Support that Combines Empathetic and Accompanied Assistance in the Comprehensive Support System Development Project

This study aims to analyze the feelings/thoughts of those who use the Self-Reliance Support System for the Needy, one of the support systems in the Comprehensive Support System Development Project, implemented by various cities and towns since April 2021. The objective is to provide insight into the forms of support required by support organizations (support providers) involved in this project. First, the study reviews previous studies to clarify the concepts of empathetic assistance and accompanied assistance. Next, three users of the Self-Reliance Support System for the Needy, were interviewed and their responses analyzed, then categorized into three parts: “Initial interview impressions”, “Thoughts on support and the support received”, and “Current thoughts.” The results elucidated the following four expectations that the users have of their support providers: “To listen carefully to them to fully understand their current situations facing everyday problems,” “To provide accurate support based on expertise,” “To accompany them on visits to relevant organizations and attend interviews with them,” and “To help with continued engagement.” The study found that the users’ first three expectations are met with the effective use of both empathetic and accompanied types of assistance, as mentioned in previous studies. However, the system is not fulfilling their fourth expectation of “continued engagement.” Based on the above findings, the study suggests that if the existing consultation support organizations cannot fulfill the role of a coordinator that forms the essential part of providing accompanied assistance, the public support institutions should take on the role in order to respond to the users’ expectation of “continued engagement.”
Key Words empathetic assistance, accompanied assistance, the role of a coordinator, the public support institutions