地域包括ケアシステムのなかで得られた知見を糧に—共生の時代へのSTep

Building on the insights gained from a community-based integrated care system : Steps toward an inclusive society

　言語聴覚療法の提供体制は医療に加え，介護や福祉制度においても整備が進んでいる．高齢化が進展するなかで，高齢者の住み慣れた地域での生活を支える地域包括ケアシステムは，構築の段階から深化・推進のフェーズに入った．高齢者支援において予防の重要性はいっそう高まっており，言語聴覚士は従来のプログラムに加え，難聴高齢者の支援という新たな役割を担っている．一方，障害者施策における失語症者向け意思疎通支援事業は言語聴覚士が中心となって全国的普及を進めている．共生の時代は，住民どうしのつながりを基盤に，高齢者や障害児・者の隔たりなく，一人ひとりの望む生活の実現を目指し，これまで以上に地域連携ネットワークのなかでの言語聴覚士の活動が期待されている．

　The infrastructure for providing speech-language-hearing therapy is being developed not only in healthcare but also within nursing care and welfare systems. As the aging of the population has progressed, the Community-based Integrated Care System, which supports elderly people living in their familiar communities, has moved from the initial construction stage to the phase of deepening and promotion. In supporting the elderly, the importance of prevention has increased, and speech-language-hearing therapists (SLHTs) are taking on a new role in supporting elderly people with hearing loss in addition to their conventional programs. In the welfare measures for people with disabilities, SLHTs are leading and spreading communication support projects for people with aphasia nationwide. In this era of coexistence based on connections among residents, the aim is to help each individual, without distinction of age or disability, achieve the lifestyle he or she desires. Consequently, the role of SLHTs within the regional collaboration network is expected to expand more than ever.