Does Dumaguete have any nursing homes?

When I was in Tampa FL on a project I was introduced to a Filipina who is married to a Jewish businessman and they have three nursing homes around the Tampa/Orlando area. If I remembered it right (2001) she said that nursing home care in the US is really not free to their residents, unless the resident in totally penniless. They use up the value of whatever property the resident has. After that is all used up then they apply for public aid and this is when the gov't takes over payment. If the resident is receiving pension the resident pretty much sign over that pension to the home to be used for their care and thoese residents that can still move around pretty well and can join-in in group outings, grocery shopping, etc received a month stipend(pocket money) subtracted from the pensioners money that the home is now managing for them. Of course most of the time the amount received is not enough so that's when the gov't aid kicks in.

So based on this model a nursing home in the Phil is doable. Since the cost is less, gov't money may not be needed and whatever Medicare or retirement money the resident is receiving might suffice.

So shall we go in the Nursing Home Business in the Phil?

 

My wife and I have been contemplating starting an assisted living/nursing home facility in the Duma area. This is the begining of a feasibility study.

Any and all thoughts and comments would be appreciated concerning the location, amenties, and pricing of such an endeavor.

Our first thoughts were to construct a facility in the Valencia area to be in a milder climate but at the same time have tropical.

muddyfeet

 

Save your money!

It will not fly culturally. Filipinos are notable for the strength of family bonds. They still care about and care for their aging relatives. That could change in the future but at present Filipinos lovingly care for their own.

Were you thinking of constructing a retirement facility for aging longnoses? There could be a market for that in Dumaguete. Even Rhoody might apply in a few years' time! Two per cent beer and low-dose Viagra for those aging sex tourists who are no longer able to party hearty. Perhaps a location close to their previously favoured haunts along Rizal Boulevard or a short stroller promenade away from MacDonalds would be in order?

The mind boggles!

 

I agree with Davfitz, there is a market for foreigners but not much of one for elder-care for Filipinos. But, you would probably need to target those who already live here then get too old for living at home or require additional medical facilities.

Valencia is great, but the distance to the hospitals may be an issue...

 

As one who in years anyway would qualify as a potential client I would like to say that I thought that the Philippines had already imported the worst of American culture. I'll wait till after I die to go to hell.
Kenny

 

Can't see a nursing home or assisted living facility working on Negros if it depended on long-noses flying in to live there. Could be wrong though. I think a resort style facility with condos aimed at over-55's might work. You see some older people living six-months in the Philippines and six months at home etc and staying long-term in resorts. I think a home-like environment with decent size serviced (ie cleaned and maintained) condos and meals supplied at a central dining room may fly. Most would be paying $50 a day, maybe more, to stay at resorts and eat. If transport to town was offered, and the facility had things for them to do...snorkel...games...pool...gardening opportunities...interaction with local events...etc...Might have some decent cashflow with clever marketing....

My wife has a degree in aged care management from a university here in Perth. She's run an assisted living centre for the Catholic Church here. It's a tremendous amount of work. So much I pulled the plug on it before it killed her and she went into nursing. Better hours and money. Problem with an over-55's facility - eventually most will have serious health issues and then need to move on. In the Philippines - to where?

 

Thanks for the comments. The facility would be for longnoses, of course if any filipinos would want it or could afford it they would also be welcome.

We would include the activities and ameneties you described, we are not interested in building a warehouse for people waiting to die but rather to enjoy the remainder of their lives or just a few months at a time. We were thinking more of an assisted living resort than a nursing home per se. I have visited relatives in those places and they are not a good place for one to live out their last days.

Keep the suggestions coming. As for Rhoody, the care givers might have to wear armor on their butts to keep him from pinching them. :D

 

Maybe you can pick up some ideas here:
Restaurants-Mabinay-Dumaguete-Bacolod

 

Excellent points Garbonzo, thanks for the comments. No doubt it will be a lot of work as you stated about your wife's work. We would cater mostly to those with active lifestyles rather than those that are bedridden. One of the biggest hurdles would be the visa requirements of the Philippine government.

 

Perhaps you could get them in on the PRA SRRV and use their $10,000 deposit as a bond (ie derive the small amount of income from it). Might work. Alternatively, ask the Japanese retirement facilities on Luzon how they do it....