Activities of Kamome Housing Complex “Community Café Nagomi”
Summary
In November 2011, the residents’ association of Kamome Housing Complex, Kanagawa prefectural housing facility, were entrusted by Kanagawa Prefecture with a research project for a model case of the supporting activity for prefectural housing. As one of its first attempts, they set up a gathering space named “Community Café Nagomi.”
In 2012 as the model case contract terminated, and the project became independent of the prefecture’s guidance, and the association became responsible for operating the Café on their own in April. They organized a committee made up of eight board members and two welfare officers. The Café is open three hours a day, six days a week, and is visited by about 15 customers per day.
Nagomi has now stayed in the community as a refreshing salon for older residents. There are even regular customers who visit every day. The Café is staffed by two people, holding monthly meetings to talk about its operation.
The staff comes up with various ideas to make the life of seniors and people with disabilities enjoyable and refreshing. They decorate the Café with seasonal ornaments, offer drinks and snacks, and talk with visitors.
Nagomi is now visited by various people including older single people. Through Nagomi people get to know each other and form good relations in a very natural way. This motivates seniors to participate more in community activities.
Nagomi also plays a big role in preventing people from being isolated in their homes.
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Sector(s): Health, Labor, Long-term care
Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships