Interview with Doi Shuhei
We spoke with Doi Shuhei, the representative of LLC 28, which operates Day Service Soda.
Reasons for choosing day service after working in a hospital
What prompted you to start a day service?
Doi
I originally worked as a physical therapist in a hospital.
In a hospital, the time you can spend with a single patient is inevitably limited, and you cannot see their life after discharge.
As I thought about "What kind of life will this person lead after returning home," I decided to start a day service because I wanted to do a job where I could engage with their values and life.
I felt it was difficult to change a large organization from within, so that was one of the reasons I wanted to shape it myself.
Why did you choose Soja City?
Doi
I spent my high school years in Kurashiki City and moved to Hiroshima Prefecture for university. After becoming a working adult, I also experienced living in Aichi Prefecture. Because I had been away from Okayama Prefecture since I was young, I wanted to return to my hometown someday, so I decided to consider the southern area of Okayama Prefecture.
Among those, I was attracted to Soja City for its population growth, the richness of welfare support, and the warm atmosphere of the community. As I actually visited, I felt the closeness of people and the strength of connections in the community, and I decided to open my business here.
A care facility that brings out "it's fun when you come"
Are there people who feel resistance or anxiety about day services?
Doi
At first, many people feel resistance.
There are those who have not been able to adapt to other day services or who say, "I would rather not go." There are also cases where people come because they have nowhere else to go.
That is why we value making sure that the person feels safe and that it's okay to be here.
What changes have you observed since they started coming?
Doi
Many users say, "The atmosphere is nice" and "It's calming here." From their families, I hear comments like, "They smile more at home" and "They have started doing housework on their own."
It's wonderful to see that not only the time spent at the day service but also their daily life itself becomes more positive.
The joy of travel as an extension of care
What kind of travel support do you provide?
Doi
To ensure that seniors and people with disabilities can go out with peace of mind, we plan and accompany them on trips. I have obtained a national qualification related to travel, and while being a care facility, we also provide travel services.
By having familiar staff accompany them, we can create an environment where they can enjoy their travels with peace of mind.
What kind of people utilize your travel support?
Doi
Those who have previously given up on travel due to concerns about care or health are the majority of our users. Not only those who use the day service but also general people who say, "I just want to request travel" reach out to us.
I feel that travel has become a daily goal and leads to a positive mindset.
Creating a town where hearts move starting from care
What does Doi think "care" is?
Doi
I believe care is not just about "supplementing what cannot be done," but about being close to each person's life and life.
I feel that challenging oneself to do what they want and engaging with people and society ultimately leads to mental and physical vitality.
Supporting that person to live in their own way, believing in them, is my understanding of care.
Are there any initiatives you want to challenge in the future?
Doi
In the future, I want to deliver services to places closer to home, such as for those who cannot leave their nursing facilities or homes.
LLC 28, which operates Day Service Soda, values the philosophy of creating a town where hearts move starting from care.
While cherishing connections with the community and the things that person wants to do, I want to continue to challenge care that allows their individuality to continue in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Through the coverage of Day Service Soda's initiatives, my perception of care has changed a bit.
It's not just about supporting life, but also about focusing on each person's life and values, respecting their feelings of "wanting to try" and "liking." I felt that this accumulation leads to living in their own way.
Even if I were to find myself in a position where I need care in the future, I thought that I could positively attend a place like this. It was a place that made me feel that way.
I hope that the initiatives of Day Service Soda will take root in the community as something more familiar.
The attached candy shop and bookstore are places where anyone can casually drop by.
If you are curious about the atmosphere of the facility, why not pick up some snacks or books and feel the vibe?
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 in front of the first traffic light on the left There is a sign for "Soda" |
| Business Hours | Usage time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Bookstore and candy shop: 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 |
