Transforming "Can't Go" to "Can Go" with Specialized Medical Travel Support Services - Grit Inc.

What would you like to do at the end of your life?

Visit a place full of memories. Spend time at your familiar home. Breathe in the fresh outdoor air.

There is a service that allows even those who are bedridden or require medical care to safely fulfill their "wants."

This time, we introduce Grit Inc., a company providing outing and travel support services.

With nurses experienced in advanced emergency medical centers, they offer outing and travel support services that are most considerate of users and their families.

We hope this article will inspire you to go out, even just a little.

1. The Founding Vision of Grit Inc.

Grit Inc. was founded in April 2023.

Co-representatives Shunsuke Nakayama and Yusuke Uchida spent their days facing life as nurses in an advanced emergency medical center.

While many lives were saved, they also witnessed numerous cases of individuals suffering from disabilities such as lower body paralysis or limb loss, and many lives that could not be saved.

"I wish I could have done ___ one last time."

Hearing the regrets of many patients and their families when faced with the end of life, they began to explore services that could fulfill wishes before they become impossible.

Realizing that many people in Japan still give up on going out due to illness or disability, they started Grit Inc. with the desire to help people live a life without regrets, utilizing their experience from the advanced emergency medical center.

"Grit" means the power to persevere. It embodies the two founders' desire to embark on a new career as nurses and face challenges head-on until the end.

The logo is designed to resemble a window, symbolizing their strong commitment to providing services that keep people connected to the outside world, even if only through the window of their home or hospital.

2. Services Built on the High-Class Careers of the Co-Founders

Before working in an advanced emergency medical center, they also had experience in a ward for neurological diseases, enabling them to provide services not only to the elderly and disabled but also to those with complex medical needs, including children requiring medical care.

The two experienced individuals offer two main services.

One is the "Outing and Travel Accompaniment Service".

This service allows those who find it difficult to go out due to disabilities or illnesses to enjoy outings with the accompaniment of the two nurses, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Unlike regular travel support, the nurses handle everything from driving to condition management and necessary care.

Thanks to their expertise with life-support devices such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators, even those with high medical dependency can enjoy a special day without anxiety.

While you need to plan your day, you can receive advice from a nurse's perspective on destinations and accommodations, and if necessary, be introduced to travel agencies specializing in travel for people with disabilities.

Since services are tailored to each individual, there is no fixed pricing.

You can use the service for simple outings like grocery shopping together or to reduce the burden on families with children requiring medical care by going out for a few hours.

It's a service that stands by you in creating precious memories.

The other service is the "Private Ambulance Service".

This service differs from regular care taxis as medical professionals manage the condition of individuals with high medical dependency during transport.

Grit Inc. uses its own ambulances for transportation. Since they can accommodate stretchers, even those with physical disabilities can safely reach their destinations.

Fulfilling your desires to "go," "see," and "do"—that's what Grit Inc.'s services are all about.

3. Why Grit Inc. Is Chosen by Families with Disabled Members or Children Requiring Medical Care

At Grit Inc., the focus is on realizing what people truly want, not just what they can do, out of a desire for them to "live a life true to themselves."

Therefore, no two service plans are the same, and they propose appropriate plans for each individual.

One user, who had terminal cancer, had a strong desire to "return home from the hospital," and used Grit Inc. to make a temporary return home.

Upon returning home after a long time, they said, "The bed at home is the best," and passed away a few days later.

"I believe my father is happy because he was able to fulfill what he could do now."

As evident from the words of the deceased's family, outing and travel support is a service that creates precious memories not only for the individual but also for the family.

Another terminal cancer patient used the service to visit their daughter and son-in-law in Yokohama from a small island in Ehime.

Nakayama accompanied them from the Shinkansen and traveled together to Shin-Yokohama Station. From there, Uchida picked them up in an ambulance and took them to their family using the highway.

They were truly delighted, saying, "It's been years since I've seen such a view from the window."

Realizing someone's wishes, even if they are challenging, is what they strive to do with all their might.

This dedication is likely why people with disabilities or children requiring medical care feel secure in relying on them.

4. The Passion Behind the Service and the Future of Grit

Now, about six months since its founding, requests have started to increase, and the initial goal of "fulfilling wishes before they become impossible" is gradually being realized.

Listening to the voices of users, they have confirmed that there is a significant demand for outing and travel support, and they are confident it will continue to grow.

In the future, they plan to increase vehicles and hire more nurses and physical therapists to provide even more stable services. They are considering expanding their business nationwide and even overseas, so that everyone can fulfill their "wants" regardless of location.

They also aim to broaden the careers of medical professionals and create a more comfortable working environment.

Without being limited by disabilities or illnesses, they continue to fulfill someone's wishes today, making outings and travel feel more accessible.

5. Providing Disaster Support in the Noto Peninsula

On January 1, 2024, an earthquake disaster occurred in the region centered around the Noto Peninsula.

With many victims and roads cut off, Nakayama and his team quickly established a disaster response team and began recruiting disaster support personnel.

In collaboration with several organizations, including General Incorporated Association Nurse-Men, they are raising funds to support medical professionals in the disaster-stricken areas.

Reference: Disaster Response Team Started

They also visited a home-visit nursing station in Nanao City to assess the disaster situation and gather information on local medical needs, exploring how to provide disaster support moving forward.

Reference: Shunsuke Nakayama (@grit___inc) • Instagram Photos and Videos

As infrastructure such as roads gradually improves, volunteers are becoming able to enter the area.

As of February 12, 2024, they are active in Nanao City and Anamizu Town, providing support to medical professionals who are both supporters and victims. They are coordinating with the local disaster response headquarters, DHEAT, and DMAT headquarters to support evacuation centers and facilities where medical care is not reaching.

Grit Inc. is actively involved in these efforts, utilizing their ambulances and participating as nurses from the project's inception, in cooperation with the General Incorporated Association Nurse-Men.

6. In Conclusion

This time, we introduced Grit Inc.'s outing and travel support services.

No matter what illness you have, it is a service that allows you to realize your true self until the end.

The author spent ten years hospitalized from childhood. Many friends passed away without being able to go out due to the caregiving and medical system.

Grit Inc. provides a service that offers hope to such individuals.

Consultations are possible, so if you're interested, please contact them through the website below.

Official Website: https://www.nurse-grit.co.jp/

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