Mexican Health Care is Quite Good and Very Affordable

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Mexican Healthcare

Most likely, one of your primary concerns when considering a move outside the US will be healthcare – how to get it, how much will it cost, and how good will it be. 

Surprisingly Good

The good news is that you will find that healthcare in Mexico is very good, and in many places, it is even excellent. Many doctors and dentists in Mexico have received at least part of their training in the US (Conversely, many US doctors have trained in Mexico, notably in Guadalajara and Mexico City.) Many of the Mexican doctors continue to go to the US or Europe for ongoing training.

Pandemic Sanctuary

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Pandemic Sanctuary

Long term care facilities (LTCFs) are supposed to be an oasis perfectly suited to our elders with medical and care professionals, facilities, diets, and activities, all tuned to their unique needs and desires. But as we have come to realize most recently, these LTCFs can also represent a significant risk.  

This is because the residents are elderly and infirmed, all of which leads to considerably lower immunity and much less resilience once infected. We have read about such sad cases as the facilities in New York and Washington, where countless residents have needlessly died after a widespread infection within facilities in those states.

Tips for In-Home Caregiving

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Tips for caregiving in the home

The lifetime probability of becoming disabled in at least two activities of daily living or of being cognitively impaired is 68% for people age 65 and older. What this implies is that a very large number of seniors will need some degree of caregiving support. A portion of these people are receiving this care via informal caregivers in the home. In fact, over 70 million informal and family caregivers provide care to someone who is ill, disabled, or aged in the US.

Taking VR to the Next Level for Our Elderly

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VR for our Elderly

Virtual Reality (VR) is not a new concept in elder care facilities. It provides a fun and stimulating activity that promotes socialization and allows seniors to partake in activities that they have not done in years (like downhill skiing).

An Alternate View 

But in this new world of social distancing and sheltering in place, our elders are particularly impacted. Not only are the especially vulnerable to COVID-19, but the side effect of isolating them further affects greater loneliness. And as we now know, isolation can have profound health implications over time.

Signs That It Might Be Time for Senior Care

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Signs that senior care is needed

The decision to move into senior housing is a significant decision for both seniors and their caregivers alike. As the older adult in your life begins to struggle more with the tasks of daily living, it’s natural to start asking the question, is it time for senior housing?

The Toughest Decision One Can Make

One of the most challenging parts of making the decision is bringing it up with your loved one. Understandably, most older adults don’t want to leave their homes, and gently approaching the subject is essential.

Coping as a Caregiver

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Coping as a Caregiver

The question often arises; how can caregivers better endure and work through the barrage of emotional, spiritual and physical challenges they face during an after a loved one’s illness?

For many people, the role of the caregiver becomes all-consuming, so when it finally comes to an end, life can feel as though it’s lost its meaning and purpose. But even before that, it is rarely a good idea to allow yourself to become so consumed with one thing, at the expense of everything else, including your identity, health, and overall well-being.

Discover San Miguel de Allende: A Haven of Safety and Culture

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While headlines often paint Mexico as unsafe, the reality is more nuanced, especially in culturally rich and secure destinations like San Miguel de Allende. This guide dispels common myths, provides safety tips, and showcases tranquil communities like Rancho Los Labradores that blend affordability, safety, and cultural charm. Whether you’re planning a visit or considering relocation, Mexico offers endless opportunities for worry-free exploration and living.

(Note: About Us, a reference bibliography, related books, videos and apps can be found at the end of this article.)

Introduction to Senior Living in Mexico

by ExPat Guide

This guide is designed to illuminate the path for those considering senior living options, ranging from complete independence to the compassionate support of hospice care. It aims to prepare you for the journey of selecting a continuous care retirement community or a specialized care facility for your loved ones, with the unique backdrop of Mexico. Whether you’re researching for yourself, your partner, or as a caregiver, this guide can be viewed through the lens of caregiving, offering a nuanced understanding of the process.

Our goal is to address and alleviate the concerns and misconceptions that may deter you from exploring the exceptional value and superior care available in Mexico. This guide is penned from the personal viewpoint of an author who is not only a caregiver but also has a spouse in memory care, providing a narrative rich in firsthand experience. While striving for objectivity and factual accuracy, it’s important to recognize that some content may reflect the author’s personal journey and insights. This firsthand perspective is invaluable, however, as it brings empathy and understanding to the challenges you may be facing.

The structure of this guide is deliberately straightforward, guiding you through the initial considerations and steps necessary for making informed decisions. If you’re open to exploring a retirement living option that offers warmth, beauty, and loving care, combined with remarkable flexibility and affordability, the forthcoming articles will be of great interest. Join us as we delve into the advantages of senior living in Mexico, a choice that promises not just a change of scenery, but a transformative experience in care and community.

Table of Contents

By the way: The term ‘expatriate’ is meant to identify one that is living away from their homeland, as opposed to ‘ex-patriot’ which more commonly identifies an individual that has distanced him or herself emotionally as well as physically.

Continuum of Care

by ExPat Guide

Navigating the myriad options for senior living can be daunting, reflecting the wide spectrum of desires and needs as we age. This section aims to demystify these choices, offering clear distinctions to aid in your decision-making process.

Imagine a continuum of senior living options, stretching from the vibrant independence of retirement to the more intensive care required in advanced years or due to degenerative conditions. This continuum encompasses various lifestyles and levels of care, each tailored to different stages of life and health.

Senior Living: The journey into retirement is often envisioned as a period of complete independence and self-sufficiency. Many dream of relocating to a serene retirement haven, exploring the country in an RV, or indulging in extensive international travels. Some may choose to immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of a foreign country, leveraging the economic benefits such a move can offer. Another path might be joining a senior living community designed to provide a full continuum of care, adapting to one’s needs over time. This phase, typically commencing post-55, represents a broad spectrum that includes everything from independent living within a continuous care retirement community (CCRC) to more comprehensive care arrangements.

Independent Living: This option is ideal for those seeking to minimize the daily hassles of chores like cleaning, laundry, and maintenance, often within a community that can offer escalating levels of care as required. It’s about preserving autonomy while eliminating the burdens of day-to-day tasks, ensuring a smooth transition should care needs intensify.

Home Care: Opting for home care allows individuals to stay in familiar surroundings, potentially reducing costs and fostering family involvement. It ranges from informal family-provided care to professional in-home care services, including skilled medical care by healthcare professionals. Services can cover physical therapy, speech-language pathology, medical social work, and more, under physician orders.

Assisted Living: This level of care enhances independent living by offering assistance with personal care and daily activities. It’s suited for those who face physical or cognitive challenges in managing independently, including early stages of dementia or chronic conditions like ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, or rheumatoid arthritis. Assisted living facilities also provide essential support for bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, among other services.

Adult Day Care: As a component of assisted living, adult day care centers offer daytime respite for caregivers, providing meals, activities, transportation, and care assistance, thereby supporting those who require help with daily living activities.

Nursing Home: For individuals with serious medical conditions requiring constant care but not hospitalization, nursing homes offer a solution. These facilities provide 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services, and therapeutic care, bridging the gap between assisted living and hospital care, and often include specialized memory care for residents with dementia.

Memory Care: Dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive impairments, memory care facilities offer specialized support within a secure environment, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by these individuals.

Hospice: Focused on palliative care for the terminally ill, hospice offers a compassionate approach to end-of-life care, emphasizing pain management and emotional support rather than curative treatment. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team, including medical and support staff, with significant family involvement.

Continuous Care Retirement Community (CCRC): CCRCs represent a comprehensive solution, providing a seamless transition from independent living to more intensive care levels within a single community. This model ensures stability and continuity, allowing residents to adapt their living arrangements to their evolving care needs without the need to relocate.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies the senior living landscape, facilitating informed decisions that align with individual preferences and care requirements. It’s about finding the right balance between independence, support, and quality of life at every stage of the aging process.

Download

Download the Expatriate Guide for Senior Living in Mexico – For your convenience, the entire 50-page guide is available for download as a PDF. Additionally, give us a call at  +1.888.406.7990 or email us  at information.cielitolindo@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.

Broaching the Topic

by ExPat Guide

Navigating the complex and emotional journey of addressing age-related decline with a parent is a significant challenge many adult children face. This transition often represents a reversal of long-established familial roles, leading to discomfort for both parties, particularly if the parent is resistant to acknowledging their need for support.

Parents may recognize their diminishing capabilities yet struggle with the notion of dependence, spurred by denial or fear of losing their autonomy. Signs indicating a need for a conversation about assisted living include:

 

  • Repetitive stories and information, which may suggest memory issues.
  • Changes in eating habits, such as an empty or spoiled-food-filled refrigerator, or noticeable weight loss, hinting at difficulties with grocery shopping or cooking.
  • Frequent, unexplained bruises, possibly from falls, indicating mobility or balance problems.
  • Wearing the same clothes repeatedly or neglecting personal hygiene, which could mean laundry and bathing are becoming too challenging.
  • Decline in home and yard upkeep, reflecting potential decreases in physical or cognitive abilities.
  • Forgetting important tasks, like doctor’s appointments or taking medications, pointing to memory loss.
  • Signs of depression, which is common among seniors feeling isolated.
  • Strange or inappropriate behavior, such as dressing unsuitably for the weather, suggesting confusion.

Acknowledging these signs early can guide a proactive approach to discussing the potential benefits of assisted living, emphasizing it’s not about relinquishing independence, but adapting to ensure safety and quality of life.

Preparing for the Conversation:

Understanding the areas where your parent may need assistance is crucial. This encompasses:

  • Medical safety, ensuring medication is taken correctly.
  • Activities of daily living such as cleaning, meal preparation, dressing, and personal hygiene.
  • Home safety, including preventing accidents like leaving the stove on.
  • Driving safety, addressing challenges with traffic, navigation, and the risks posed by other drivers.
  • Financial safety, guarding against scams and managing finances diligently.

Equipping yourself with knowledge about their financial situation, possible care options like adult daycare, and legal preparations such as advance directives is essential. Being transparent about the level of care you can provide is also important, especially if accommodating them in your home isn’t feasible.

Facts Over Emotion:

Approaching the conversation with objective facts rather than subjective feelings can facilitate a more productive dialogue. Offering control and options reassures your parent that their preferences matter. For instance, instead of demanding the car keys, suggest arranging convenient transportation for them, framing it as an opportunity for comfort and ease.

Gentle Initiation:

Start the conversation based on observations without making your parent feel defensive. For example, noting the home’s upkeep or their personal care can open a dialogue about possibly bringing in help. Proposing trials of assistance can introduce the idea gradually, making the transition smoother.

Handling Resistance:

Resistance, particularly around financial concerns or the fear of losing independence, is common. Listening and understanding their perspective while reassuring them of their autonomy within a safer living arrangement is key. Patience and persistence, sometimes requiring multiple conversations, are often necessary.

The Process:

  1. Introduce the idea gently, highlighting the benefits of assisted living for a safer and more comfortable lifestyle.
  2. Research and suggest tours of facilities, respecting their willingness to participate.
  3. Leverage teachable moments, such as a minor fall, to discuss safety and care options.
  4. Be patient, understanding that acceptance may take time and perhaps further incidents.
  5. Encourage social connections within care facilities to ease the transition.
  6. Focus on the positives of assisted living, such as the elimination of daily chores, the availability of social activities, and maintained independence.
  7. Allow time for decision-making, understanding that a significant change in living arrangements may require a triggering event for acceptance.

Objective Third Party:

Involving a neutral third party, like a healthcare provider or a trusted advisor, can sometimes facilitate acceptance. Their objective perspective can validate the necessity of the transition in a way that resonates more effectively than familial advice.

Driving Safety:

Addressing driving concerns sensitively by offering alternatives and, if necessary, involving external evaluations, can preserve dignity while ensuring safety.

This approach, characterized by empathy, patience, and open dialogue, aims to empower your parent to participate actively in decisions about their care, reinforcing the notion that moving to assisted living is not about loss but about adapting to ensure their well-being and quality of life.

Download

Download the Expatriate Guide for Senior Living in Mexico – For your convenience, the entire 50-page guide is available for download as a PDF. Additionally, give us a call at  +1.888.406.7990 or email us  at information.cielitolindo@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.