From reports of abuse and neglect to soaring costs, the reputation of aged care homes in the West has taken a battering in recent years.
Now some families are finding alternatives far from home.
With its tropical climate, lower costs and culture of respect for the elderly, Thailand is attracting families dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s from as far away as Europe.
Walter Gloor brought his wife Maya to a care home in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai two years ago, from their home in Switzerland. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when she was 50, and it had become clear that she needed round-the-clock care.
“The main reason was, where is the best place for Maya? … We couldn’t find anything better. So I think she deserves to be in the best place in the world,” he says.
Martin Woodtli runs an aged care facility in Chiang Mai, where 14 patients live in villas and have round-the-clock personal carers. He set up the centre in 2003, after struggling to find care for his mother in their native Switzerland.
“Maybe we have to find new models of care because the care system for elderly people in Europe is not working any more and it’s going to be a big, big problem,” he says.
101 East follows families making the difficult choice to send their elderly loved ones far away to live out their final years.
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I guess die in a Thai massage is still better than dying in a hospital suffering…
Just lovely
These people are just opting out of caring for their parents . I cannot imagine doing that to a loved one. These people should realise their kids will do the same to them. Simply avoiding all responsibilities.
“have I got a son ?”
HOW KIND…I LOVE THIS THANK YOU
This so backward. The best care, you can give your loved ones, is by being with them. If you can’t care for them, visit them as much as you can. I can’t believe this guy did this? Leaving her there and not see her for the whole year. She can’t even recognize her own family. This lady is not leaving. She is just existing. Very sad.
Have you ever take care of old, Alzheimer people? Just feeding and bathing will consume your whole day and sometimes they will say something that really hurt you or even beat you when you try to help them. If you don’t take care of them properly they will get worse real fast. Finding trusted home care will be better for both the elderly and their children.
First of all this people in the vedio are management. The care givers don’t even speak English. Her son goes, she doesn’t remember as. Off course, she doesn’t remember you. You are never around.
One of Maya’s caregivers doesn’t speak English, they are using subtitle, how is she communicating with Maya? This is very depressing for elderly people. Leaving them with people don’t speak their language or eat the same food.
Body language is lounder.
Born in PALESTINE 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸
Nooooo the lady at the end is Wrong the British one love doesn’t require degrees in universities it’s from heart to heart
💔💔
If the white elders design to live in their country they might have Covid 19 and die.
Just thank the Thais they care better 😉 sawadika.. 🙏🏻 we cannot judge them by sending their parents in a care home am sure no choice for them it’s a though world out there.
Smart man. I have lived in thailand for over 20 years and it is one of the best countries in the world to live as an expat.
I don’t know why people are finding this heart warming, it shows the failures of western governments to provide for an ever increasing elderly population.
@person person NHS gets more than enough money. The problem is there are too many Burtons suits in plastic shoes taking 6 figure salaries for talking yet still somehow worthy of company cars. GP’s getting £90 per hour for drinking coffee and writing out prescriptions for the same few medications, regardless of ailment yet still they complain. Pharmacists getting £30 per hour for weighing/counting tablets. Why nurses need more money is a mystery too, who cannot manage nicely on 25-30k per year I wonder. Just like most other public funded institutions the NHS has become clinically obese feeding of the tax payer.
Nursing homes charge 40-60k per year yet strangely claim lack of funding too.
@B REAL ahhh I didn’t know that! gp’s charge way too much, also immigrants abuse the nhs systems and never pay back any money, health tourism needs to stop
@person person big pharma abuse the system too, again because it’s tax payers money.
@B REAL the government need to be more clear on how they are spending our money, enough is enough
The Europeans just have bigger pockets than the local Thai. It’s no better for the poor locals who couldn’t afford a first class retirement home. Money talks.
See… Money IS everything in This world
I would only say, i hope these westerners honor the people taking care of them and not disrespect them woth their entitlement attitude. My wife works as a nurse here in the USA and the way she is treated by some of the elderly is not so good.
this is something that we Asians really proud of, we value family especially the elderly once.
I dont think that is true for all Asians. Many Asian elders have been abandoned by thier adult children as well.
@Nina Boston , That depends on which Asian country you think about
This seems wonderful but I fear even in Thailand the elderly are easy to overpower and take advantage of. I find the comments disturbing that say all Thai people are nice not all of anyone is anything.
I think they are still on psyche drugs to tranquelize them either in thailand or the west….just to make them more manageable i suppose.
Highly unlikely in Thailand. Such drugs are unnecessary spending for the business.
Its hard for me as a young person in the US to have empathy for elders in our culture as they have been so denigrating of us younger generations. They have disrespected us for so many years, its hard to have respect for them. Everyone focuses on the respect that younger individuals have for elders in Asian cultures but completely miss the other side of that relationship… the care and respect elders also have for youth in that culture. Its a two way street. If the situation were reversed, it would be much easier for me to care for a Thai elder than one of our own because there isn’t an established history of disrespect. I am grateful that someone is willing to care for them because it is something that needs to be done.
Tai Qi in Thailand or Kung Fu Tae Kwando in American Old Folks Homes.
Its a good idea but it is obviously compensating for the failure of Western governments to provide humane care for the elderly and unwell. The West needs to do some soul searching about our lack of respect for the aged.
I dont think communication is as necessary as body language. If the elderly who cannot remember their own family or if they are old to move about or speak its body language and lot of respect that helps. Asian culture elderly have lot of respect and taking care of them is like one thinks about their own old age and feel it. Its good to see that the elderly have a place where real care is given to them. These days when you are busy and cannot find time to take care of the elderly its best to put them in a care centre that really cares, it does not matter if its far cos even the close care centres at home ( how many times do people visit their elderly, they dont even know that their elderly are being abused. Its sad.
Not every retirement center in Thailand is like this. This is for rich people
i concur
“If you can’t communicate with someone you can’t care for them”. Utterly rubbish. Action does talk louder than words.
Absolutely, let me think— watar or water . Juice or jute
i know right, i mean if you got dementia communication is little to nothing. Especially Alzheimers
FYI my mom has Alzheimers and she only speaks Mandarin. That doesn’t stop her companion whom we employ, and who don’t speak Mandarin, from showering her with loads of love and attentive care.
Action are more important than words nowadays ,, indeed ..😜
This comment is only mentioned if you’ve never cared for an elderly, let alone someone who speaks a different language! You can’t care for anyone if you don’t have the heart for it. We grew up being taught to respect the elderly and how to care for the sick.
My in law paid for herself in US independent room and food over $4000 that the clerk can’t around to lift small oxygen tank next to her when power is out
The last and final years of your parents spent in a place they don’t know, with no family members around is a death sentence with solitary confinement.
western society has lost is way, they believe caring is about the bottom line.. its totally discusting.
at 15:29 anywhere in the world when you see all healthcare staffs dancing happily with their patients, it is certainly a good place! It is not only a work relationship for sure.
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Anyone have information on stroke rehab? I am looking short term intensive therapy to help with some recovery from stroke. Short term as in a few months. Somewhere affordable in Asia.
ras291071
I love Thailand ❤️🇹🇭💯
I have a mentally handicapped daughter of 22 years ( IQ 56) , She is getting a care budget from our government. She is allowed to use this budget to get care outside our country ( Netherlands) for 13 weeks a year. It would be great for her if she can go to a care center in Thailand for 13 weeks a year with people from her age and level, She can understand and talk a little bit English. I would love to give her this abroad experience like her cousin who is now for a year working in Australia, for instance twice a year for 6 weeks. She can also do some chores like helping in the kitchen or garden.
Thailand. We have our culture. We respect older people. And we have to take care of the person who gave birth when he was old
Should be with family in home country, anyone would say.
It’s a sad indictment on our western, so called first world systems that cannot look after their own. Shame on us.
Its more beautiful and its cheaper, but it’s no place like home. Finding a nursing home so far away is unheard of. Family values between the east and west is soooo different. Asians would never do this to their elderly.
Actually some Thais have to send their parent(s) to nursing home too. Especially if 24/7 care is needed and they need to go to work.
buat subtittle
I can’t believe how the lady care taker was rude towards the elderly patients. They look frightened. Western countries, what’s wrong with them and why hire such horrible care takers? Heartless, they don’t deserve this job.
Who would trust care homes in Europe and North America after Covid19 horror stories?
“If you can’t communicate with someone then you can’t care for them”…the people on video in her investigations could “communicate” and look how that turned out :/ To believe that love, kindness, etc. can only be relayed and understood if two people speak the same language is such a limiting mindset !
I’m pretty sure they will be looked after better than the UK and will not get abuse. Thai people are kind, patient and respect their elders. Chiang Mai is a sweet place
At least no virus
Wow.. these old people were given a new lease of life being in another country. It’s almost like a new adventure. Not for everyone but a very good option for some.
The people in Chiang Mia are good decent people
And generally thai people are great carers
Its beautiful in Thialand
Verbal Communication is only 1/3 innuendos and body language makes up the rest autistic people dont talk but with care and kindness they communicate they can feel care
Much better than uk
I am living in Thailand. I consider ending my ‘days’ doing something like this video shows. In Thailand.
Read the comment section.
Practically and sadly it always about priorities and time relevance of people and or things. And sometimes it is very hard to find a middle ground; where one can take care of his or her office / business and also take care of his old age parents.
Compared to other parts of the world; we still have a good family oriented approach in India, where almost three generations live together. Fantastic documentary; and really happy to see those volunteers taking great care of those elderly.
I want to retire there too 🇺🇸 nice
Philippines should benefit from this industry. We speak English better and we’re just as caring.
I love 🇹🇭 Thailand
Could someone please give me a contact link or more information regarding this home???
USA needs to learn from this, they HAVE A FAR SUPERIOR SYSTEM. The most vulnerable in USA are are marginally cared for or neglected, poor elderly, mentally ill, foster care children. It’s disgusting to see abusive caregivers caught on camera as shown all over YouTube. It’s A FAILED SYSTEM and CULTURE. Empathy for those with less has been replaced with idolizing the rich and famous. People are becoming more selfish, callous and lonely.
I am so happy to see ,A great care place .
I ‘m sorry to her and so sad. Care home in thailand.
Its not often I’m reduced to tears but this did it. These people are so fortunate to have the means to send their sick and/or elderly loved one to this place.
As long as you got money someone will look after you
Mao people they can live in Thailand, Laos , Cambodia, Burma and some part of China use and abuse of cheap labour for looking after old Western patients
Better in Thailand than in the US for sure.
When it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Human are human no matter the race. Thais are not all angels! Been there!
Why don’t you take care of your wife on your own? The home care concept for me is very disturbing
That woman’s comments are ridiculous ,If you cannot communicate with the person , The people look very happy and comfortable , And the care is 100%
Love how these people care for the elderly – tho if you do not remember anything like your own family, cant feed yourself etc, is that a life worth living? Or are we just being selfish because we don’t want them to “leave” just yet? I know if I lost memory, have to be fed & bathed by someone else and or become a vegetable, I’d rather be 6 feet under.
I have a modern three bedroom house in khon Kaen in a small village Wondering if I should open it up to people who are not such high care but need to live the quiet peaceful way it and it’s family’s offer
The western home care centers hire blacks and other “minorities “ but they have so much hate for white peoples they will never give full care and attention to those retirees.
That’s quite a generalisation there sir, there’s good and bad people found in every place, regardless of race, culture and social standing.
The more paranoid people are, the more they’re likely to be the ones you have to watch.
Most people with dementia would need one on one full time member of staff around the clock , great if families can afford this !! Very sad indeed .
18:50 I doubt her experience in the field as well. Maybe she has good qualifications to help her straight to the office work, so she has no idea how those at their last days of life communicate. Not by words, but by the heart, the brain and the eyes. I had some experience working in an elderly care in Finland. The same saddening facts, and people complain not having enough money to improve the services. Maybe this is a viable solution. Those who disagree can freely ‘enjoy’ what they will end up in then 😉
Compassion is our motto that keep the chaotic society together even thou the evil politician control the money. However, there is a limit, Thai’s society is getting like the Western materialistic. You must be sure your love one under care at the right place. When they do it for profits, less hearts are there.
I wish I can work in care home 🙁
Very good documentary
am at the point where considering a placement in such housing is my normal ..as a social worker in Canada, having placed several of my clients in all level of care in senior homes and long-term care facilities .. the last being responsible for the last ten years, caring for my now deceased ✨beloved PaPa✨, am very aware of their great lacks and negligence nationwide ..should one of my 3 daughters be capable of moving away with I (minimum first 3 months) and several non announced visits per year, Thailand, no doubt, would be a choice destination ..this may sound cliche ..without discrimination ..I observed Asians being raised, still these in RESPECTING their ELDERLIES ..another angle to consider! ..hoping my family understands ..moi Canada 🇨🇦😢
A lot of rubbish about England care home .
A false report.
I think it’s regretful and unfair for young people to waste their time on this. We need robots and a few people too look after.
It might be a good option for thai, but I hope the country develops and this option is not considered good for young people.
Your hard is changing to robot now.
Look like you guys love to spread fake news as long get view. Shame on you for spreading fake news about Malaysia. Thought you turn off the comment so other people would not know the truth. Well u will be seeing me a lot in your other video.
Omg… Do t forget to mention the cost of care in America when the rooms and building looks institutionalized.
This is exactly what I want to do. Currently I’m in UK and working as a carer. Probably after a decade or so I wish to open a care resort in Nepal. We love & respect our elders as well. And the country has many jobless youngsters. This would be perfect for all.
What’s the name of the resort? It will be nice to look at this for future reference.
Thank you for making this beautiful documentary. It’s really heart-warming to see how those kind-hearted people taking care of them who need help and support. I went to Chiang Mai last year but I didn’t know that there is this place there. And I love Thai people for their kindness.
Wow fantastic how lovely to see old people been respected wonderful lovely good Thailand people may our good Lord bless them in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Amen
If you are not working , take care of your parents and children.
This is only viable in Thailand because they have cheap labour to work for 24/7]
Filipinos made a lot of big efforts compare to thai…. Filipino nurses have been one of the leading frontliners in america today… As many of my people have died saving thousands of american or other races lives in america but still no recognition or appreciation in america…
This sounds like a great idea. It’s like a vacation 🥺
It is SO hard to decide for your loved one when he/she cannot do it for themselves anymore. I had to do it for my dad, who had severe mobility issues due to Parkinson’s and Lewis body dementia. Our home was a death trap, he injured himself trying to get up and do things and as much as I tried I could not keep an eye on him 24/7. My siblings were unable (and one unwilling) to help, and I had to find the best home possible for him. In Canada (Ontario) you put a list of your preferred homes and when a bed is available, your loved one goes there. It’s pretty much a lottery. Trying to find a suitable home was one of the hardest things I had to do in my life as I felt i had his fate in my choice, and later COVID-19 proved that. My mom was too overwhelmed to make a decision. God helped me in the end, as he ended up in a great home that has managed to efficiently and effectively protect its residents from COVID-19. It was pure luck as many of the homes in the list got infected. Others in Ontario were not as lucky and many elderly lost their lives in horrific conditions. I really understand this man’s pain. Seeing someone you love with all your heart fade away through the years and become someone so far from what he/she used to be.
What for those who wish to visit…¿ Not for 2-5 years & then comes no visa or place that can take an old Farng aging tourist🔞.
GOOD REPORT wierd to hear them talk swissgerman XXD
I’m sorry but all of you who are doing this you are not son’s, daughter’s, husband or wife, you should be ashamed of yourself.. let alone your homeland you abandon them ocean apart, atleast we may be poor but we never and i ever abandon our elderly parents no matter what.. I mean no matter how serious they may be we will look after them, it’s our responsibility.. God will punish you all for this sins, people like you make me sick.
Well, that was devastating to watch.
This is true !! In Thai ppl have up most respect for elder person . In the USA you hear all the time how some nurses treat them like trash / object. And the price probably way cheaper too .
Revolutionary care resort! Surrounded by space and nature which benefits the elderly and the compassionate Thai carers!! 👍👍👍👍👍 Hats off to Martin Woodtli for creating this resort 👏👏👏👏👏
It’s when they have to clean their bodily waste is when the abuse starts your parents cared for you but you can’t care back because you prefer your career
I would say where to beware are public hospitals and government care homes but not private care homes. Thai government nurses abused elderly people a lot. There’re few expensive private care homes with full medical services in thailand . I’m thai and I planned to send myself in too. I researched about this and visit few places before . My relatives was in that place too. It’s not as bad as you thought.
Anyone know the name of this place? I’d like to see if they have availability for my mother. She would fit here perfectly.
shoutout to the guy who made the title