Making the decision to leave behind your hometown and starting a new life in Mexico can be fraught with uncertainty - especially if you require assisted care. Nevertheless, the warm climate, stellar service, and reasonable cost have attracted customers from around the world to spend their golden years in Mexico.

You might be wondering to yourself: how do I find assisted living in Mexico? Where can I find assisted living in Mexico? That's why WeExpats has put together a comprehensive guide to help you find assisted living in Mexico.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER ASSISTED LIVING IN MEXICO:

Assisted Living in Mexico is certainly a growing option for Baby Boomers who would like a higher quality of life than they would be able to find in their home countries. Many American and Canadian expats have decided to embrace the rich culture that Mexico has to offer - so much so, that the market for foreign retirees to embrace assisted living in Mexico has also been growing.

Typically the quality of care in Mexico is the same as that in the United States. However, the side of your assisted living home in Mexico can be a factor as well. Communities in the United States are generally over twice as large as those in Mexico. On average, those communities in the US have 45 residents, whereas residents at assisted living homes in Mexico have between 15 – 20 residents.

FACTORS TO HELP YOU PICK ASSISTED LIVING IN MEXICO:

Location
The location of your stay is a huge factor in making your decision for where to find assisted living in Mexico. You should consider your particular taste in climate and geography (whether you like mountains, beaches, or idyllic villages), and then factor those into your particular budget. Facilities near the ocean or in very hot climates often cost more than other locations because of air conditioning. We have decided to list off several locations that are popular, and divide the locations into two general categories: Expat Communities and the Mexican Border States.

Expat Communities: Ajijic, San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Merida, and Mazatlan are very popular locations. Expat communities can benefit your assisted living in Mexico because often volunteers come from these communities so they will speak English and help make the transition smoother.

Border States: Tijuana, Rosarito, Chihuahua, Monterrey, and Cuidad Juarez are examples of border state assisted living communities in Mexico. These communities are convenient alternatives for seniors who have family members on the other side of the border. If you have family in San Diego or El Paso for example, then these can be very convenient for seeing your loved ones while still paying a percentage of what you would pay in the US.

Cost
The cost of assisted living in Mexico is substantially cheaper in Mexico. On average, assisted living in Mexico is 50% – 70% less than in the United States. Ranging from $600 – $3500 USD a month, your dollar will stretch farther in Mexican pesos than in the United States. The national average in the United States is $3,500 USD, however, if it is in a densely populated area, that figure can even skyrocket to $5,000 or $6,000 USD a month.

MEDICARE, AND MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ASSISTED LIVING IN MEXICO:

Pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors are not authorized to accept Medicare for expats from the United States. If you are along the border, this can be less of an obstacle because seeing a doctor or receiving prescription medication is right on the other side of the border.

However, if you are deeper in Mexico, this can present an issue. Though many assisted living facilities in Mexico have an onsite doctor whose visits are included in the price tag, this doctor is generally sufficient for simple illnesses and basic prescriptions. If you suffer from more complex ailments, or if you have an emergency, then you should consider purchasing health insurance to cover medical costs should anything arise for yourself or your loved one in assisted living in Mexico.

No two places are alike. Assisted living in Mexico is not regulated as strictly as they are in the United States. Socially, environmentally, financially, and in other ways, these assisted living homes in Mexico will differ greatly. Be sure to visit them in person before you make your decision, but whichever you choose, you'll find the prices very reasonable, and the quality of care on par with any location in the US.