What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand to care for my wife diagnosed with dementia?

Retirement Visa NON-O Visa Dementia Care Thailand Care Facilities Visa Options for Expats Thai Immigration Rules Elderly Care Health Care in Thailand

Nov 11, 2023

a year ago

Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Long story but looking for advice. I married my Thai wife in 1978. I’m retired and we live on my pension plus both of us receive social security benefits. My wife had a stroke 2 years ago. Not much physical damage but she has lost most of her ability to use and understand English. There is some loss of Thai language but after a year of struggling with communication (I speak very little Thai) she flew to Thailand to stay with her niece near Chaiyaphum. It allowed me to continue working as a contractor then I joined her in Thailand for 2 months in June this year. I returned to USA and went back to work with the plan for her to return home in October. When she got home I left work to stay home with her. She has now been diagnosed with dementia. Her agitation is somewhat controlled with medication but it’s getting worse. The doctor has recommended I start looking for a care facility but it would be impossible to find something here where she could communicate with caregivers plus they are really expensive. I’m looking for suggestions for visa for myself that would allow me to stay with her in Thailand as long as possible if I can find a suitable facility there. Thanks for any help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The author, a retired American, is seeking advice on how to stay in Thailand to care for his wife who has been diagnosed with dementia. After her stroke and struggling with communication, she has spent time in Thailand where he plans to join her. He asks for suggestions on a suitable visa that would allow for an extended stay, preferably to find a care facility for her. The community suggests options such as a NON-O retirement visa or a regular retirement visa and recommends care facilities available in Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Several members offer encouraging words and share personal experiences related to dementia care and the quality of life in Thailand.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Regina **********

If and when you decide to bring your wife to Thailand, I can recommend checking out Dok Kaew Gardens an excellent facility specializing in elderly and dementia care in a beautiful setting a bit outside of Chiang Mai. When I was there there was a mix of western and Thai people living in the "dementia wing".

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