Excellent topic ! Can't believe you chose this excellent topic. I was on the verge of flying my mother to Cambodia for the wonderful discount lifestyle. However, at 88 years old, I had to put her into long-term care In the US. I myself will refuse to get old in the US because long-term care is absurdly expensive and a horrible experience. My mother and I had discussed moving her to Cambodia once she started to deteriorate, but she was in such great shape until the sudden final end that we didn't have time to do it. Amazingly she only lived 6 days into long term US care... She beat the system and did NOT have to waste a fortune.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad I'm finding these alternatives to the high cost of long- term care in the U. S. I truly hope people realize there are so many other alternatives in other countries. Thank you so much for stopping in.
My wife has Alzheimer's disease and had to place her in one of Thai nursing home, since the nursing homes in USA cost over $6,000 to $10,000 a month and the services are not that good. They are same as a prison. I am paying only about $1600 a month for my wife's nursing home in just south of Pattaya (Jomtien). This facility is really nice and very close to beach. My wife gets to go shopping, coffee shop, restaurants, etc, etc. Of course the care takers will take her out, almost 2, 3, sometimes 4 times a week. 3 meals a day with private room costing me only $1,600 a month. I also purchased a condo for myself just to be near her.
@@KunioMasuda WOW ! I always knew that there were far better options out there.. I spent a few years researching Mexico and it had similar benefits BUT the cartels now extort EVERYONE... Small businesses, taco stands, local residents so that ruled Mexico out... I did find that visa wise and cost Cambodia is the best but there is no question that your great find is AWESOME too... Amazingly, my mother went form fully independent driving and playing cards to virtually dead in a matter of days. When I looked at the local long-term nursing's they wanted close to $400.00 a day... I said F that... Kept searching and found a sweet rural place for only 200.00 a day... Then she only lasted a few days and I got a Hugh refund check ! Freakish how I spent all those years researching a practical long-term scenario only to have it self-resolve in less than a week....
@@KunioMasuda I am also considering a luxury condo rental in Thailand now that I am free to live wherever I want... I am thinking of living there 6 months a year...
@@LJ-jq8og Bangkok city is not a place I recommend. I highly recommend Pattaya which is about 2 hours drive south of Bangkok Airport. Any prices are very cheap and easy to live specially for foreigners because any types of foods are available. But if you are single, don't go there. Also if you are married, don't go there. Hahaha. You know what I mean.
Thank you very much for this video. As a 67 year old senior that is single, I've already known that I will end my days in a place like this either in Thailand or the Philipines. I have aded this to my bookmarks under overseas medical. Thanks
We’re in the US and my Dad is in a house, not a facility. The Filipino women who manage the care are just amazing. And I’ve reviewed dozens of these big facilities- and I - and my Dad - hate those places. It doesn’t matter how many “activities” they do. We like the regular home atmosphere- and again, the people are wonderful
I am Thai and recently retired from nursing career in US. Love to visit this place. I know how nursing care is in Thailand because I graduated from nursing college there, definitely different from nursing care in US. I would love to be taken care by Thai nurses if I can afford. Great information. Thank you.
As a random American, thank you for providing care for the many people you did throughout your career. Very much appreciate people like you who dedicate your life taking care of others in their most vulnerable moments.
Excellent....and timely video. I'm watching from a cardiac ICU in NC after bypass surgery. Already have a condo in Chiang Mai, but haven't made the full time move until I looked at long term options. This video was a great jump ahead.
Thank you, I appreciate it. Wishing you a quick recovery as you make your plans to move over. Please feel free to reach out to me at farawayfred2023@gmail.com. I hope to meet you when you make your way over.
I'm 74, moving to Thailand month after next in the Fall, and available facilities such as this LTC is a large part of the reason. I've had email communication with another facility in Hua Hin, and it's a similar theme to what you present in this video: an amazing facility with awesome care options all at affordable prices. The Expats retiring to Thailand in growing numbers will have wonderful options from which to choose, when they age to the point of needing nursing and assisted care. Thank you for presenting this important video! Liked and subscribed.
@@timrowley4274 Hi. I live in Hua Hin and am asked about the old age care here by the elderly Farang retirees. I checked some, but not have found the one. Will you tell me the name of your choice, please? Thank you.
What are the prices, that could be a determining factor. Is this facility the same with any of the other facilities that you have looked at. I’m very interested.
Thanks for this great info. I’m 60 and thinking about my retirement all the time now. My 94 year old mother with advanced dementia is paying 9400 usd for a very basic elderly care, I can’t stand the place. I love Thailand but would be concerned about the burning season . Outside of this I would love to end my days in a place like this. Thanks again. Lisa
@@farawayfred802 Thanks for the quick response. I’m following you now and eager to see what else you uncover in the future. I think you’re going to see a huge shift of Americans that realize they can’t afford to stay in the USA if they are only living on SS. Mexico is another great option and obviously much closer, but does not seem as stable.
Thanks Fred and thank you Brad. I’ve seen a video in Australia about Chiang Mai Aged care, run by an Aussie guy who relocated his Wife (she needed Dementia Care) and he ended up working in the Facilty. It certainly is a Paradise option. And I speak from experience doing Music Therapy in Care Facilities, my Mother needed Care in her final years passed at age 97+,,,Australian Care is a lottery and can be a nightmare. After falling in love with Thailand this is in my long term plans. Thanks again Fred.
Very happy you did this video. I see from the comments many others agree. I think you could make this a niche vlog and do extensive reporting on this entire subject including shared Independent Living and similar situations. Not only that to go beyond and discuss the inevitable, which is that sooner or later, we're all going to pass away and how those pre-arrangements could be done in advance. I'm impressed with the Buddhist respect of the deceased and their open air cremation ceremony. If I were there this is what I would be doing. It is sorely needed
Thank you again. There is only one video I could find about passing away in Thailand. It is very good but there are a lot of unanswered questions and possibilities that have not been explored. This includes pre-planning and prepaying for funeral arrangements in Thailand. I’m 84 years old still relatively healthy but want to plan for possible Assisted Living or nursing care of some kind and prearranging an open air Buddhist cremation ceremony perhaps through a local monastery. I have read, and I believe, these ceremonies are as respectful to farangs as to Thais as this is integral to Buddhist belief. Certainly preferable to Western cremation where my body would be thrown in an oven and somebody would get the ashes. Still lots of questions to be answered. Here is the link ua-cam.com/video/y1MK9iDHfoU/v-deo.htmlsi=U964tDelfmUzpjK_
A friends mother is a resident there and she could not be happier about her choice. I like their Al La Carte menu regarding choice of your care. Doi Saket is a beautiful part of the Chiang Mai area.
Thank you for taking the time to show this excellent video. Keep up the good work, and keep growing your channel. May the good news be with you. I really enjoyed watching this video. pretty impressive on the service provided and I also like the fact that they have back up generators.
Wow that was a lot of good info. In Orlando Florida it costs about 5-10 thousand dollars a month. So most people live with relatives. Thanks for the video.
Well done. Most likely the best place in Chiang Mai but a bit outside of town. At any rate, there are other and somewhat cheaper places around, however, some of them lack a certain sophistication and are still run old school in case of real Alzheimer patient needs. My advice: Come over first, check for yourself and ask the right questions in the selection process. Your loved one(s) deserve best treatment in a proffesionally run place.❤
Thank you for this amazing informative video. I've lived in Chiangmai for 2.5 years before needing to return to Singapore 3 months ago for my aging parents. I love Chiangmai, with respect for the people on the land, my family had received back so much smiles, great local neighbours, honesty, down to earth, sincere heart to heart experiences from people of beautiful Chiangmai. My husband and myself are reaching age 50 soon and will like to return to Chiangmai to retire. If my parents will not mind, we may consider long term care facilities in CM too for them. They deserve the best life, we too deserve a good retirement life.
Thank you so much. Yes the people here are amazing and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else right now. I will cover facilities down at the beaches in February during the burning season.
Thanks for the video on that type of place. You kind of went a little quickly on all the different price choices and services so it was a little hard to figure out. But, ballpark for sure better than here by a long way.
Thank you and good luck. I have personally seen the care the Thai people provide. My wife recently observed two nurse's aids help a gentleman with Parkinson's eat, while one held his hand. There is so much compassion over here.
Great tour. Living aged years in Chiang Mai would be awesome. I think moving abroad when you are older is very stimulating for many people. Some of these places are springing up (I saw one in Malaysia) but do not have proper nursing facilities but this place has proper care and the prices are definitely reasonable compared to the West . Thanks again Fred
I am finding your channel for the first time, this video is right on time. I am looking into relocating to Mexico and have been looking at other possible countries. My mom has dementia and here in the state of Maryland a lot of places are asking for $7,500/mo. Most people including myself can't afford that. In fact I am a GNA and had to stop working to be my mom's full-time caregiver. It's wonderful to see other places that are more affordable, and to see just how much better the care is at a fraction of the cost. Thank you for sharing this information. If you don't mind me asking just what are you doing for income while living over seas? Thank again.
So, reality strikes! How does the elderly person renew his 90 day report to Immigration? How does the annual visa renewal get done? Who takes him/her to the hospital or back in case of an emergency? How does the he/she access funds? Who manages his/her funds and gets bills paid if stuck in the hospital? I don't see any ATMs there. These are vitally important questions that you haven't addressed. ??? and can he/she park a car?
When a person goes through intake there is a thorough discussion with the family on many if those matters. In my humble opinion the family should take care of many of those questions prior to admitting a family member through documentation.
@@farawayfred802 Yes, ok. It seems this won't work unless there's a non disabled family member or friend willing to help with those things. So, thanks, you answered my question.
Chiang Mai is a gorgeous place and one of the places I would quite happily spend my final years in when that time comes. I have had excellent dental care there and although I broke my leg and got admitted to a public hospital where I was discharged to find my own way home with a full cast in a tuk tuk, I believe that the private hospitals are excellent.
Another cheaper option would be to live in a condo building that was user friendly to the older person with a good 24hr juristic and maybe pay for some sort of living assistance. Is it possible to do a video on this if this option is available in Chiang Mai? for OAPs that have a small budget.
I speak briefly on this subject in this week's upcoming video. It's hard to get exact cost because it varies by the person's condition. But that is a very good point.
@@farawayfred802 Yes, different conditions, and comorbidities, certainly drives care costs up everywhere, no matter the country. Very few elderly have just one health condition, only the very fortunate ones.
As someone who has experienced this type of care (not the type featured in this video) but where you live in your own home and carers come to you or your relative I would not recommend it. Frequently carers don’t turn up, care staff are inconsistent with approach and there is a lack of continuity of care. The person who needs care is also at risk of abuse and isolation.
Thank you Fred! I am considering Thailand for myself as I am single and have no kids. I will be on my own. My only concern, as a foreigner, is if something like Covid happens again. I would have been interested to hear what they did during the lockdowns. I would hate to get settled there in old age and then be kicked out of the country with nowhere to go.
Hello and thank you for dropping in , I appreciate it. That is a valid concern. My wife and I have coffee every Sunday with expats that have been here for years. During that period some took the opportunity to return to their previous home and some stayed here. It is my understanding that Thailand was very restrictive in regards to the rules, but some I talked to had no problem with it. It is definitely a dice roll.
Quite a few options in Chiang Mai, from accommodation only to differing levels of care including end of life / hospice care. One being the McKean Senior Center which has an interesting history as it initially started out as a leper colony and run by missionaries, it situated on an island in south Chiang Mai. Look around as also facilities exist outside of Chiang Mai as well.
@@bioold8925 You can say that for anywhere and what your needs are, I live 300 meters from a elderly care facility very plush and on the outskirts of the town so green gardens and relaxing but easy reach of town. HOWEVER the only hospital choice is a government hospital, but I would not use them. My choice. But I like where I live and if I need a private hospital or hospice it’s a three hour drive, if I need a hospice it really is a one way trip.
@@glennr9913 , Yes, it could have been my timing of filming as well. Most of the activities take place in the morning before it gets too hot. I was there around 1 pm.
Great video! Do they have full time Dr’s and ACLS trained nurses on staff 24/7 for emergencies, as well as basic wellness care, with appropriate ALS equipment? How far is this place from a top notch hospital if advanced care is needed, and is there an ALS ambulance available to transport residents to the hospital? I’m a retired Paramedic and my wife is a trauma/ICU nurse. We tell people that you have to consider these things, in addition to the facility itself, no matter if it’s in the U.S. or another country. You can live in a beautiful place anywhere, but if well equipped, quick response pre-hospital services are not available, you’re screwed if/when a medical event happens and you need urgent care. We’ve considered the Philippines because she was born there, but the best medical care is only in the large, crowded cities like Manila and Cebu. Many of the hospitals in mid to small size areas don’t have doctors on staff 24/7, and especially not specialists. And pre-hospital transport is a bare bones ambulance for hire, taxi, jeepney, or however else you can get to the hospital.
Great questions, I know they do have a full-time ACLS nurse on staff 24 hrs. I'm not sure about a doctor. The nearest hospital is about 10 minutes away. However your top notch hospitals like Bangkok Hospital and Chiang Mai Ram is going to be in the city about a 30 minute drive. Brad who I interviewed will be able to give you more info on it, he is a nurse as well. You are correct, these are all considerations that have to be taken into account.
Yes excellent topic, especially if you are well bodied and lucid when you enter, but it’s another thing to move someone who has no history or knowledge of Thai culture and place them in this environment unless you are warehousing them until their passing. Good job on the video.
Fred, thank you for the GREAT information and well-made video! You know there's NOTHING like this in the U.S. with this kind of price and attention to service!
I am empress how clean this place is . Not so in America I have visited many places here very depressing and expensive. I love the open concept. People are not altogether in one large place. The gentleman that manages is truly a gift very caring god bless you sir.
Are the Rooms air conditioned ? Like Robin Williams said in Good Morning Vietnam.. forecast is HOT, DAMN HOT !! Cost of health care since Medicare won't pay for a thing over there... ?!
Excellent video! You are so right about not being able to get a decent hotel room for their deluxe price. This topic is becoming more important the older we get. Thanks for providing such valuable information.
What do home care aides cost in Chiang Mai? This place is lovely but I wouldn’t want to move out of my home if home care agencies are available. Thanks!
@gavins-cool yes. There is another company that has a string of them in places like Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and I believe Chang Mai as well. I saw another Tuber give a tour of the spot in Hua Hin. I don't recall the name but pretty certain it wasn't this one. I'm sure a cursory search on UA-cam will have some other vids pop up.
Look nice! It’s sounds like for high-ends. When you added it all up it’s kinda expensive. No package deal, paying separately it’s no ends and ends up paying more and it’s complicated and hard decisions making.
Excellent Topic. This is probably one of the most helpful videos for those aging in retirement in Thailand or have a spouse or partner that needs care. Thank you so much for sharing. How did you locate a Long term care facility in Thailand. Is there a quick way to locate these types of facilities throughout thailand?
Thank you, We live right around the corner from it. We've made friends with people who have love ones at the facility. We have a total of three in our village. I've done a Google search and found others all over Thailand. Next burning season I will be down in Hua Hin and some in that area, near the beach.
This was a great video. Looking to retire in Thailand myself. Very informative, & thoughtful. Maybe do another video on the cost or interview someone who can discuss that with you. I did subscribe, thanks.
Thank you and thank you for the input. Check out the link in the description it does cover some of the cost. I have another coming up where I will try to be more specific in the video on cost. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for that information. You would never find a place in U.S. that can compare facility wise or amenities for that price. Great topic. I will definitely check into it further.
This was a great video and at 58 my husband and I are both interested in this. But, when I go to the website these are the prices I’m seeing. Connected Room - 49,500 BHT/month/person = $2906 USD Full Meal Plan - 29,000 BHT/month/person = $844 USD Permanent Care Package - 99,000 BHT/month/person + 10% service charge = $6335.91 This adds up to $10,086/month/couple or $5043/month/person. This seems pricey to me. Am I missing something? I appreciate your videos!
Thank you, I think that's why it is ala carte. Take for instance permanent care. That is around the clock staff at your disposal which most people don't need. Many residents use Grab (Uber eats) and don't have full meals at the facility. I think Brad at VEVO Bene will be able to spell it out to you better. As always, thanks for watching!
That is a very good question. I know the hospitals deal with it regularly during this time of year. Many of my new friends travel south. The facility itself has commercial Air purifiers that help, but it is a consideration when deciding to move here if a person has respiratory issues.
Thank you for providing this video. My main concern is the smoking season of Chiang Mai. Will you do any other Long tern care facilities in other cities ? Pettya, Hua Hin, Krebi , etc would be appreciated.
Fred, very excellent tutorial on long term care costs in Thailand at the Vivo Bene center. Your video is so professionally done and informative. Thank you.
Fred... Nice channel! I lived in CM for 9 years and the smoke is so bad from February to April that it is untenable for normal life, especially for seniors. Have you done a video of long term resorts in other areas like Huahin? That area does not have the smoke and is quite pleasant. Subscribed....
Thank you, I will be headed to Hua Hin next burning season and will definitely cover what they have to offer down South, thanks for dropping in and subscribing, I appreciate it.
Great video, thank you 🙏. Subbed. Like someone prior, I also feel that info on the visa situation, funds' management etc would be absolutely essential for anyone considering this option 🙏.
Sawadeeka Thank you so much for sharing this… I’m 53 and seriously considering 2nd home options. I have a aging mother to care for and your video helps me peek around the corner and a little further down the road… not only for myself but my family as well. K̄hxbkhuṇka
Absolutely fantastic, I have been in LTC /Rehab for over 25years and we have nothing that compares… thank you so much for sharing this, is it impossible to practice my Nursing in Thailand??? If I was to retire there??? Thank you for sharing….
Thanks John, I know Brad was hired from Switzerland, so it may be an option. Just based on my research the pay probably wouldn't be close to what they pay in western countries.
Excellent topic that more people need to know about. I wonder what happens if a resident gets a serious illness or requires surgery or treatment that can't be handled on site. I know the cost of medical care in Thailand is mych lower than the USA, but I imagine treating something like cancer would be quite costly. Ive also heard medical insurance in Thailand doesn't cover preexisting conditions and is expensive for the elderly.
Yes, some people have savings that cover their medical expenses and I've heard some chose to go back to their country where they are covered by insurance.
@@farawayfred802 it would be very difficult, if not impossible , to transport someone with dementia or Alzheimer's disease on a long flight on a plane.
Excellent video Fred! This information will be very useful to many people. The facility looks top notch! For those that live in the U.S., there are similar facilities at similar prices in Mexico if someone needs something closer to home. Thanks again Fred, for a very informative and helpful video. 🙏
My parents pay $5,600 per month Canadian so that’s about $4,000 US. That covers accommodations in a two bedroom apartment, all their meals and activities, but they don’t need nursing care. If you need assistance, that really inflates your costs. There is a nurse available 24 hours in case needed. It is a VERY nice place. They just moved in a month ago and are loving it.
@@wheretoretire3315 , That is great that you were able to find that option. It is still cheaper than many options in the U. S. Thanks for dropping in, I appreciate it!
@@michaelh8167 , It's in Chaing Mai Thailand. In the Doi Saket district about 20 kilometers east of the Old City. There is also a link in the description.
For westerners, how is medical care covered. For example stroke, heart attack, chronic illness, dementia, etc. From my understanding, after a certain age, local health insurance in Thailand can be expensive or impossible to acquire.
You are correct as far as getting insurance after a certain age. I'm fortunate that I got insurance over here at an earlier age. I've spoken to people who live over here and self-insure as well. The cost of living over here also allows me to put money away for long-term care if needed. Here is a link to the cost of medical care over here at one of the top hospitals: www.pacificprime.co.th/blog/the-cost-of-medical-treatments-in-thailand/?amp=1
@@farawayfred802 thank you so much for the reply, I truly appreciate it. My wife and I had planned to retire to Thailand about 8 years ago (my wife is Thai) but my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and then had a stroke. We are currently caring for her. Have considered care for her in Thailand but she isn’t at all interested, nor are several family members. Anyway, came across your channel several days ago and have been enjoying the content and topics you cover; very informative. Keep it up. Again, thank you so much for the reply. Take care
Thanks for the tour. This place looks great. When I was looking for my dad in 2018, it was about 5k/mo room and board, minimal care and then if you needed more, they added on until it reached about 10-15k/mo. Also, in the US, they can take your house and assets to pay for end of life care. They will do a 5 year look-back over your finances to make sure you didn’t just switch ownership on your home to your kids. Also, for my mom in 2021, I found her a place in a care home situated in a 5 br house. She would share a room, get 24/hr care, room and board. It cost about 4500/mo. Sadly, she passed just as I was signing the paperwork. She was a good RN and never wanted to be in a care home. She got her wish but I had hoped that she would recover. She was my heart and I miss her a lot.
Thank you and thanks for sharing your story. I went through that with my mom. It was almost like a shakedown as they wanted to know all of her assets, etc. Luckily the family stepped up and we didn't have to go that route. Prices are outrages.
Excellent video, very informative as to the services they offer. It was done from the point of view of a medical professional which is what I found interesting. The only question I have is there a Doctor "on call" there and how far is the facility from a high end private hospital? And do they have EMS nearby to bring people to a hospital.
Great questions! There is a doctor on call. The facility is about 25 minutes from a high-end hospital. There is a local hospital here in Doi Saket ( If someone needed to be stablelized or minor injuries)with EMS there which is probably seven minutes away.
This is really interesting. I've read about a hundred books on early retirement and geo arbitrage is often covered but I have never heard of this. This could change the way people think about long-term care in the future. This was just never on my radar.
@@farawayfred802 Another helpful video you may consider is showing / explaining to retirees how to have their house ownership, condo ownership, bank account, automobile, motorbike etc., organized so that upon their passing, either their friends here, or one of their children is able to take care of everything without the court. Many guys die leaving a mess for their friends to sort out.
I’m a MSW social worker who worked in hospice. Please ask about medications allowed and. It allowed and pain medications snd how they handle death and funerals. Extra costs please
Yes cheaper than in the West but still about USD 3000 per month. Biggest issue to, once you get to 70-80-90 years and cannot think for yourself, you need someone who can check-in with you weekly or daily and insure payment. If you run out of funds you will be evicted I assume. GOOD IDEA - but not a no-brainer.
I think what this does is give you an opportunity to plan ahead. I will be doing a video on the road about how to make sure those things are taken care of. In reality, it's no different than what you would have to put in place in another country.
@@farawayfred802 Yes agree, very good idea to highlight the need to plan ahead. I have experience dealing with my mother in a skilled nursing home the past 15 years - she needed a guardian as she was not capable of managing her own affairs including payment to the skilled nursing home. Many retirees might not have a trusted guardian in Thailand - which I feel is essential.
@@jacksonj3082 Good points, there are people that have lived over here for years. Many have their monthly bills automatically withdrawn from either their Thai or Foreign bank account. There are also legitimate financial companies per the families back home that have power of attorney and take care of any issues that arise and stay in communication with the families on a regular basis.
@@jacksonj3082 , Great point, I know residents that use legal reps over here that also acts as a liaison for families back home. One gentleman has been doing it for over 15 years. There are workarounds. Thanks so much for watching the video and your feedback.
I have been to Thailand, this looks like a covered care facility from a real resort. The climate is super HOT there. Is the facility fully air conditioning all year around? Thank you so much for sharing.
Looks so peaceful but would have appreciated seeing actually residents around. I presume it was shot this way for privacy concerns but to see all the empty rooms was kind of cold and makes me wonder if they are ever being used. I have children and grandchildren holding me hostage here 😂 otherwise I would love to be living carefree like this. My mother ended up in long term care in the USA which towards the end was about $6000 a month with mediocre care. Thankfully her money didn’t run out before she did, but it was close. I’ll be watching how these kids treat me going forward and may end up in Thailand before it’s all over. I love Thai food as much as I love Italian. Might need to start studying the language, that always helps. 💜
Yes, it was 1 pm and very hot when I filmed. All the residents were inside. You are right, I probably would have avoided getting them on camera. They are at about 80 % capacity, you will see them out in the morning and evenings. P. S, I hope you are able to escape😎
Very informative video and provides a great option as people age. If you are a long-term resident, are there any difficulties with obtaining a long-term visa?
We used a Visa agent and both received our retirement visa in April. I personally think it's a lot of work if you don't speak the language, but our Visa agent handled the heavy lifting. This October will be a year here with only one border run each between us.
Awful for anyone who cannot climb stairs. Noticed the pool does have a ramp. Also, I noticed that there are standard low toilets - none shown have a raised toilet seat or bars to help you get up if needed. It may be a good resort for healthy seniors but not for partially disabled persons with acute osteoarthritis. The standard wooden chairs and the beds also do not have guard rails to help you get up. ☹️
Thanks for dropping in. I only showed a couple of rooms. They have rooms and toilets to address individual needs. Wherever there are stairs there is an alternate ramp. I may not have done a good job addressing that in the video. Thanks for pointing it out.
Ha ha, just as I was listening to the part on your video about how they have power outages occasionally but they have the generators that come on - poof the power just went out here in the Philippines at 9:50 AM, I could hear our neighbors generators start to come on, we don’t have one yet but it’s amazing how you get through it no problem. I have a UPS that keeps the Internet and router going in the house, the power will come back on in due time. It seems like Thailand and Philippines are very similar. I HAVE NO PLANS TO MOVE BACK TO THE USA We both eat healthier here and every early morning We Go For a vigorous walk like so many other Filipinos in our neighborhood do, fresh vegetables, fruits, chickens that really just lay the egg in the yard and you gotta go chase them down If you wanna eat one, I meet with my Filipino buddies each Morning for $.60 fresh brewed coffee and we shoot the breeze.
@@sbhg3166 Ha! It sounds like you have found the life for you. I like how you take everything in stride, that's how it has to be if you want to be happy.
Yes, LTC is prohibitively expensive in the western world and comparably more affordable in SE Asia. However, i don’t think that this is a single issue matter. I am also prone to consider the cost of health insurance for those over 80 years of age in Thailand. What will happen to my coverage premiums after a claim is filed, as this often happens to those over 80. My understanding is that, in spite of the “usual” insurance co. rhetoric, it is not unheard of that the insured is then cancelled and other health insurance companies do not want to insure them. This is also a consideration that if ignored and not considered can be to the detriment of the older expat. Where do we stand with respect to this matter. I read few years ago that one is wanted when they are younger healthy and can spend money but the tables/costs turn when they are not. To what degree do they turn with respect to the insurance premiums?
I agree, it is definitely a consideration. I've read on the expat forms of Americans heading back to the states to be covered by Medicare. There are those over here that have the resources to self-insure while living abroad. I do have health Insurance (Pacific Cross) that covers me up to 99 years of age. It is my hope that if needed I can receive live in home care if it gets to that point. I think a person's health moving forward could play a big role in their decision. Thank you for your perspective.
What speed is the internet? Is it fast enough, with enough bandwidth, to support video streaming by many guests at the same time? Only other problem I see is that Chiang Mai is apparently notorious for very bad air quality during the months when farmers burn their fields, which is not exactly good for older people.
@@Mark-rw3kw , I live about a five minute motorbike ride from there. I get about 175 up and 175 down on a regular basis. The facility does have commercial Air purifiers throughout and the residents use them as well in their rooms. You're right, the burning season is not the best for the residents but many navigate it.
Will Social Security pay your benefits if one moves to Thailand? How about Veterans benefits? My thesis in college was: Alternative to Nursing Home Care. This by far is the best I’ve ever seen. I’m retired & this video gives me hope to affordable aging in place.
The people I have spoken with have their Social Security and Veteran benefits sent to their American Bank and transfer from there to Thailand. That is what I do with my pension.
@@farawayfred802 In other words you don’t report change of address to the agencies. I leave all my benefits on Direct Deposit. I guess if one does everything online then no problems. This is definitely Food for Thought. Thanks.
Great video! I know I am about a month late in finding this but, i can see myself retiring in another country. My mom is currently in a rehab place and IF she was in a private room it would be over $350. I could stay at a 5 star hotel for about that price granted no rehab. The prices are crazy and it seems that for long term care the food is not so great, and the facility is not in the best of shape. Plus I know of no place where you have a pool that is wheelchair accessible let alone with a sauna or massage area.
Thanks for dropping in. Yes, that is one of many places. There are also the options of affordable at home care at home over here as well. It's amazing what happens when we look outside of the Western societies to what's available.
Excellent topic ! Can't believe you chose this excellent topic. I was on the verge of flying my mother to Cambodia for the wonderful discount lifestyle. However, at 88 years old, I had to put her into long-term care In the US. I myself will refuse to get old in the US because long-term care is absurdly expensive and a horrible experience. My mother and I had discussed moving her to Cambodia once she started to deteriorate, but she was in such great shape until the sudden final end that we didn't have time to do it. Amazingly she only lived 6 days into long term US care... She beat the system and did NOT have to waste a fortune.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad I'm finding these alternatives to the high cost of long- term care in the U. S.
I truly hope people realize there are so many other alternatives in other countries. Thank you so much for stopping in.
My wife has Alzheimer's disease and had to place her in one of Thai nursing home, since the nursing homes in USA cost over $6,000 to $10,000 a month and the services are not that good. They are same as a prison.
I am paying only about $1600 a month for my wife's nursing home in just south of Pattaya (Jomtien).
This facility is really nice and very close to beach.
My wife gets to go shopping, coffee shop, restaurants, etc, etc.
Of course the care takers will take her out, almost 2, 3, sometimes 4 times a week.
3 meals a day with private room costing me only $1,600 a month.
I also purchased a condo for myself just to be near her.
@@KunioMasuda WOW ! I always knew that there were far better options out there.. I spent a few years researching Mexico and it had similar benefits BUT the cartels now extort EVERYONE... Small businesses, taco stands, local residents so that ruled Mexico out...
I did find that visa wise and cost Cambodia is the best but there is no question that your great find is AWESOME too...
Amazingly, my mother went form fully independent driving and playing cards to virtually dead in a matter of days. When I looked at the local long-term nursing's they wanted close to $400.00 a day... I said F that... Kept searching and found a sweet rural place for only 200.00 a day... Then she only lasted a few days and I got a Hugh refund check !
Freakish how I spent all those years researching a practical long-term scenario only to have it self-resolve in less than a week....
@@KunioMasuda I am also considering a luxury condo rental in Thailand now that I am free to live wherever I want... I am thinking of living there 6 months a year...
@@LJ-jq8og Bangkok city is not a place I recommend.
I highly recommend Pattaya which is about 2 hours drive south of Bangkok Airport. Any prices are very cheap and easy to live specially for foreigners because any types of foods are available.
But if you are single, don't go there.
Also if you are married, don't go there.
Hahaha. You know what I mean.
I appreciate this so much at 61 it’s good to know I can afford an assisted living outside the USA
Thank you, next year I'll be traveling south to the beaches to look at facilities there as well.
Thank you very much for this video. As a 67 year old senior that is single, I've already known that I will end my days in a place like this either in Thailand or the Philipines. I have aded this to my bookmarks under overseas medical. Thanks
Thank you, and thank you for dropping in. Yes there are so many other alternatives out here.
Similarly situated. This stuff becomes part of our long term plan.
@claudenewton8932 I would take Thailand over the Philippines any day. There are even more choices than that in E Asia.
Are there facilities like this in the Philippines?
We’re in the US and my Dad is in a house, not a facility. The Filipino women who manage the care are just amazing. And I’ve reviewed dozens of these big facilities- and I - and my Dad - hate those places. It doesn’t matter how many “activities” they do. We like the regular home atmosphere- and again, the people are wonderful
I am Thai and recently retired from nursing career in US. Love to visit this place. I know how nursing care is in Thailand because I graduated from nursing college there, definitely different from nursing care in US. I would love to be taken care by Thai nurses if I can afford. Great information. Thank you.
Thank you for your input, I truly appreciate it.
As a random American, thank you for providing care for the many people you did throughout your career. Very much appreciate people like you who dedicate your life taking care of others in their most vulnerable moments.
@@le_th_ Thank you.
Excellent....and timely video. I'm watching from a cardiac ICU in NC after bypass surgery. Already have a condo in Chiang Mai, but haven't made the full time move until I looked at long term options. This video was a great jump ahead.
Thank you, I appreciate it. Wishing you a quick recovery as you make your plans to move over. Please feel free to reach out to me at farawayfred2023@gmail.com. I hope to meet you when you make your way over.
Wishing you a strong recovery! I'm going to have to look into Chiang Mai, as I've heard it mentioned so many times.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful place to us.
You're welcome! Let me know if you have any other questions, and thanks for watching.
First time I've seen a vlog on this topic. Kudos to you, Sir.
Thank you, I appreciate it!
I'm 74, moving to Thailand month after next in the Fall, and available facilities such as this LTC is a large part of the reason.
I've had email communication with another facility in Hua Hin, and it's a similar theme to what you present in this video: an amazing facility with awesome care options all at affordable prices.
The Expats retiring to Thailand in growing numbers will have wonderful options from which to choose, when they age to the point of needing nursing and assisted care.
Thank you for presenting this important video!
Liked and subscribed.
Congratulations on your retirement and thank you so much! There is so much value in retiring over here, I'm sure you're going to enjoy it.
Hua Hin facilities seemed better and cheaper in my opinion.
@@timrowley4274
Hi. I live in Hua Hin and am asked about the old age care here by the elderly Farang retirees. I checked some, but not have found the one. Will you tell me the name of your choice, please? Thank you.
What are the prices, that could be a determining factor. Is this facility the same with any of the other facilities that you have looked at. I’m very interested.
@@timrowley4274please, give me the some comparisons. Very interested.
Thanks for this great info. I’m 60 and thinking about my retirement all the time now. My 94 year old mother with advanced dementia is paying 9400 usd for a very basic elderly care, I can’t stand the place. I love Thailand but would be concerned about the burning season . Outside of this I would love to end my days in a place like this.
Thanks again. Lisa
Same here, burning season is very concerning!
I agree, the burning season can be tough. We are going away next year to escape it and enjoy other places as well.
@@farawayfred802 Thanks for the quick response. I’m following you now and eager to see what else you uncover in the future. I think you’re going to see a huge shift of Americans that realize they can’t afford to stay in the USA if they are only living on SS. Mexico is another great option and obviously much closer, but does not seem as stable.
Thanks Fred and thank you Brad. I’ve seen a video in Australia about Chiang Mai Aged care, run by an Aussie guy who relocated his Wife (she needed Dementia Care) and he ended up working in the Facilty.
It certainly is a Paradise option.
And I speak from experience doing Music Therapy in Care Facilities, my Mother needed Care in her final years passed at age 97+,,,Australian Care is a lottery and can be a nightmare.
After falling in love with Thailand this is in my long term plans.
Thanks again Fred.
@@josephhapp9 ,
Thank you, I'm also going to do a video to show the options for those who want care at home. I appreciate you dropping in.
Very happy you did this video. I see from the comments many others agree. I think you could make this a niche vlog and do extensive reporting on this entire subject including shared Independent Living and similar situations. Not only that to go beyond and discuss the inevitable, which is that sooner or later, we're all going to pass away and how those pre-arrangements could be done in advance. I'm impressed with the Buddhist respect of the deceased and their open air cremation ceremony. If I were there this is what I would be doing. It is sorely needed
I have subscribed to your Channel
I was just discussing that same topic with a friend today. I will definitely do a follow up on other services available. Thank you.
Thank you again. There is only one video I could find about passing away in Thailand. It is very good but there are a lot of unanswered questions and possibilities that have not been explored. This includes pre-planning and prepaying for funeral arrangements in Thailand. I’m 84 years old still relatively healthy but want to plan for possible Assisted Living or nursing care of some kind and prearranging an open air Buddhist cremation ceremony perhaps through a local monastery. I have read, and I believe, these ceremonies are as respectful to farangs as to Thais as this is integral to Buddhist belief. Certainly preferable to Western cremation where my body would be thrown in an oven and somebody would get the ashes. Still lots of questions to be answered. Here is the link
ua-cam.com/video/y1MK9iDHfoU/v-deo.htmlsi=U964tDelfmUzpjK_
A friends mother is a resident there and she could not be happier about her choice. I like their Al La Carte menu regarding choice of your care. Doi Saket is a beautiful part of the Chiang Mai area.
Thank you for dropping in. I love this area. I'm only 5 minutes from Vivobene. I love the menu as well, lots to choose from.
Thank you for taking the time to show this excellent video. Keep up the good work, and keep growing your channel. May the good news be with you. I really enjoyed watching this video. pretty impressive on the service provided and I also like the fact that they have back up generators.
Thank you souch❤️
Wow that was a lot of good info. In Orlando Florida it costs about 5-10 thousand dollars a month. So most people live with relatives. Thanks for the video.
Thank you,
I'm from right up the road, Lake County Florida. Thanks for stopping in.
That is only going to go up, too.
Great job brother! This retirement community has a lot of potential and I will highly consider it.👍🏿
Excellent video. Thank you Fred. planning on retiring soon. looks like Thailand is a great place to retire, especially Ching-Mai
Sign Me up!!! The Future is looking good!!! Things are Looking up!!! 🤩
Wow!!!!! Just, wow!
Another outstanding and informative video Fred! Thank you very much!!
@@drobinbarker ,
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Well done. Most likely the best place in Chiang Mai but a bit outside of town. At any rate, there are other and somewhat cheaper places around, however, some of them lack a certain sophistication and are still run old school in case of real Alzheimer patient needs. My advice: Come over first, check for yourself and ask the right questions in the selection process. Your loved one(s) deserve best treatment in a proffesionally run place.❤
Well stated! Thank you❤️
Thank you for this amazing informative video. I've lived in Chiangmai for 2.5 years before needing to return to Singapore 3 months ago for my aging parents. I love Chiangmai, with respect for the people on the land, my family had received back so much smiles, great local neighbours, honesty, down to earth, sincere heart to heart experiences from people of beautiful Chiangmai. My husband and myself are reaching age 50 soon and will like to return to Chiangmai to retire. If my parents will not mind, we may consider long term care facilities in CM too for them. They deserve the best life, we too deserve a good retirement life.
Thank you so much. Yes the people here are amazing and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else right now. I will cover facilities down at the beaches in February during the burning season.
Thanks for the video on that type of place. You kind of went a little quickly on all the different price choices and services so it was a little hard to figure out. But, ballpark for sure better than here by a long way.
Thank you for the feedback. There were so many packages that it was a little overwhelming so I put the link in there as well to check it out.
What a great topic to cover! Good content!
Thank you.
The pricing break down is SO GREAT! My bro has parkinson and is 65 so he will need all of these in just f2-3 years. THANK YOU!
Thank you and good luck. I have personally seen the care the Thai people provide. My wife recently observed two nurse's aids help a gentleman with Parkinson's eat, while one held his hand. There is so much compassion over here.
Love this video and the topic! We would love to see more!
Thank you so much. I will definitely do more videos on the subject..
Great tour. Living aged years in Chiang Mai would be awesome. I think moving abroad when you are older is very stimulating for many people. Some of these places are springing up (I saw one in Malaysia) but do not have proper nursing facilities but this place has proper care and the prices are definitely reasonable compared to the West . Thanks again Fred
I totally agree, thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it!
I am finding your channel for the first time, this video is right on time. I am looking into relocating to Mexico and have been looking at other possible countries. My mom has dementia and here in the state of Maryland a lot of places are asking for $7,500/mo. Most people including myself can't afford that. In fact I am a GNA and had to stop working to be my mom's full-time caregiver. It's wonderful to see other places that are more affordable, and to see just how much better the care is at a fraction of the cost. Thank you for sharing this information. If you don't mind me asking just what are you doing for income while living over seas? Thank again.
$7500 is a huge amount, wow! I'm not currently working. I did 26 years with my agency and my wife and I live off my pension.
Thank you for a wonderful video.
So, reality strikes! How does the elderly person renew his 90 day report to Immigration? How does the annual visa renewal get done? Who takes him/her to the hospital or back in case of an emergency? How does the he/she access funds? Who manages his/her funds and gets bills paid if stuck in the hospital? I don't see any ATMs there. These are vitally important questions that you haven't addressed. ??? and can he/she park a car?
When a person goes through intake there is a thorough discussion with the family on many if those matters. In my humble opinion the family should take care of many of those questions prior to admitting a family member through documentation.
@@farawayfred802 Yes, ok. It seems this won't work unless there's a non disabled family member or friend willing to help with those things. So, thanks, you answered my question.
What was this long term care resort's covid...vaccination...policy?
Chiang Mai is a gorgeous place and one of the places I would quite happily spend my final years in when that time comes. I have had excellent dental care there and although I broke my leg and got admitted to a public hospital where I was discharged to find my own way home with a full cast in a tuk tuk, I believe that the private hospitals are excellent.
Another cheaper option would be to live in a condo building that was user friendly to the older person with a good 24hr juristic and maybe pay for some sort of living assistance. Is it possible to do a video on this if this option is available in Chiang Mai? for OAPs that have a small budget.
I speak briefly on this subject in this week's upcoming video. It's hard to get exact cost because it varies by the person's condition. But that is a very good point.
@@farawayfred802 Yes, different conditions, and comorbidities, certainly drives care costs up everywhere, no matter the country. Very few elderly have just one health condition, only the very fortunate ones.
As someone who has experienced this type of care (not the type featured in this video) but where you live in your own home and carers come to you or your relative I would not recommend it. Frequently carers don’t turn up, care staff are inconsistent with approach and there is a lack of continuity of care. The person who needs care is also at risk of abuse and isolation.
@@emmaturner2558
More detail, pls.
Eg. Which place are you talking about? Chang Mai?
@@adad1270in any place wherever you live.
Thank you Fred! I am considering Thailand for myself as I am single and have no kids. I will be on my own. My only concern, as a foreigner, is if something like Covid happens again. I would have been interested to hear what they did during the lockdowns. I would hate to get settled there in old age and then be kicked out of the country with nowhere to go.
Hello and thank you for dropping in , I appreciate it. That is a valid concern. My wife and I have coffee every Sunday with expats that have been here for years.
During that period some took the opportunity to return to their previous home and some stayed here. It is my understanding that Thailand was very restrictive in regards to the rules, but some I talked to had no problem with it. It is definitely a dice roll.
Been to the bakery many times - Vivo is obviously a very well run facility.
Quite a few options in Chiang Mai, from accommodation only to differing levels of care including end of life / hospice care.
One being the McKean Senior Center which has an interesting history as it initially started out as a leper colony and run by missionaries, it situated on an island in south Chiang Mai.
Look around as also facilities exist outside of Chiang Mai as well.
Thanks for sharing this information ♥️
yeah but you'll need to be in close driving distance to a hospital, right?
@@bioold8925 You can say that for anywhere and what your needs are, I live 300 meters from a elderly care facility very plush and on the outskirts of the town so green gardens and relaxing but easy reach of town. HOWEVER the only hospital choice is a government hospital, but I would not use them. My choice.
But I like where I live and if I need a private hospital or hospice it’s a three hour drive, if I need a hospice it really is a one way trip.
Nice place. It was odd that we didn't see any residents.
@@glennr9913 ,
Yes, it could have been my timing of filming as well. Most of the activities take place in the morning before it gets too hot. I was there around 1 pm.
@@farawayfred802 No matter where, its common for rest homes, etc have a rest period in the afternoons usually directly after lunch.
Protect identity of residents ❤
Looks a bit basic to be honest.
Great information Fred! I'm in Udon Thani and planning on moving to chang mai in October. I'll be 77 in November and this looks great!!
Thanks Michael,
Please look me up when you get here.
@@farawayfred802 I Look Forward To That! Thank You.
Great video! Do they have full time Dr’s and ACLS trained nurses on staff 24/7 for emergencies, as well as basic wellness care, with appropriate ALS equipment?
How far is this place from a top notch hospital if advanced care is needed, and is there an ALS ambulance available to transport residents to the hospital?
I’m a retired Paramedic and my wife is a trauma/ICU nurse. We tell people that you have to consider these things, in addition to the facility itself, no matter if it’s in the U.S. or another country. You can live in a beautiful place anywhere, but if well equipped, quick response pre-hospital services are not available, you’re screwed if/when a medical event happens and you need urgent care.
We’ve considered the Philippines because she was born there, but the best medical care is only in the large, crowded cities like Manila and Cebu. Many of the hospitals in mid to small size areas don’t have doctors on staff 24/7, and especially not specialists. And pre-hospital transport is a bare bones ambulance for hire, taxi, jeepney, or however else you can get to the hospital.
Great questions,
I know they do have a full-time ACLS nurse on staff 24 hrs. I'm not sure about a doctor. The nearest hospital is about 10 minutes away. However your top notch hospitals like Bangkok Hospital and Chiang Mai Ram is going to be in the city about a 30 minute drive. Brad who I interviewed will be able to give you more info on it, he is a nurse as well. You are correct, these are all considerations that have to be taken into account.
Yes excellent topic, especially if you are well bodied and lucid when you enter, but it’s another thing to move someone who has no history or knowledge of Thai culture and place them in this environment unless you are warehousing them until their passing. Good job on the video.
Fred, thank you for the GREAT information and well-made video! You know there's NOTHING like this in the U.S. with this kind of price and attention to service!
@@sunoh100 ,
I agree, it's a shame that care is out of the reach of many back in the states .
This was a fascinating tour thank you for asking great questions.
Thank you so much, it means a lot to me.
I am empress how clean this place is . Not so in America I have visited many places here very depressing and expensive. I love the open concept. People are not altogether in one large place. The gentleman that manages is truly a gift very caring god bless you sir.
It truly is impressive. I go there regularly for lunch and it just has a nice vibe.
Are the Rooms air conditioned ? Like Robin Williams said in Good Morning Vietnam.. forecast is HOT, DAMN HOT !!
Cost of health care since Medicare won't pay for a thing over there... ?!
Yes the rooms are air conditioned, they were very comfortable while I was there, and that was in the middle of the afternoon.
Great info…I’m 59 so hopefully won’t need this for a long while, but great to know there are options.
Thank you, I feel the same. I like to know, just in case.
Excellent video! You are so right about not being able to get a decent hotel room for their deluxe price. This topic is becoming more important the older we get. Thanks for providing such valuable information.
Thank you Michelle, I appreciate it😊
What do home care aides cost in Chiang Mai? This place is lovely but I wouldn’t want to move out of my home if home care agencies are available. Thanks!
It varies, I will gather some information and do a separate video on that option. Thank you, I greatly appreciate it!
The prices are listed on their website in the description. They have room rates, food, and assisted living, all listed separately.
Are there other similar facilities elsewhere in Thailand?
@gavins-cool yes. There is another company that has a string of them in places like Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and I believe Chang Mai as well. I saw another Tuber give a tour of the spot in Hua Hin. I don't recall the name but pretty certain it wasn't this one. I'm sure a cursory search on UA-cam will have some other vids pop up.
Do not think that is cheap.
Thank you!
Look nice! It’s sounds like for high-ends. When you added it all up it’s kinda expensive. No package deal, paying separately it’s no ends and ends up paying more and it’s complicated and hard decisions making.
You're right, it can be complicated. I think if a person sits and figures out their individual needs, it can still be a good value for many.
Excellent Topic. This is probably one of the most helpful videos for those aging in retirement in Thailand or have a spouse or partner that needs care. Thank you so much for sharing. How did you locate a Long term care facility in Thailand. Is there a quick way to locate these types of facilities throughout thailand?
Thank you,
We live right around the corner from it. We've made friends with people who have love ones at the facility. We have a total of three in our village. I've done a Google search and found others all over Thailand. Next burning season I will be down in Hua Hin and some in that area, near the beach.
This was a great video. Looking to retire in Thailand myself. Very informative, & thoughtful. Maybe do another video on the cost or interview someone who can discuss that with you. I did subscribe, thanks.
Thank you and thank you for the input. Check out the link in the description it does cover some of the cost. I have another coming up where I will try to be more specific in the video on cost. Thanks again.
Thanks for giving us a tour of the beautiful facility. Also, breaking down the different price points.
Thank you, I truly appreciate it.
Thank you so much for that information. You would never find a place in U.S. that can compare facility wise or amenities for that price. Great topic. I will definitely check into it further.
Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.
❤thank you for your presentation ❤😊
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Just saw another video clip by "60 minutes Australia" about this care resort. It is very touching 😢
You’re amazing at what you do Fred! We will be in Thailand in September!
Thank you,
Please drop a line, My wife and I would love to grab coffee or lunch.
This was a great video and at 58 my husband and I are both interested in this. But, when I go to the website these are the prices I’m seeing.
Connected Room - 49,500 BHT/month/person = $2906 USD
Full Meal Plan - 29,000 BHT/month/person = $844 USD
Permanent Care Package - 99,000 BHT/month/person + 10% service charge = $6335.91
This adds up to $10,086/month/couple or $5043/month/person. This seems pricey to me. Am I missing something? I appreciate your videos!
Thank you,
I think that's why it is ala carte. Take for instance permanent care. That is around the clock staff at your disposal which most people don't need.
Many residents use Grab (Uber eats) and don't have full meals at the facility. I think Brad at VEVO Bene will be able to spell it out to you better.
As always, thanks for watching!
Those prices are comparable to America. I could hire local Thai people
for in home care cheaper for basic homecare than this
Thanks Fred. Great video! This was an excellent tour.
Thank you, I really appreciate it!
Very nice video how do they deal with the PM 2.5 situation especially when elderly people are sensitive with their lungs?
That is a very good question. I know the hospitals deal with it regularly during this time of year. Many of my new friends travel south.
The facility itself has commercial Air purifiers that help, but it is a consideration when deciding to move here if a person has respiratory issues.
Thank you for providing this video. My main concern is the smoking season of Chiang Mai. Will you do any other Long tern care facilities in other cities ? Pettya, Hua Hin, Krebi , etc would be appreciated.
I am looking at doing something in Hua Him Possibly. I'm trying to get in touch with one of the facilities down there.
Fred, very excellent tutorial on long term care costs in Thailand at the Vivo Bene center. Your video is so professionally done and informative. Thank you.
Thank you so much Dennis. I appreciate the kind words.
Fred... Nice channel! I lived in CM for 9 years and the smoke is so bad from February to April that it is untenable for normal life, especially for seniors. Have you done a video of long term resorts in other areas like Huahin? That area does not have the smoke and is quite pleasant. Subscribed....
Thank you,
I will be headed to Hua Hin next burning season and will definitely cover what they have to offer down South, thanks for dropping in and subscribing, I appreciate it.
Great video, thank you 🙏. Subbed.
Like someone prior, I also feel that info on the visa situation, funds' management etc would be absolutely essential for anyone considering this option 🙏.
Thanks for subscribing. I'm sure it is part of the process but the next time I drop in I will definitely look into it.
@@farawayfred802 that'd be fantastic, thanks. Keep well.
Sawadeeka
Thank you so much for sharing this… I’m 53 and seriously considering 2nd home options. I have a aging mother to care for and your video helps me peek around the corner and a little further down the road… not only for myself but my family as well.
K̄hxbkhuṇka
Thank you,
and please feel free to reach out if I can get anymore information to you.
Good information and thank you
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Absolutely fantastic, I have been in LTC /Rehab for over 25years and we have nothing that compares… thank you so much for sharing this, is it impossible to practice my Nursing in Thailand??? If I was to retire there??? Thank you for sharing….
Thanks John,
I know Brad was hired from Switzerland, so it may be an option. Just based on my research the pay probably wouldn't be close to what they pay in western countries.
A Thai nurse with a 4 yr degree in Chiang Mai makes around $1,500 a month. It's illegal to hire foreigners for jobs Thai people can qualify for.
You would need to check what visa you would need for your qualification and work opportunities.
Great info. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic !
Very important video thank you very much
If the choice is Europe or Asia for a nursing home, its clear what most of us would choose, wonderful
Excellent topic that more people need to know about. I wonder what happens if a resident gets a serious illness or requires surgery or treatment that can't be handled on site. I know the cost of medical care in Thailand is mych lower than the USA, but I imagine treating something like cancer would be quite costly. Ive also heard medical insurance in Thailand doesn't cover preexisting conditions and is expensive for the elderly.
Yes, some people have savings that cover their medical expenses and I've heard some chose to go back to their country where they are covered by insurance.
@@farawayfred802 it would be very difficult, if not impossible , to transport someone with dementia or Alzheimer's disease on a long flight on a plane.
Really good value great video
Thank you!!
Excellent video Fred! This information will be very useful to many people. The facility looks top notch! For those that live in the U.S., there are similar facilities at similar prices in Mexico if someone needs something closer to home.
Thanks again Fred, for a very informative and helpful video. 🙏
Thank you so much!, I will definitely do more videos similar that are informative.
Mexico has some great facilities and affordable prices.
Thanks for mentioning that. Although this facility looks great, Thailand is very far from the US East Coast. It's good to know Mexico is an option.
My parents pay $5,600 per month Canadian so that’s about $4,000 US. That covers accommodations in a two bedroom apartment, all their meals and activities, but they don’t need nursing care. If you need assistance, that really inflates your costs. There is a nurse available 24 hours in case needed. It is a VERY nice place. They just moved in a month ago and are loving it.
@@wheretoretire3315 ,
That is great that you were able to find that option. It is still cheaper than many options in the U. S.
Thanks for dropping in, I appreciate it!
Please clarify location: is this in Canada or in Thailand?
@@michaelh8167 ,
It's in Chaing Mai Thailand. In the Doi Saket district about 20 kilometers east of the Old City. There is also a link in the description.
For westerners, how is medical care covered. For example stroke, heart attack, chronic illness, dementia, etc. From my understanding, after a certain age, local health insurance in Thailand can be expensive or impossible to acquire.
You are correct as far as getting insurance after a certain age. I'm fortunate that I got insurance over here at an earlier age. I've spoken to people who live over here and self-insure as well. The cost of living over here also allows me to put money away for long-term care if needed. Here is a link to the cost of medical care over here at one of the top hospitals:
www.pacificprime.co.th/blog/the-cost-of-medical-treatments-in-thailand/?amp=1
@@farawayfred802 thank you so much for the reply, I truly appreciate it. My wife and I had planned to retire to Thailand about 8 years ago (my wife is Thai) but my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and then had a stroke. We are currently caring for her. Have considered care for her in Thailand but she isn’t at all interested, nor are several family members.
Anyway, came across your channel several days ago and have been enjoying the content and topics you cover; very informative. Keep it up. Again, thank you so much for the reply. Take care
Fred, thank you for sharing this video. Your video on “assisted living” in Thailand was the most informative.
Thank you Rob, I greatly appreciate it.
I could do it with no problem. Thanks Fred.
Thank you!
Thanks for the tour. This place looks great. When I was looking for my dad in 2018, it was about 5k/mo room and board, minimal care and then if you needed more, they added on until it reached about 10-15k/mo.
Also, in the US, they can take your house and assets to pay for end of life care. They will do a 5 year look-back over your finances to make sure you didn’t just switch ownership on your home to your kids.
Also, for my mom in 2021, I found her a place in a care home situated in a 5 br house. She would share a room, get 24/hr care, room and board. It cost about 4500/mo. Sadly, she passed just as I was signing the paperwork. She was a good RN and never wanted to be in a care home. She got her wish but I had hoped that she would recover. She was my heart and I miss her a lot.
Thank you and thanks for sharing your story. I went through that with my mom. It was almost like a shakedown as they wanted to know all of her assets, etc.
Luckily the family stepped up and we didn't have to go that route. Prices are outrages.
Interesting enjoyed it.💕 Ty for sharing subscribed
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Excellent video, very informative as to the services they offer. It was done from the point of view of a medical professional which is what I found interesting.
The only question I have is there a Doctor "on call" there and how far is the facility from a high end private hospital? And do they have EMS nearby to bring people to a hospital.
Great questions! There is a doctor on call. The facility is about 25 minutes from a high-end hospital. There is a local hospital here in Doi Saket ( If someone needed to be stablelized or minor injuries)with EMS there which is probably seven minutes away.
Excellent report. I will visit this site in Oct. Best review yet. Thank you
Thank you!, I would love a follow up as to what you think about it. Thanks again.
This is really interesting. I've read about a hundred books on early retirement and geo arbitrage is often covered but I have never heard of this. This could change the way people think about long-term care in the future. This was just never on my radar.
I agree, it has definitely given me a different perspective.
A great video on a subject for which many foreigners fail to plan.
Yes, it truly is important to plan ahead. Thank you so much for watching!
@@farawayfred802 Another helpful video you may consider is showing / explaining to retirees how to have their house ownership, condo ownership, bank account, automobile, motorbike etc., organized so that upon their passing, either their friends here, or one of their children is able to take care of everything without the court.
Many guys die leaving a mess for their friends to sort out.
Excellent video ❤
Thank you!
I’m a MSW social worker who worked in hospice. Please ask about medications allowed and. It allowed and pain medications snd how they handle death and funerals. Extra costs please
I will do a follow on it. Thank you.
Yes cheaper than in the West but still about USD 3000 per month. Biggest issue to, once you get to 70-80-90 years and cannot think for yourself, you need someone who can check-in with you weekly or daily and insure payment. If you run out of funds you will be evicted I assume. GOOD IDEA - but not a no-brainer.
I think what this does is give you an opportunity to plan ahead. I will be doing a video on the road about how to make sure those things are taken care of. In reality, it's no different than what you would have to put in place in another country.
@@farawayfred802 Yes agree, very good idea to highlight the need to plan ahead. I have experience dealing with my mother in a skilled nursing home the past 15 years - she needed a guardian as she was not capable of managing her own affairs including payment to the skilled nursing home. Many retirees might not have a trusted guardian in Thailand - which I feel is essential.
@@jacksonj3082
Good points, there are people that have lived over here for years. Many have their monthly bills automatically withdrawn from either their Thai or Foreign bank account.
There are also legitimate financial companies per the families back home that have power of attorney and take care of any issues that arise and stay in communication with the families on a regular basis.
@@jacksonj3082 ,
Great point, I know residents that use legal reps over here that also acts as a liaison for families back home. One gentleman has been doing it for over 15 years. There are workarounds.
Thanks so much for watching the video and your feedback.
3000/mo is much better than 15,000/mo.
I have been to Thailand, this looks like a covered care facility from a real resort. The climate is super HOT there. Is the facility fully air conditioning all year around? Thank you so much for sharing.
Yes, it is one of the most " coolest" temperature wise places I've been too. They spare no expense on making sure the residents are comfortable.
I am curious can you paint and redecorate? Can you keep a car on the property?
That's a good question. I would reach out to Brad directly at brad. roberts@vivobene.co.th.
Thanks for the question!
thanks mate
Excellent information but what about immigration and visas. Those must be annual costs on top of Vivobene?
Thank you, If there is an annual cost on top of the monthly cost I couldn't find it.
Looks so peaceful but would have appreciated seeing actually residents around. I presume it was shot this way for privacy concerns but to see all the empty rooms was kind of cold and makes me wonder if they are ever being used.
I have children and grandchildren holding me hostage here 😂 otherwise I would love to be living carefree like this.
My mother ended up in long term care in the USA which towards the end was about $6000 a month with mediocre care. Thankfully her money didn’t run out before she did, but it was close.
I’ll be watching how these kids treat me going forward and may end up in Thailand before it’s all over. I love Thai food as much as I love Italian. Might need to start studying the language, that always helps. 💜
Yes, it was 1 pm and very hot when I filmed. All the residents were inside. You are right, I probably would have avoided getting them on camera. They are at about 80 % capacity, you will see them out in the morning and evenings.
P. S, I hope you are able to escape😎
Very informative video and provides a great option as people age. If you are a long-term resident, are there any difficulties with obtaining a long-term visa?
We used a Visa agent and both received our retirement visa in April. I personally think it's a lot of work if you don't speak the language, but our Visa agent handled the heavy lifting. This October will be a year here with only one border run each between us.
@@farawayfred802 People need to check out the visa situation because there have been recent changes.
Awful for anyone who cannot climb stairs. Noticed the pool does have a ramp. Also, I noticed that there are standard low toilets - none shown have a raised toilet seat or bars to help you get up if needed. It may be a good resort for healthy seniors but not for partially disabled persons with acute osteoarthritis. The standard wooden chairs and the beds also do not have guard rails to help you get up. ☹️
Thanks for dropping in. I only showed a couple of rooms. They have rooms and toilets to address individual needs.
Wherever there are stairs there is an alternate ramp. I may not have done a good job addressing that in the video. Thanks for pointing it out.
Good to know... Thank you!
Ha ha, just as I was listening to the part on your video about how they have power outages occasionally but they have the generators that come on - poof the power just went out here in the Philippines at 9:50 AM, I could hear our neighbors generators start to come on, we don’t have one yet but it’s amazing how you get through it no problem. I have a UPS that keeps the Internet and router going in the house, the power will come back on in due time.
It seems like Thailand and Philippines are very similar. I HAVE NO PLANS TO MOVE BACK TO THE USA
We both eat healthier here and every early morning We Go For a vigorous walk like so many other Filipinos in our neighborhood do, fresh vegetables, fruits, chickens that really just lay the egg in the yard and you gotta go chase them down If you wanna eat one,
I meet with my Filipino buddies each Morning for $.60 fresh brewed coffee and we shoot the breeze.
@@sbhg3166 Ha! It sounds like you have found the life for you. I like how you take everything in stride, that's how it has to be if you want to be happy.
Yes, LTC is prohibitively expensive in the western world and comparably more affordable in SE Asia. However, i don’t think that this is a single issue matter. I am also prone to consider the cost of health insurance for those over 80 years of age in Thailand. What will happen to my coverage premiums after a claim is filed, as this often happens to those over 80. My understanding is that, in spite of the “usual” insurance co. rhetoric, it is not unheard of that the insured is then cancelled and other health insurance companies do not want to insure them. This is also a consideration that if ignored and not considered can be to the detriment of the older expat. Where do we stand with respect to this matter. I read few years ago that one is wanted when they are younger healthy and can spend money but the tables/costs turn when they are not. To what degree do they turn with respect to the insurance premiums?
I agree, it is definitely a consideration. I've read on the expat forms of Americans heading back to the states to be covered by Medicare.
There are those over here that have the resources to self-insure while living abroad. I do have health Insurance (Pacific Cross) that covers me up to 99 years of age.
It is my hope that if needed I can receive live in home care if it gets to that point. I think a person's health moving forward could play a big role in their decision.
Thank you for your perspective.
What speed is the internet? Is it fast enough, with enough bandwidth, to support video streaming by many guests at the same time? Only other problem I see is that Chiang Mai is apparently notorious for very bad air quality during the months when farmers burn their fields, which is not exactly good for older people.
@@Mark-rw3kw ,
I live about a five minute motorbike ride from there. I get about 175 up and 175 down on a regular basis. The facility does have commercial Air purifiers throughout and the residents use them as well in their rooms.
You're right, the burning season is not the best for the residents but many navigate it.
Will Social Security pay your benefits if one moves to Thailand? How about Veterans benefits? My thesis in college was: Alternative to Nursing Home Care. This by far is the best I’ve ever seen. I’m retired & this video gives me hope to affordable aging in place.
The people I have spoken with have their Social Security and Veteran benefits sent to their American Bank and transfer from there to Thailand. That is what I do with my pension.
@@farawayfred802 In other words you don’t report change of address to the agencies. I leave all my benefits on Direct Deposit. I guess if one does everything online then no problems. This is definitely Food for Thought. Thanks.
Well done sir. Well done. There are a plethora of Chiang Mai vloggers out there, You are unique. Subbed.
Thank you so much, I appreciate it!
Great video! I know I am about a month late in finding this but, i can see myself retiring in another country. My mom is currently in a rehab place and IF she was in a private room it would be over $350. I could stay at a 5 star hotel for about that price granted no rehab. The prices are crazy and it seems that for long term care the food is not so great, and the facility is not in the best of shape. Plus I know of no place where you have a pool that is wheelchair accessible let alone with a sauna or massage area.
Thanks for dropping in. Yes, that is one of many places. There are also the options of affordable at home care at home over here as well. It's amazing what happens when we look outside of the Western societies to what's available.
In Mexico right now. Thinking of visiting CM. It’s just so far away from the states. But maybe for a short visit.
Yes,
That is one of the drawbacks of living here. We were looking at South and Central America originally. But this region is just so beautiful.
What is the name of this facility and directions to find it???
It's called Vivobene, below is the information. Thanks for stopping in.
Vivo Bene Village
053 496 000
g.co/kgs/6Jderyq
Great info thanks
Thanks Paul, I appreciate it!