【Leveraging Personal Stroke Experience to Support Patients with Rehabilitation and Treatment Advice】Exploring Kunihiro Kawabata, Representative of the Stroke Life Advisor Association

Those who have suffered a stroke and their families may face challenges not only in rehabilitation and treatment but also in reintegration into society and daily life.

This time, we interviewed Kunihiro Kawabata, the representative of the Japan Stroke Life Adviser Association.

Mr. Kawabata, having experienced a stroke himself, understands the concerns and issues faced by stroke patients and provides advice and support.

The Japan Stroke Life Adviser Association offers useful information and advice to those who have experienced a stroke, supporting them in their journey.

We will share the activities of the association and Mr. Kawabata's personal experiences.

1. What is the Japan Stroke Life Adviser Association?

The Japan Stroke Life Adviser Association is an organization that provides life support to stroke patients and their families. It offers necessary information for the lives of those who have suffered a stroke and support through collaboration with experts.

A stroke is a disease that affects not only the acute phase but also has a significant impact on life afterward, and the recovery period can be long.

However, social participation in such situations often lacks sufficient understanding and support from those around them, so the association provides accurate advice and support for the problems faced by stroke patients and their families.

1-1. The 180-Day Barrier for Stroke Patients

[Interviewer (Writer): Fukuoka / Interviewee: Kawabata]

Fukuoka: Can you tell us about the "180-day barrier," a major issue faced by stroke survivors?

Kawabata: The "180-day barrier" was set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2006, which states that if a stroke patient receives rehabilitation for more than 180 days, insurance coverage decreases.

Once this 180-day barrier is crossed, patients face increased personal costs, limited rehabilitation, or the need to find rehabilitation facilities at their own expense.

This is a significant issue, especially for those who are working, as they may not be able to take time off for rehabilitation or may find it difficult to continue the same level of rehabilitation as before.

Fukuoka: Is there any basis for the 180-day mark?

Kawabata: According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, there is evidence that the degree of improvement differs between those who have passed 180 days and those who have not.

However, as is commonly known, strokes, including mild ones, tend to be easier to recover from in the initial stages, and the longer time passes, the harder it becomes to recover.

Fukuoka: What initiatives are there to solve this problem?

Kawabata: If there is a place nearby where you can receive rehabilitation at your own expense, utilizing it is one option.

Additionally, there is a system in place at hospital outpatient departments where you can receive rehabilitation for about 1 hour a week, totaling 13 units a month, which you can take advantage of.

For those who are unsure of where to receive rehabilitation or what systems are available, our association provides information on places where rehabilitation can be conducted according to their lifestyle.

1-2. A Sanctuary for Stroke Patients

Fukuoka: I heard that you opened a "sanctuary" last year as a facility to help stroke survivors take a step forward into the future. What kind of facility is it?

Kawabata: We opened the "sanctuary" as a place that stroke survivors can easily visit.

The main focus was to make it accessible to everyone by installing a ramp at the entrance and an elevator inside the building to make it barrier-free.

For those who are far away, we use Zoom for discussions, but we emphasize face-to-face conversations whenever possible.

The building is three stories high, with a counseling room on the third floor where small meetings for stroke survivors can be held. The second floor has a personal care space where you can receive body care and simple rehabilitation from a therapist, so please feel free to use it.

The most efficient way to use the facility is to contact us through the inquiry form, but we also accept phone calls.

I am very conscious of the fact that making a phone call takes a lot of courage, so I am committed to providing strong support to those who muster the courage to call us.

2. Who is Kunihiro Kawabata?

Mr. Kawabata worked for a manufacturer of paper diapers and sanitary products, traveling nationwide as a salesman before suffering a stroke.

Having transferred like a traveler across Nagoya, Utsunomiya, Omiya, Aomori, Sapporo, Osaka, and Morioka, Mr. Kawabata continues to work for the same company.

2-1. Career and Achievements

・October 5, 2015: Suffered a cerebral hemorrhage
・March 26, 2016: Discharged from a rehabilitation hospital
・July 2016: Returned to work
・October 2020: Established the Japan Stroke Life Adviser Association
・March to June 2021: Executed a crowdfunding project
・May 2022: Completed the "sanctuary" for stroke survivors

2-2. One Day, My Body Suddenly Stopped Moving

Fukuoka: Did you feel any anxiety or fear when the stroke occurred?

Kawabata: It happened while I was doing desk work at home.

My left arm and leg stopped moving, and I thought, "Huh? Something's wrong. Maybe I should lie down because I'm not feeling well," but I realized I shouldn't sleep. I barely managed to grab my phone and call 119 for an ambulance, and I was hospitalized.

After transferring to a rehabilitation hospital, there was a conference where I was told, "You will become a person with a permanent disability requiring a brace for life."

It was shocking, and I was a bit distressed, but honestly, I believed my body would improve, so I wasn't too pessimistic.

2-3. Realizing the Barriers in Society After Illness

Fukuoka: What was the most challenging part of aiming for social reintegration?

Kawabata: I felt it was crucial to return to the company at least once.

I was worried about whether I could commute daily with a cane and brace, and my left hand wasn't functional, but I managed to negotiate directly with HR and the occupational physician to return to work.

I was hesitant about being seen by people who knew me before my illness, but now I am working while being mindful of my health.

Fukuoka: What kind of issues have you encountered from those seeking advice?

Kawabata: Surprisingly, not many people know that you can receive disability pensions even without a disability certificate.

One person who consulted us had experienced a stroke and, although they had no paralysis, suffered from post-stroke pain, which affected their work. They wanted to reduce their workload but were concerned about reduced income, so we supported them in obtaining a medical certificate.

Although they didn't have a disability certificate, we assisted with the procedures, and they successfully received a disability pension.

3. The Message We Want to Convey Through Our Work

Fukuoka: Is there anything you want to convey through the activities of the Japan Stroke Life Adviser Association?

Kawabata: I believe that self-realization for each individual is very important.

When I think about what self-realization means, I believe it is "whether you can be satisfied with yourself.".

Even if you want to restore your body or achieve a full recovery, it often doesn't go well, but it's crucial to do what you need to do and see it through to the point where you can be satisfied.

Having many options and being able to be satisfied with what you choose to do is important, and we aim to support each person in achieving self-realization by providing information and offering many options.

4. The Future Kunihiro Kawabata Wants to Create

Fukuoka: Can you tell us about the future you want to create?

Kawabata: In terms of continuing our current activities, I want to start small and grow big. We are currently discussing whether we can hold stroke life adviser training sessions in hospitals.

What is truly important is that each stroke survivor achieves self-realization and can reintegrate into society.

We want to build on these efforts one by one and expand our counseling and other activities, starting in our local area of Minami Ward, Nagoya City.

Additionally, I want to create a community where stroke survivors and people with disabilities can live comfortably.

I believe that distinguishing between people with disabilities and those without is nonsensical, and my goal is to create a truly inclusive society.

5. In Conclusion

Mr. Kawabata continues to act daily to increase the options for stroke survivors, leading to self-realization and reintegration into society.

Because Mr. Kawabata says, "The activities of a stroke life adviser are my calling," the author felt that he could provide support tailored to each stroke survivor's position.

If this article has made you feel like seeking advice, please contact us through the website below.

Official Website: https://www.stroke-life-adviser.org/