Translation guide
A facility providing residential care for elderly or disabled people. Japanese distinguishes between facilities covered by public nursing care insurance (介護保険) and private retirement homes.
A facility where elderly people receive care services under Japan's public long-term care insurance system. This is the most common type of nursing home in Japan.
Commonly abbreviated as 特養 (とくよう). A public facility for elderly people who need constant nursing care. Admission is based on care level and availability; there is often a long waiting list.
祖母は特別養護老人ホームに入所しています。
My grandmother is in a nursing home.
The official legal term for 特別養護老人ホーム. Used in formal or administrative contexts.
この地域には介護老人福祉施設が不足しています。
There is a shortage of nursing homes in this area.
A broad term for any home for the elderly, including both nursing homes and retirement homes. Often used in everyday conversation, but can be ambiguous.
母を老人ホームに入れるかどうか家族で話し合っています。
Our family is discussing whether to put our mother in a nursing home.
A privately operated facility offering residential care, often with more amenities and higher costs. These are not fully covered by public insurance.
A private retirement home that provides meals, care, and other services for a fee. There are various types, including those with full nursing care.
有料老人ホームは費用が高いですが、サービスが充実しています。
Private nursing homes are expensive, but they offer extensive services.
A type of private retirement home that provides nursing care services. Often used to distinguish from facilities without care.
介護付き有料老人ホームを探しています。
I'm looking for a nursing home that provides care.
When speaking generally about nursing homes without specifying the type, or when translating from English contexts.
A loanword from English, understood but less common than Japanese terms. May sound slightly foreign or be used in specific contexts like international comparisons.
アメリカのナーシングホームの状況についての記事を読みました。
I read an article about the situation of nursing homes in the US.
特別養護老人ホーム (特養) is a public facility covered by long-term care insurance, with costs based on income. It is for those with high care needs. 有料老人ホーム is private and can be expensive, but offers more choices and often better amenities. The English 'nursing home' can refer to either, so clarify the context.
The direct translation '看護家' (かんごいえ) does not exist in Japanese. Always use the terms above.