults in China, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Brazil, with in-home care solutions additionally beginning in Australia this spring.
ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME INTERNATIONAL
Right at Home International is a global franchise organization based in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, licensed by its affiliate, Right at Home, Inc., to offer Master Franchises worldwide. Since its founding in 1995, Right at Home has grown to more than 300 locations on five continents, and is the first U.S. in-home senior care franchise to enter Brazil and China. Right at Home franchises, which are independently owned and operated, offer in-home care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue living independently. Caregiving staff are thoroughly screened and trained prior to entering a client’s home. For more information about Right at Home International, please visit www.rahglobal.com. For information specific to the countries we serve, please visit http://www.rightathome.net/international-franchise-opportunities/where-we-are.
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