Professionals who care for the elderly have access to all kinds of personal information about their clients. They need to be constantly monitored by independent oversight. But such steps can be taken only after trouble. The Wakayama incident underscores the need for an effective system of constant vigilance. One promising idea is formation of an independent oversight body that would conduct regular inspections, involving local government and nonprofit organizations.
Effective monitoring involves a certain commitment of financial and human resources.
Careful evaluation of the cost and merit are essential to ensure that such a body could deliver satisfactory performance. Local governments heeded community voices before the system for elderly care insurance began, and local residents are supposed to be involved in planning public nursing care by offering their opinions and suggestions. Public initiatives are important and effective in preventing such terrible incidents as that in Wakayama. The acts involved highlight a broader range of problems involving the rapidly rising number of elderly disabled people, raising questions about the best way to manage the assets of those who can no longer look after their own affairs. Related is the formation of a system to safeguard the property and rights of incompetent adults.