Retirement Village in Chiang Mai

[sfokevin]

Saw this advertisement in the golf course parking lot today... It seem to try to be some kind of assisted living place with elderly friendly design and “nurse on call”?...

 

http://www.wellnessresidencechiangmai.com

 

 

[xylophone]

2 hours ago, sfokevin said:

Saw this advertisement in the golf course parking lot today... It seem to try to be some kind of assisted living place with elderly friendly design and “nurse on call”?...

 

http://www.wellnessresidencechiangmai.com

 

 

 

Just looked on their website and the room rates are very reasonable...…….thanks for posting this.

 

Luckily I don't need this type of facility at the moment, but good to gather info for the future. ????

[marcusarelus]

On 9/26/2018 at 7:33 AM, NancyL said:

 

I suggest you come to the seminar on October 6, "Lessons Learned at the End of Life" and ask questions about this.  None of the extended care facilities in Chiang Mai are very careful to call themselves "Hospices" and you should make very specific plans for pain management before need in Thailand.

I would come except I live in the South of Thailand.  What legal plans can you make for pain management? 

[NancyL]

Went by Wellness Residence Chiang Mai today to have a tour.  Very well done for new construction Serviced Apartments with seniors in mind, but definitely not an assisted living center.

 

The units are very beautiful and well thought-out.  The bathrooms are extremely well-done and clever.  Most don't have grab-bars at this time, but their sales and marketing person, K. Noon (089-738-9988) showed photos of how they can be installed, as was done recently for a unit rented to a gentleman in his 80s. 

 

The kitchens in the one-bedroom and two-bedroom units and kitchenettes and in the studios are also very nice, with full-size refrigerators, more than adequate storage, nice cooking hobs, extractor hoods, but sadly, the microwaves are w-a-y below counter height meaning someone has to bend over to put food in-and-out of the microwave.

 

The bedrooms are very comfortable, with large closets and good storage, smart TVs in both bedroom and living area in the larger units.  All units have balconies  with the larger units having more than one. 

 

There is no restaurant on-site, but you can go out the back door and you're practically in the backlot of the PowerBuy behind Central Airport Plaza, giving you an easy and safe walk to that mall.

 

They are currently building an outdoor pool that looks like it will be large.  I forgot to ask about an exercise facility, but couldn't see any space in their current building for one.

 

There are pull cords to summon help in the bathrooms and bedrooms, but the website is misleading to say they have "24-hour nurse call system".  When a resident pulls the cord, someone from the 24-hr front desk investigates and then calls an ambulance from Klaimor Hospital or another hospital if the residence has said that is their preferred hospital.

 

The front-desk staff HAS NOT been trained in basic tasks like how to get an elderly person off the floor if they slip-and-fall in the bathroom, how to help someone having a seizure, stroke or heart attack, how to administer CPR, etc.  The facility is owned by a doctor at Klaimor Hospital and K. Noon said she'd discuss this with the owner as an idea for improvement for the facility.

 

The price is very reasonable for what you get, but don't think you're getting a cheap assisted living center.  What you're getting is a very comfortable Serviced Apartment that's designed with older people in mind, where there are no stupid little steps, easy access, good location close to a mall, good parking and the ability to summon help from the front desk easily.

[NancyL]

6 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I would come except I live in the South of Thailand.  What legal plans can you make for pain management? 

 

You can make your wishes known in writing via an Advance Health Care Directive aka as a Living Will.  

 

Also, it's important to have an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician -- someone who knows you, your medical history and your desires.  Someone you see at least once a year.  In Thailand, it's difficult to find a "family doctor", but often an internal medicine specialist or a cardiologist can take on this role, especially for an older person who needs to manage blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol meds.

[grin]

10 hours ago, NancyL said:

Went by Wellness Residence Chiang Mai today to have a tour.  Very well done for new construction Serviced Apartments with seniors in mind, but definitely not an assisted living center.

 

The units are very beautiful and well thought-out.  The bathrooms are extremely well-done and clever.  Most don't have grab-bars at this time, but their sales and marketing person, K. Noon (089-738-9988) showed photos of how they can be installed, as was done recently for a unit rented to a gentleman in his 80s. 

 

The kitchens in the one-bedroom and two-bedroom units and kitchenettes and in the studios are also very nice, with full-size refrigerators, more than adequate storage, nice cooking hobs, extractor hoods, but sadly, the microwaves are w-a-y below counter height meaning someone has to bend over to put food in-and-out of the microwave.

 

The bedrooms are very comfortable, with large closets and good storage, smart TVs in both bedroom and living area in the larger units.  All units have balconies  with the larger units having more than one. 

 

There is no restaurant on-site, but you can go out the back door and you're practically in the backlot of the PowerBuy behind Central Airport Plaza, giving you an easy and safe walk to that mall.

 

They are currently building an outdoor pool that looks like it will be large.  I forgot to ask about an exercise facility, but couldn't see any space in their current building for one.

 

There are pull cords to summon help in the bathrooms and bedrooms, but the website is misleading to say they have "24-hour nurse call system".  When a resident pulls the cord, someone from the 24-hr front desk investigates and then calls an ambulance from Klaimor Hospital or another hospital if the residence has said that is their preferred hospital.

 

The front-desk staff HAS NOT been trained in basic tasks like how to get an elderly person off the floor if they slip-and-fall in the bathroom, how to help someone having a seizure, stroke or heart attack, how to administer CPR, etc.  The facility is owned by a doctor at Klaimor Hospital and K. Noon said she'd discuss this with the owner as an idea for improvement for the facility.

 

The price is very reasonable for what you get, but don't think you're getting a cheap assisted living center.  What you're getting is a very comfortable Serviced Apartment that's designed with older people in mind, where there are no stupid little steps, easy access, good location close to a mall, good parking and the ability to summon help from the front desk easily.

A plus is the proximity to both Klaimor the Geriatric hospitals.

[lexilis]

Thanks NancyL. As usual your posts were very knowledgeable and informative.

[Deerculler]

Nancy, Thank you from from me too.

[NancyL]

 I wish a doctor at CM Ram would have the wisdom and cash to build something similar to the Wellness Residence in the Huay Kaew/ Santitham/Nimman part of town.  That part of town already has a large indigenous population of elderly expats living on their own who would really benefit from having a good "transition" type of residence -- something between living on their own in a studio vs. going out-of-town into one of the rather isolated assisted living centers away from restaurants, malls, cinemas, etc.

[Hans84]

"there is a Retirement Village in/near Chiang Mai which provides a 48 sq m apartment for retirees, plus round the clock care and 3 meals a day, all for 40,000 baht a month."

What is the name of this place?

[NancyL]

2 hours ago, Hans84 said:

"there is a Retirement Village in/near Chiang Mai which provides a 48 sq m apartment for retirees, plus round the clock care and 3 meals a day, all for 40,000 baht a month."

What is the name of this place?

Dok Kaew Assisted Living, part of McKean Rehabilitation Center

[Kelsall]

The one in Mae Rim, mentioned earlier, is probably Care Resort Chiang Mai.  Anyone know about this place?

 

http://www.careresortchiangmai.com/index.php?viewID=2&fbclid=IwAR236N5Z2SuvLRatOm1-Nvw8WOcPoJoHvzD-BTzQZxWv8ifQA0A9lfSGo2I

[CMNightRider]

I wonder if Thai Immigration will force these people to deposit 800,000 baht into a Thai Bank or just deport them if they don't comply with this requirement?  

 

Personally, I don't think Thai Immigration ever gives much thought to their many requirements they direct towards foreign retirees residing in Thailand.  

 

I remember being at Thai Immigration when they were at Promanda.  Some young Thai woman brought an older western female retiree in a wheelchair for what appeared to be her yearly one year visa extension.  

 

This elderly woman didn't even know where she was or why she was there.  This showed me how heartless these immigration officers can be.  If you are a western and happen to get dementia, these people will take full advantage of you. ???? 

[sfokevin]

CMNightRider brings up a good point that NancyL or Sheryl could answer... What do these retirement facilities do if someone in their care visa/extension lapses? I assume a family or friend is responsible - but there are situations where they may not have anyone...

 

[NancyL]

The residents of the care facilities have to comply with the Immigration regulations and the facilities do not want to accept anyone on overstay as a resident. 

 

The easiest way for the residents to comply is to have 800,000 baht in a local bank account and just leave there untouched.  The new regulation about income, 65,000 baht/month coming into a Thai bank in the persons name is creating some problem because in some cases the residents are incapable of managing a bank account and family members in the home country had been sending money directly to the care facility.  At this time, it's still unresolved about whether this will be acceptable to immigration.

 

In the past it had been possible for a care facility to obtain a medical visa extension for frail, elderly residents, but Immigration has been examining these with increasing rigor and someone has to be within weeks of death and impossible to move for them to be granted now.  Immigration says that medical extensions are granted when someone is unfit to travel and, of course, it's very possible for someone who is frail or has dementia to travel with an escort.  The fact that someone is old, has no place to go and doesn't want to leave Thailand isn't an appropriate reason to grant a medical extension any more.

[NancyL]

Incidentally, Immigration has been catching up with frail, elderly people on overstay in Chiang Mai, hauling them before a judge where they are ordered to be deported.  It doesn't matter how long they've been here or that they have committed no other crime.  The one humane thing they'll do with work with the Embassy/Consulate for them to remain in a local hospital until a flight directly out of Chiang Mai is arranged, rather than hauling them now to Bangkok for lock-up in IDC.  

[Mavideol]

On 9/24/2018 at 6:49 PM, pgrahmm said:

Personally, I've never lived in anything even remotely that small.....

Plus, the thought of living like that surrounded by people in various/advanced stages of decrepit-zation - to me - is horrific ...... Seems to lead to a quicker exit (as rightfully expected given the pervading/surrounding mind set)

I'm sure that some would be happily resigned to this but not me....

Part of the reason I resettled from the states, (where the kids see it as the logical next step, as they are so busy with their lives)....

Me - clawing, kicking, screaming all the way....

Just my own opinion.....

wait a couple more years, (wish nothing bad happen to you)  and your opinion may change

[bkk6060]

57 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

wait a couple more years, (wish nothing bad happen to you)  and your opinion may change

Are the female staff at these facilities young and cute?

Anyway, the decision to enter these places I would guess are mostly family convincing them to enter. That is my experience anyway as most western families do not want to take care of their older parents so they put/convince them to go.

As opposed to most Asian and Hispanics eho take care of older family members.

My point is it is mainly "your opinion" to enter but mostly outside forces.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

6 hours ago, NancyL said:

Incidentally, Immigration has been catching up with frail, elderly people on overstay in Chiang Mai, hauling them before a judge where they are ordered to be deported.  It doesn't matter how long they've been here or that they have committed no other crime.  The one humane thing they'll do with work with the Embassy/Consulate for them to remain in a local hospital until a flight directly out of Chiang Mai is arranged, rather than hauling them now to Bangkok for lock-up in IDC.  

 

Well that's very "sporting" of Immigration, downright neighborly... Must be the "new" Immigration that Big Joke keeps boasting about that will make it "easy" for law abiding expats to live and stay here.... 

[Dante99]

18 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Well that's very "sporting" of Immigration, downright neighborly... Must be the "new" Immigration that Big Joke keeps boasting about that will make it "easy" for law abiding expats to live and stay here.... 

Perhaps if you knew the realaties of being locked up in the IDC you would have a greater appreciation of the priviledge of avoiding it.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

7 minutes ago, Dante99 said:

Perhaps if you knew the realaties of being locked up in the IDC you would have a greater appreciation of the priviledge of avoiding it.

 

I do know of  IDC... I also know what it means to be uprooting physically and mentally frail elderly people and sending them alone on flights thousands of miles away to.... who knows what....

 

[boonrawdcnx]

There is a new “retirement place “ going up in Doi Saket - beautiful place - stunning views.

 

Not assisted - More like a community based place with lovely facilities for the residents to use.

Where you can be alone if you want to or enjoy company if you like.

Bungalows are 54 sm with kitchen, living room, bedroom with en suit bathroom, guest toilette and an office. Smart homes with WiFi / voice, motion sensor controlled amenities like air-con, lights, curtains, nightlights, mood lights, sensors for gas, alarms, smart phone emergency messaging, tv, music, fingerprint door locks e.g.

 

Brand new it looks like it will be finished by the end of the year, it will feature on-site restaurant, bar, bbq and outside sitting / party area, pool.

Reasonably priced Limousine service into the city if needed for those who do not drive. Actually not far from Vivo Bene - just down the road.

Good alternative to city living.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

 

[chiangmaibruce]

This is a topic that I am interested in keeping up with as we plan to move back to Chiang Mai when I can sell our house in Australia (please let it be soon … if anyone reading this knows someone looking for a nice place there pls msg me).

 

I visited a relatively new place out towards Mae Rim on a recent visit. On the one hand it was good to see someone trying to provide a contemporary western style aged care facility in Thailand. On the other hand it was obvious that they had gotten their inspiration from reading articles in flashy magazines/seeing videos about western aged care places, but had little understanding of the next level down … what it takes with respect to design to actually make a place at least workable (if not pleasant) for both staff and elderly residents. I mean even just little things like being able to manoeuvre a motorised wheel chair into and out of a room, or making it feasible for old folks to walk out of their rooms down onto adjacent lawn areas.

 

Still, just seeing a place like this launched onto the market marks a big step in the right direction.

[Kelsall]

I have a feeling the boom is just starting and like the coffee shop boom and gym boom, there will be many of these places to choose from.  The costs I have seen make them much more attractive than the US.

[holy cow cm]

On 2/2/2019 at 11:55 AM, NancyL said:

Incidentally, Immigration has been catching up with frail, elderly people on overstay in Chiang Mai, hauling them before a judge where they are ordered to be deported.  It doesn't matter how long they've been here or that they have committed no other crime.  The one humane thing they'll do with work with the Embassy/Consulate for them to remain in a local hospital until a flight directly out of Chiang Mai is arranged, rather than hauling them now to Bangkok for lock-up in IDC.  

Seems that Joke is acting like heartless ICE in the USA. Basically his techniques were learned in the USA and now he probably just takes from US news and is honing the coldness more. But not like in the USA who have millions of illegal immigrants, Thailand has very few, so not even close to an epidemic. And now biting into the retirees funding making it unreachable for a good percent to stay out your old years. What a heart jerker. What happens to all their material belongings they collected over the years? Auctioned or free for all? 

But don’t get me wrong, overstay is a no no now. Avoid it like the plague as we all signed those papers during renewals.

[Hans84]

I am researching the same thing now for my aunt.

 

Here's what I've come up with so far.

 

Vivo Bene - Starting from 47,500 without food (or 68,500 with food) - prices go up rapidly as care is needed to ~$5000+ per month.

Care Resort Chiang Mai - Starting from 49,000 THB with food.

Meesuk Residences (http://www.villameesukresidences.com?) - Starting from 32,000 THB with food.

Dok Kaew Gardens - Unknown.

 

 

Edited February 4, 2019 by Hans84

[Sophon]

7 minutes ago, Hans84 said:

I am researching the same thing now for my aunt.

 

Here's what I've come up with so far.

 

Vivo Bene - Starting from 47,500 without food (or 68,500 with food) - prices go up rapidly as care is needed to ~$5000+ per month.

Care Resort Chiang Mai - Starting from 49,000 THB with food.

Meesuk Residences (http://www.villameesukresidences.com?) - Starting from 32,000 THB with food.

Dok Kaew Gardens (website broken and can't find contacts, not sure if it still exists) - Unknown.

 

 

You are using an old link for Dok Kaew Gardens, try this one instead.

 

Sophon

[Lizard2010]

12 minutes ago, Sophon said:

You are using an old link for Dok Kaew Gardens, try this one instead.

 

Sophon

I gave him the phone no is his other post

I think he had a few posts asking the same question

You can lead a horse to water but not make it drink it

 

 

[Rimmer]

Off topic removed

[bkk6060]

On ‎2‎/‎3‎/‎2019 at 1:12 PM, Kelsall said:

I have a feeling the boom is just starting and like the coffee shop boom and gym boom, there will be many of these places to choose from.  The costs I have seen make them much more attractive than the US.

Yes for sure.

I was paying $4,000 US a month for just a decent place in the US in California for my mother a few years ago.  All Filipino staff who did a great job.

But now same is probably $5,000 a month so much better prices here.