A Care Management Model for a Remote Japanese Island

A holistic care model integrating medical, environmental, and social support is crucial for remote island populations. Case managers should consider residents' sense of purpose (ikigai) and social ties as vital components of care planning. The authors propose establishing a "Sakushima Rehabilitation Coordinator" to provide preventative, lifestyle-integrated interventions. Utilizing "Special Services for Remote Islands" can formally support and sustain existing informal care networks. To achieve proper operation of the LTCI system based on regional characteristics, flexible trials and adjustments that take cultural factors and the natural environment into account should be actively promoted.