Answered3 years ago
What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand to care for my wife diagnosed with dementia?
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.
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.
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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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🕊️
Richard ***********
One great recommendation
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My wife of 47 years was cared for here with dememinta until she passed in 2016.
Gary ****
I can't give you any advice but respect what you are doing and wish you both the best.
VaiAna **********
My friend is a nurse and works with dementia . Families put their loved ones in a care center . Dementia is full time job , she needs to go to a care center . Some of her dementia patients are violent .
Rob ********
Theres a caregiving institution here or home for the agent that take care that kind of case, DM me I will help you to connect with such institution.. the monthly fee before is around
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per month let me check again for you.
Vicki *********
Duncan *******
I'm sorry to hear that. As others have suggested, there are places in Chiang Mai that can provide care - it's a somewhat growing specialty in the north.
Suzi ****
There is a new place in Hua Hin that has rooms for you both to stay and will sort the visa. But I’m sorry I cannot remember the name. Try to Google 🙏
Jason ******
My heart aches for you man….
Ian ********
Get a lawyer to set up a fake company it cost 2k or so
Richard *********
@Ian *******
why?
Jan **********
I wish you the best. I like
@Richard ********
's suggestions.Connie ************
Good luck ❤️🙏🏽❤️
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Beverly **********
@Connie ***********
I watched this video years ago when it first came out...and told both my kids that THIS is what I want for myself. It's do-able on my social security alone, which they would manage. Love that this is an option.Connie ************
It gives hope & a reassurance that all is not lost 🥰 We all deserve dignity, respect, love, kindness & beautiful surroundings ✨❤️✨ Especially when we need it the most 🙏🏽
Yiba *******
Frank **********
Best of luck to you both.
Richard *********
Non O visa an 1 year extension for beng retired, 800,000 in the bank and after the 1st year of 65,000 baht/month incoming wires form ur pension/SS
sorry for this
she will be happier and get better care amongst her family members than ANY health care facility could provide in the states
sorry for this
she will be happier and get better care amongst her family members than ANY health care facility could provide in the states
Martin *****
@Richard ********
. He is married to a thai. 400.000 baht in a thai bank account or 40.000 baht on a monthly income
Steven ********
OP@Richard ********
I get that but the problem is her agitation. With the stroke and now dementia she gats angry. The Quetiapine helps some but I’m afraid she’ll become unmanageable.Richard *********
@Steven *******
thai's / families are very good with old people, seen it so many times here
David *********
Best to you both!
Lone **********
There great care centres here in Chiang Mai. You can get a retirement visa. I suggest you contact
@Amanda *******
her company can help get your visa sorted. I'll send you a link to the care centreSteven ********
OP@Lone *********
Thank you.
Brandon ************
You probably would need to do a retirement visa, because with a marriage visa your wife needs to go with you to immigration and it will be a lot of paperwork and explaining why she can't go with you.
Edna *******
@Brandon ***********
her presence and medical reports would make it obvious. Worth a try.
Jack ****************
@Edna ******
probably a great argument for an agent
Peter *********
Non o retirement visa
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