BajaNomad - Assisted Living in BCS

Assisted Living in BCS

tcharlessmith - 11-20-2020 at 12:04 PM

Anyone interested in knowing more about Assisted Living in Baja Sur?

Mr. Bills - 11-20-2020 at 01:55 PM

Watching.

RocketJSquirrel - 11-20-2020 at 06:07 PM

...requiring putting a lot of energy into English competency for the Mexican caregivers..

Yes, and no. Teaching occupational language skills can be highly focused and specific. It is not difficult to teach people the language they need to know to carry out the functions of their job. Don't allow such a task to seem too difficult.

A simple example is how easily your can order your meal in a restaurant in a foreign country with a skilled waiter/waitress, but as soon as you move off topic from food, food prep, and the restaurant - conversation goes downhill and stalls. That's because that service person has a LOT of practice with their occupational language, but not much practice off topic.

A friend taught occupational language (in English) to spa therapists for nine years. The therapists worked in the company's spas around the world. Their course of study was very specific and covered all the bases from understanding the terminology for pain, asking about allergies (regarding the lotions a therapist might use) to providing instructions on how to disrobe and use the provided coverings for the session. Highly specific language for a six-star organization with 55 spas around the world, including spas on higher-end cruise ships, and in Oriental, Peninsula and Four Season hotels and resorts.

Anyway... point being, you can with some effort, identify the language one needs to know to complete certain job functions (including safety) and teach that language and its variants. Staff don't need to know much language outside that skill window. It's nice if they do, but not mission critical.

Assisted care is a great need here and will become even more so, I would encourage anyone considering developing a business to not let the lack of language skills in the local population get in the way. Developing those skills is just a regular part of the training you would want/need to provide anyway.

Edited for clarity.

[Edited on 11-21-2020 by RocketJSquirrel]

BajaBlanca - 11-20-2020 at 09:22 PM

Absolutely, I am very interested since my Mom has the beginnings of Alzheimers and may need care eventually.

BajaBlanca - 11-21-2020 at 08:44 AM

I recently saw that there is such a service somewhere in Baja California but I am not sure where? Maybe Rosarito area?

pacificobob - 11-21-2020 at 09:09 AM

there is likely a large demand for this type of service. if US auto makers can setup factories in Mexico, i would think elder care is also possible.

wilderone - 11-21-2020 at 10:26 AM

My mom lives in assisted living. For most tasks, language is not even necessary - though for the social aspect of "living", would be desirable for both concerned. Bathing, cooking, laundry, cleaning, "I need [ ]", dispensing provided medication are not complex skills. Would be appropriate to have a manager or equivalent who is skilled in nursing, so that when the occasion arises, can be identified, assessed and taken care of, possibly with communication with family members.
A skilled nursing facility is different; "memory care" facilities a little different. Hospice very different. Need to establish just what you need. Should be fairly close to a hospital, and establish a patient-doctor relationship with local physician for check-ups, and care when needed. Very much appreciated is a ready smile, a caring attitude, responsiveness to a simple request (I'm out of toilet paper, I spilled my coffee). Having one's own room is preferable to a shared room. Also nutrition is important - a variety and choice of meals is important, since meal time can be the high point of a day (eating together). Entertainment and many available activities during the day is nice, as well as computers to keep in touch with family. I have seen a wide range of barely adequate facilities vs. very nice ones. Would be a shame to offer only barely adequate care and I would not want my mother in one.

tcharlessmith - 11-21-2020 at 11:52 AM

Thank You for your interesting responses

tcharlessmith - 11-21-2020 at 01:56 PM

I'm working on the project, I will definitely be updating you on how is it going

shari - 11-23-2020 at 08:44 AM

I think the topic is of interest especially in Baja where many elders are choosing to live out their days. I believe assisted living facilities are a good idea/business venture and much needed.

I have been entertaining the idea of elder communal living type scenarios which is sort of one step before assisted living.

Many elders want to live in Mexico for the good weather, beauty, fresh air, affordable lifestyle etc. but they dont want to invest alot of money in buying a place just to live out their days. They want their own space but also want to socialize with others, play cards, games, garden, chit chat, eat good food etc. So I am visualizing elder pods or cabins on a large property with a main house where a cook could prepare meals if requested. That way they are involved in a small community, have people to check up on them or help them when needed and have autonomy but are not alone.

Of course it would require alot of planning and being very mindful of who are accepted to live in the oldie village..its just a vision I have had about pre-assisted living ideas. I loved that movie about a home for aging artists, musicians, actors etc and could see something like that for aging baja lovers.

movie

tcharlessmith - 11-23-2020 at 01:04 PM

I like your idea, and it's a little like what I want, independent living but a little help, what movie are you talking about?

RocketJSquirrel - 11-23-2020 at 02:24 PM

I like these ideas. I am concerned for my wife when I get old and die. She's pretty fluent in Spanish, but I know she would prefer to stay here as she passes into that part of her life. So would I. I like the people, the culture, the food. No need to move on after a life time of "moving on".

Where are you located, tcharles? I may have missed that before. If not, you don't have to be too specific, just curious. Would like to encourage you to proceed!

shari - 11-23-2020 at 02:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tcharlessmith

I like your idea, and it's a little like what I want, independent living but a little help, what movie are you talking about?

I googled it and I think it is called Quartet with Maggie Smith directed by Dustin Hoffman.

I thought it was a cool idea to have elder hostels with like minded souls so they would have things in common.

shari - 11-23-2020 at 02:53 PM

I took an entrepreneur's business course when I was in my 20's and one theme discussed was what businesses would be the best to start and anything having to do with seniors was highly recommended..because that would be a growing market.

Why would an elder spend alot of money on a buying a house unless their kids wanted to inherit it? I think a development for aging baja lovers would be cool.

Bob and Susan - 11-23-2020 at 04:38 PM

it wont work...no profit and too expensive for foreigners

i did the math a few yrs ago when i heard some guy near san bruno was looking into it

clients wont come...its hard enough to get tourists to cross the border as it is let alone aging family

you would need someone to plan healthy approved meals
on-site medical
trained staff
nearby hospital
medical supplies
handicapped buildings ( no dirt)

if someone needs assisted living that means they cant live on their own...they need help...that means staffing

wont happen here in our lifetime

look online what assisted living in the USA will give you

these people wont be fishing or walking on the beaches...they are old and handicapped
n
these are gringo dreams that cannot be realized...
my advise DONT invest

BajaBlanca - 11-23-2020 at 05:10 PM

I so disagree, respectfully so. I think it is an amazing idea esp for those of us who already live here!

I would sign up, in a heartbeat.

Should Les die before me, I would consider using our hotel with 6 rooms with en suite bathrooms as a starter. There is the luxury suite upstairs for someone to live on site, perhaps a doctor.

Bob and Susan - 11-23-2020 at 05:24 PM

nope you wont get the people

think...how full is your place now and those are healthy people

it sounds like a great idea but its just another gringo dream

mexican families take care of their own ...they dont institutionalize them

good luck if you go down this path...i'll watch you

Mr. Bills - 11-23-2020 at 05:33 PM

By assisted living, I presume we discussing pay-per-month programs where if a resident doesn't or can't pay they can be asked to leave just like any non-paying tenant vs. a retirement facility for active seniors with an ownership or life estate interest where the residents 'buy in" with a large entrance payment and it is the intent of all parties that residents live out their lives in the facility and transition from independent living to assisted living to the medical unit as their needs evolve.

In California, the latter is called a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and such facilities are highly regulated due to the risk that a facility could be undercapitalized and fail financially, leaving residents destitute after paying their substantial buy-ins. These buy-ins seem to range from a low of $350,000 or so to over $1 million per person depending upon whether one is buying a life estate in a studio, large apartment or free standing home. They are expensive, although the monthly fees aren't quite as frightening as the buy-ins. [BTW, CCRC's also require that you pass a physical to get it. You can't wait until you are sick.]

[Edited on 11-24-2020 by Mr. Bills]

tcharlessmith - 1-18-2021 at 06:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob

there is likely a large demand for this type of service. if US auto makers can setup factories in Mexico, i would think elder care is also possible.

Of course it is possible, it already exists but I am thinking in Baja for people who wants to stay here hen they need help

tcharlessmith - 1-18-2021 at 06:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RocketJSquirrel

I like these ideas. I am concerned for my wife when I get old and die. She's pretty fluent in Spanish, but I know she would prefer to stay here as she passes into that part of her life. So would I. I like the people, the culture, the food. No need to move on after a life time of "moving on".

Where are you located, tcharles? I may have missed that before. If not, you don't have to be too specific, just curious. Would like to encourage you to proceed!

The virus has slowed me down but still in the process, betweeen Mulege y Santa Rosalia

tcharlessmith - 1-18-2021 at 07:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

nope you wont get the people

think...how full is your place now and those are healthy people

it sounds like a great idea but its just another gringo dream

mexican families take care of their own ...they dont institutionalize them

good luck if you go down this path...i'll watch you

HI, retking the subject, hopefully this virus will let me follow up with my plans, I might visit you soon
thanks

Hello

tcharlessmith - 8-19-2021 at 05:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

Absolutely, I am very interested since my Mom has the beginnings of Alzheimers and may need care eventually.

Hello have you find a place for your mom?

RFClark - 8-19-2021 at 05:25 PM

When she is too old to care for herself, my wife has requested a chair and umbrella on the beach plus a bottle of tequila! That should be possible!

Language skills required for this are minimal!

advrider - 8-19-2021 at 07:18 PM

Sheri, didn't you buy the ranch that was near you? Would that property work for such an idea?

RFClark - 8-19-2021 at 11:29 PM

I too think that the idea has merit!

I think the Todos Santos area would be ideal for a variety of reasons. You could draw your cliental from ex-pats already living in Baja. It’s likely that some of the technical slots could be filled by the residents themselves. Todos Santos has a good medical clinic as well as being close to the best hospitals and airports. Importantly there are things to do to occupy the residents.
The proximity to resorts and hospitals which cater to English speakers would help with staffing as well.

Mexico probably has rules covering private healthcare facilities so some sort of 55+ community model or condo association with enhanced medical and mental health services plus a good bar and restaurant might be simpler to establish.

Nothing would prevent the facility from opening the enhanced services, bar and restaurant to the public or listing vacant rooms on AB&B!

Most residents could probably afford $2000 - $3000 per month for basic room and board. Medical Insurance would be a must. The average resident would probably stay around 5 years. Initially you could probably support 40 to 80 residents. The ability to train staff as an additional profit center should not be overlooked either!

Above is a rough first pass. Build it and they will come! People are living longer and doing more with their time!

BajaBlanca - 8-20-2021 at 12:38 AM

My Mom is living with my sister in San Diego and so far, so good.

I still think this is a brilliant idea.

SFandH - 8-20-2021 at 05:19 AM

Assisted living in Mexico.

"Assisted living in Mexico costs approximately $1,000 – $2,000 per month and may include medications, doctor visits, in addition to the housing, food, and assistance with daily living activities."

https://www.elderguru.com/eldercare-assisted-living-mexico/

Here's a facility in Rosarito Beach:

https://casamarseniorliving.com/en/best-place-to-retire-in-m...

Paco Facullo - 8-20-2021 at 06:47 AM

When my time comes, I'm simply moving in with the Grandpa's :biggrin:

JDCanuck - 8-20-2021 at 07:50 AM

Up here we find the Long term care facilities are too expensive and poorly staffed and...I hate to say this...filthy. They are all about profit. Dangerous places to be locked up in during a pandemic. Much cheaper to move in a care aid into your own home and get 24 hr coverage 5 days a week and personal care at far less cost and better care.

Medical has to be dealt with separately.

JDCanuck - 8-20-2021 at 08:02 AM

A friend did this for him and his wife when his wife required personal care...cost was 2/3 plus room and board of the very cheapest assisted living place(tiny room, 2 meals a day, no medical, light dusting of room once per week) Aid walked the dog, cleaned the house and was willing to make meals and primarily helped with baths and personal care.

[Edited on 8-20-2021 by JDCanuck]

[Edited on 8-20-2021 by JDCanuck]

amigobaja - 8-20-2021 at 10:59 AM

Before the Chinese flu my plan was to become a full time cruise ship passenger. If planed right for about 4k a month you could live full time on cruise ships. You ever see how they take care of the old wheelchair bound passengers? They treat them like kings and queens.

RFClark - 8-20-2021 at 04:56 PM

SFandH,

Rosarito Beach is not my idea of retirement place even if it’s free! Paying a little more to get more is worth it especially if it’s you who benefits!

unbob - 8-28-2021 at 04:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck

Up here we find the Long term care facilities are too expensive and poorly staffed and...I hate to say this...filthy. They are all about profit. Dangerous places to be locked up in during a pandemic. Much cheaper to move in a care aid into your own home and get 24 hr coverage 5 days a week and personal care at far less cost and better care.

Medical has to be dealt with separately.

From first-hand experience with my mother I can tell you that when you leave your home you no longer have control of your life. As far as I'm concerned it's a nightmare.

I plan to never let that happen to me. I'll do the best I can as long as I can alone in my home until the bitter end.

wilderone - 8-29-2021 at 07:31 AM

"the best I can as long I can alone in my home"
That's not the issue. It's when you can't manage alone in your home any longer. When you can't stand long enough to cook, drive a car, buy groceries, clean, get in and out of shower, get to a doctor appt., walk up steps. And when you need the help, will you have the money to pay for it? Or are you intending that one of your children will sacrifice their current lifestyle to be your maid, cook, caregiver 24/7? I also speak from first-hand experience. My mom has live entertainment every Friday, several activities per day - games, exercises, crafts. Scheduled outings. Before COVID, a monthly brunch for residents and their guests (guests pay). Special occasions are celebrated with fun events; clean room, cable TV, A/C. There are options - living in misery alone is not one that I would choose.

JDCanuck - 8-29-2021 at 07:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

"the best I can as long I can alone in my home"
That's not the issue. It's when you can't manage alone in your home any longer. When you can't stand long enough to cook, drive a car, buy groceries, clean, get in and out of shower, get to a doctor appt., walk up steps. And when you need the help, will you have the money to pay for it? Or are you intending that one of your children will sacrifice their current lifestyle to be your maid, cook, caregiver 24/7? I also speak from first-hand experience. My mom has live entertainment every Friday, several activities per day - games, exercises, crafts. Scheduled outings. Before COVID, a monthly brunch for residents and their guests (guests pay). Special occasions are celebrated with fun events; clean room, cable TV, A/C. There are options - living in misery alone is not one that I would choose.

My mom also had the advantage of all that, and she truly enjoyed it, right up to the time she passed away, with lots of visits from family. Since then we have had Covid, which put a whole new light on living in a managed home vs your own home with in home care provider.
I think the biggest issue with a managed home is the level of cleanliness, and what happens if there are more isolating due to virus spread periods.

JDCanuck - 8-29-2021 at 08:55 AM

Since our best in home aides tend to be from either the Philippines or Mexico, I would bet the average Baja or mainland home is exceptional in the personal service end. I may be prejudiced here and this is just my opinion.

JDCanuck - 8-29-2021 at 09:59 AM

We are still trying to communicate with the majority of our older in-laws, but the younger ones help us out as they can translate. Unfortunately as the mom was in the hospital when we were there, we only had a very brief meeting in her hospital room. The one thing that breaks through the language barriers is the personal respect. So yeah, I think I can understand what you are saying.
But my daughters' had the opportunity to stay with three separate families, and I think their experiences were what primarily drew us to begin traveling there. The young men made sure they were kept safe and were perfect gentlemen as they toured them around Mexico city, and the hospitality in the homes they stayed in was amazing.

[Edited on 8-29-2021 by JDCanuck]

JDCanuck - 8-29-2021 at 10:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by tcharlessmith

I'm working on the project, I will definitely be updating you on how is it going

If you feel compelled to do this, you should definitely move it forward. There are so few opportunities in life to contribute that we have to take them and run with them when they arise.

mooose29 - 8-29-2021 at 09:48 PM

My family Being in Home health industry and also as a visitor/home owner in Baja all our life I believe an assisted living facility/compound especially one like Sheri and Blanca have thought about could work well in Baja. Of course it would not be easy but definitely possible.

Another very viable option especially for those that don’t need 24 hour care/help would be to hire in home care for your needs. This could be a great option for those that want to stay in their homes. Someone to come in every day to cook, clean, help with medication, etc… this could work, the trick is finding the right people to hire same as it is here in The states.