noun
small-scale elderly care home
Refers to a small, community-based residential facility for elderly people who need daily assistance, typically with a home-like atmosphere. Often contrasted with larger nursing homes (特別養護老人ホーム).
祖母は近所の宅老所でお世話になっている。
My grandmother is being cared for at a small elderly home in the neighborhood.
宅老所は、大きな施設より家庭的な雰囲気がある
Small elderly care homes have a more homely atmosphere than large facilities.
Compound of 宅 (home), 老 (elderly), and 所 (place). The alternate spelling 託老所 uses 託 (entrust) to emphasize the caregiving aspect. The term emerged in the late 20th century as a community-based alternative to large nursing homes.