Even if care is needed, I want to live in the familiar town and be myself.
A care facility that can fulfill such wishes is Day Service Soda.
It is a place that values the connections of each individual's life and the community, differing slightly from the traditional image of facilities.
It is not just about being "supported," but about continuing to connect with society as a human being. How does such an initiative add color to the daily lives of the users?
We will introduce the thoughts behind Day Service Soda and the new form of care facilities that expand from there.
About Day Service Soda
Day Service Soda is a day care facility that opened on August 1, 2024.
It provides support that values the unique ways of living and thoughts of each user.
The representative, Doi Shuhei, has gained experience as a physical therapist in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation, and day services. One of the characteristics of Day Service Soda is that daily interactions and support are built on such practical experiences.
An Open Day Service Connected to the Community
“I want to dispel the negative image of care facilities”
From Doi's thoughts, Day Service Soda places great importance on creating an open space for the community.
With a glass exterior that allows the inside to be seen, the entrance of the facility features a candy store and a bookstore. It has become an open space where local people can casually stop by and interact with users and staff.
During the visit for the interview, elementary school students returning from school were seen waving to users from outside the facility.
A Care Facility as an Extension of Daily Life
The interior of the facility is also thoughtfully designed.
To create a warm and homely atmosphere, warm-colored lighting and familiar shapes of furniture and fixtures have been incorporated. The kitchen is also opened as part of the activity area, allowing users to actually use it.
Rather than restricting everything for safety reasons, it is important to allow users to live as themselves while being monitored.
Daily Activities Born from "Yes, Let's Do It Together!"
At Day Service Soda, daily activities begin by encouraging users to "let's try it together," while being attentive to their lives and interests.
What is valued is that users do not become passive, but choose and engage themselves. Actions that are an extension of daily life are viewed as activities, creating time for users to live proactively.
Activities Connected to the Community and Daily Life
Activities at Day Service Soda are not limited to those that take place within the facility. Initiatives are being carried out that connect users with the community and society, utilizing their past experiences and skills.
For example, a user who is currently a calligraphy teacher teaches calligraphy within the facility, and a user who enjoys cooking prepares lunch. They also help prepare materials used for projects at a nearby kindergarten and sometimes deliver them.
By utilizing "what they can do" and "what they have done" in the facility's activities, users are able to feel their connection to society.
Additionally, the company "Godo Kaisha 28," which operates Day Service Soda, also conducts travel projects, going on day trips every three months.
Support Tailored to Each Individual's Life and Values
Attention is given to each user's life and values, incorporating them into daily interactions and support.
On the day of the interview, a user mentioned, "I used to go to Tonguu bakery often," which led to a trip with staff to buy snacks at Tonguu.
Starting from the user's life and values, we cherish their unique interactions and ways of spending time.
A Care Facility Opening a Town's Candy Store and Bookstore
At the entrance of Day Service Soda, there is a candy store and a bookstore. It is a place where not only those who attend the care facility but also local children and community members can casually stop by.
The aim is to make the day service feel familiar to local people and to allow the care facility to naturally blend into daily life. Now, it has become a place for interaction between users and local people or customers who drop by.
Moreover, for the procurement of candy, not only the staff but also users go together. By considering "which items to procure" and "which snacks will be appreciated," it connects not only to maintaining and improving functions but also to the enjoyment of life.
We spoke with representative Doi Shuhei about the background of establishing Day Service Soda and the concept of the facility.
Data on Day Service Soda
| Name | Day Service Soda |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-1-14 Soja, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0866-33-0802 |
| Parking | Available Go straight south from the Day Service Soda building, and the triangular area before the first traffic light on the left has a sign for "Soda." |
| Business Hours | Service hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bookstore and candy store: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Sunday Closed during Golden Week and New Year holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Day Service Soda |
