November 2024
JaSt Research Fellow, Prof. Obayashi held a special workshop at Flora Tanashi / Heartful Tanashi (Social Welfare Corporation Tokyo Seishin-kai, Nishitokyo), in collaboration with Nihon Fukushi University (Univ. of Social Welfare, Japan) on 9 November.
Prof. Obayashi spoke about her recent research and strongly recommended to social workers and care professions that they try to find some ‘time out’ from practice, engaging with data, literature and information with a fresh perspective, in the era of uncertainty… Wellbeing and spirituality were also stressed as an important element for maintaining ethics and providing high quality care for older people and those with disabilities.
Mr Asaishi, Lecturer at Nihon Fukushi University, gave a special talk on care and practice in the communities, highlighting the significance of research and evidence-based research. He has been engaged in the evaluation of robotics-aided care in the last few years.
Dr Kodate’s lecture covered a range of topics from the concept of Community of Practice (embedded in care settings), technological advancement in robotics/AI, to how global society needs to tackle some threats to democracy and safety, including move towards rationalisation and automation of care. He highlighted initiatives in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland and Europe, such as ‘Digital First Communities’, DLR Vision for Community Wellbeing, Age-friendly Towns, the work of Old People’s Councils, National Disability Strategic Plan 2025-27, European Accessibility Act, and AccessibleEU.
Prof. Masuyama (MD) joined discussions and Q&As, commenting on both opportunities and challenges concerning the impact of using AI/robotics on care, welfare, wellbeing and humanity.
Photo: Naonori Kodate
Photo taken during the pandemic. Courtesy of Prof. Kazuko Obayashi (Social Welfare Corporation Tokyo Seishin-kai).