Considering an Assisted Living Facility in Mexico

In-Depth Guide

If you are even considering the idea of assisted living in Mexico, you will need some help thoroughly evaluated the candidate facilities. What follows is an in-depth guide that begins with an overview and then a detailed checklist followed by a survey of the locations in Mexico mostly likely to have solutions to meet your requirements such as safety, affordability, quality care and good weather.  

Here are the key things to be looking for:

Initial Observations

First Impressions

• Welcoming Atmosphere: Are you greeted warmly upon arrival? Do the staff members appear kind and caring?
• Resident Engagement: Observe if residents look happy and engaged.
• Personal Attention: Notice if staff call residents by name and seem familiar with their individual needs.
• Living Units: Ask about the number of living units and the variety of accommodation options available.

Staff Considerations

Staff-to-Resident Ratio

• Quality of Care: Determine the ratio of staff to residents, ensuring that there are enough personnel to provide individualized attention (this should be much better than in the U.S.).
• Professional Availability: Are there full-time on-site medical professionals, including a General Practitioner, Gerontologist, Psychologist, and Physical Therapist?  
• Medication Administration: Ensure that qualified staff are available to administer medications safely and correctly.

Meals

Dietary Requirements and Dining Experience

• Nutritional Quality: Assess if meals are nutritious and appealing.
• Customized Options: Check if individual dietary needs are accommodated.
• Memory Care Dining Program: If required, inquire about specialized dining programs for residents with cognitive impairments.

Rooms/Suites/Facilities

Comfort and Safety

• Cleanliness and Aesthetics: Ensure that the residence is clean, scent-free, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Accessibility and Safety Features: Look for handrails, call buttons, safety locks, well-lit hallways, marked exits, and logical floor plans.
• Outdoor Spaces: Are there beautiful and inviting outdoor areas for socialization and enjoyment?
• Emergency Preparedness: Check for security, fire safety systems, emergency generators, and alternate power sources.
• Personalization and Privacy: Evaluate room sizes, privacy options, and opportunities for personalization.

Activities/Care

Engagement and Individualized Care

• Activity Programs: Investigate the range of activities offered, including pet therapy, music therapy, and reminiscence therapy.
• Care Plans: Confirm that individualized care plans are maintained and that residents and families are included in their preparation.
• Medical Support and Therapies: Check for on-site medical professionals and specialized therapies such as Snoezelen rooms or light treatment.
• Grouping and Special Care: Ask if residents are grouped by cognitive level and if there are special care units like Alzheimer’s care.

Safety

Emergency Preparedness and Support

• Medical Emergency Protocols: Understand the policies and practices for handling medical emergencies.
• Additional Service Options: Learn about available additional services if a resident’s needs change.

Total Assistance

Family and Caregiver Support

• Communication Tools: Assess the ease of scheduling video calls and receiving regular updates.
• Relocation and Cost Support: Check if there are programs for facilitating relocation or reducing costs, like pharmacy partnerships.

Contract Considerations

Transparency and Clarity

• Detailed Contract: Request a detailed contract that outlines everything from fees, services, meals, and utilities to discharge policies.
• Personal Preferences: Confirm if you can have pets, personal furniture, and the flexibility to come and go at will.
• Legal Restrictions: Be aware of any clauses that may limit your legal rights against the residence.

Selection Process

Selecting a facility for assisted living in Mexico requires a detailed and thoughtful approach. By taking the time to consider the many aspects outlined in this guide, you can find a facility that provides the best fit for your unique needs or those of your loved one. Make use of this comprehensive checklist to ensure that all bases are covered, from the initial greeting to the finer details of the contract. In doing so, you can make an informed decision that leads to a comfortable, safe, and engaging living environment in beautiful Mexico.

When you get to the point that you are settling on one or more choices, you will want to dive into more detail. Photos and videos of the facilities, staff, and the surrounding areas are helpful. A live video tour can be very helpful in getting a better sense of the staff and obtaining a clear picture of the facilities.

Here is a checklist that you can consider using while you are researching various options. This will help you have a consistent and thorough process with results that you can refer back to when comparing your short list of options.

Where to Look for Assisted Living in Mexico

Just as it is in the U.S., Mexico is no exception when it comes to the variability of the level of safety, proximity to services, and quality of health care services, including assisted living and memory care services, and let’s not forget to consider the weather. Here are some broad generalizations to help you get started.

Jalisco

• Guadalajara: Known for quality medical facilities and a growing number of assisted living options. The weather is mild, with warm summers and mild winters.
• Lake Chapala: A popular destination for U.S. and Canadian retirees, with an established expatriate community and assisted living facilities. The climate is temperate and often described as “eternal spring.”

Baja California Sur

• La Paz and Los Cabos: These areas are known for their quality healthcare facilities and have become attractive to retirees seeking assisted living. The weather is desert-like, with hot summers and mild winters.

Yucatán

• Mérida: Known for safety and a high standard of living, Mérida offers modern healthcare facilities. Tropical climate with hot and humid conditions year-round.

Quintana Roo

• Cancun and Playa del Carmen: These areas are popular with expatriates and have private hospitals and assisted living facilities. Tropical weather with a warm climate throughout the year.

Guanajuato

• San Miguel de Allende: A well-established expatriate community known for quality healthcare facilities. The climate is mild, with warm days and cooler nights. San Miguel is highly regarded as one of the top destinations in the world, and even more so for retirees.

Mexico City (CDMX)

• Although not a state, Mexico City offers numerous private hospitals and assisted living facilities that meet international standards. It has a subtropical highland climate, with mild summers and cool winters.

Choosing the best location for assisted living in Mexico requires thorough research and consideration of individual needs. While the states and cities mentioned above have been popular among expatriates, always consult with local experts and visit potential facilities to make an informed decision. Safety and quality of care can vary, so an on-the-ground assessment is crucial for the most accurate and current insights.

Additional Resources

• Cielito Lindo – Is Senior Care in Mexico and Option?
• Cielito Lindo – Health Care Options for Expats in Mexico
• Cielito Lindo – Explosive Growth of Medical Tourism in Mexico
• Cielito Lindo – Do I Need to Learn Spanish for Mexico?
• Wellness Shepherd – Guidelines for Choosing Assisted Living/Nursing Care in Mexico