Nursing and Care Market News Update — 2026-05-23

Japan Care and Nursing Market Trends

1. Managing care businesses amidst rising inflation According to Medical Saponet, Japanese nursing care operators are currently grappling with how to adjust management strategies in response to severe inflation. There is increasing interest in measures to improve oral function to prevent frailty in the elderly. Insights on management decision-making and human resource strategies are being shared via on-demand member content, alongside ongoing updates regarding the 2026 revisions to long-term care fees.

2. Threshold for employed seniors' pensions raised to 650,000 yen As reported by Government Public Relations Online, the threshold for the "Employees' Pension for Active Employees" system has been raised to 650,000 yen per month starting April 2026. This adjustment reflects the growing trend of elderly employment as life expectancy increases. Some recipients may see an annual pension increase of approximately 300,000 yen, a move designed to create an environment where seniors can work for longer.

3. 2026 nursing care fee interim revisions announced According to PT/OT/ST Net, the interim revision for 2026 long-term care fees has been officially announced, including specific calculation requirements and guidelines. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has also issued notifications regarding operational rules for treatment improvement add-ons for care staff. These changes have direct implications for rehabilitation professionals, including physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists.

4. Institutional limits of interim care fee revisions An analysis by the Institute for Social Vision and Design (ISVD) suggests that the recent interim revision of care fees reflects systemic vulnerabilities within the government's approach. The report also addresses structural redesign challenges across welfare sectors, including 2026 social security revisions, the depletion of local government labor, elderly workforce issues, and income redistribution concerns.

5. Nishinomiya City demands 75 million yen refund due to billing errors According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, an administrative error regarding care service add-ons was discovered in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. A 15% rate was incorrectly applied to 18 users instead of the mandated 8.5%. The city plans to demand a refund of approximately 75 million yen from 35 businesses, citing a misunderstanding of the criteria by the administration.

1 sources

medical-saponet.mynavi.jp

medical-saponet.mynavi.jp

Singapore Care and Nursing Market Trends

1. SingHealth wins WHO 'Healthy Aging' international award As reported by The Manila Times on May 22, 2026, Singapore's SingHealth received the "His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize" from the World Health Organization (WHO) for promoting healthy aging. This award recognizes SingHealth’s contributions to population health and underscores Singapore's growing global leadership in aging and healthcare innovation.

2. AIC expands subsidies for home medical supplies The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) in Singapore expanded the list of items eligible for subsidies under the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) in April 2026. Users and caregivers can order subsidized items through the Vertis Health Marketplace. 2026 subsidy levels are calculated based on 2025 annual values.

3. AIC’s home care and respite support services The AIC continues to operate various home support schemes, such as the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) and Respite Care Services. Eligibility for the HCG is assessed based on the household's annual value. The Integrated Home and Day Care (IHDC) service, which combines home visits with day center services, is currently supporting a smooth transition for users who were enrolled before March 31, 2026.

4. Preparing for a super-aged society by 2030 According to NUS BizBeat, Singapore is expected to become a super-aged society by 2030, with one in four citizens aged 65 or older. This shift makes retirement security and elderly protection critical societal issues. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung stated that plans for Community Care Apartments (CCA) will be adjusted as senior housing options continue to diversify.

5. 'Age Well Neighbourhood' initiative expands to three more regions As reported by CNA, the government plans to expand the Age Well Neighbourhood initiative to three additional regions: Bedok, Bukit Panjang, and Tiong Bahru/Redhill. Announced as Singapore enters super-aged status, the initiative focuses on creating environments where seniors can lead active, healthy lives within their local communities.

Policy and Market Implications

1. Strengthening home care: Shared goals, different approaches While Japan focuses on staff treatment and fee adjustments, Singapore is expanding subsidies and integrated service platforms like IHDC. Both countries are shifting from facility-centric to community-based care, with Japan relying on regulatory insurance adjustments and Singapore utilizing market-friendly subsidy platforms.

2. International branding: Singapore's strategic positioning SingHealth’s WHO award highlights Singapore’s strategy to become a hub for Asian aging solutions. While Japan focuses on internal system maintenance, Singapore is bolstering its global visibility, making it a key window for potential cooperation and entry into the ASEAN healthcare market.

3. Administrative errors and fiscal sustainability in Japan The Nishinomiya City incident and the ISVD analysis highlight the complexities and fiscal pressures facing Japan’s long-term care insurance system. Amidst rising inflation, the threat to provider profitability and service quality will likely trigger further discussions on simplifying administrative procedures and refining fee structures.