Speaking of outsourcing yesterday on self-publisher helps, here's an entirely different kind of outsourcing: elder care in India. (Thanks to Yule for bringing this up at small change)
The Chicago Tribune ran an article last week on this topic. They interviewed a family that has moved to India. Both of their parents require intensive around-the-clock care, and the family is not able to afford a $6,600-per- month nursing home in the states. In addition, the son is familiar with India because he works there sometimes. The parents say they are liking it so far. In rare cases such as this, I can see why moving to India suits them.
But I have a couple of issues that I'd like to discuss.
Social and emotional well-being
Although they can get pampered like kings and queens for just $2000 a month, what social life are they going to have in a foreign place without any friends? What will they do outside of the house? The well-being of an individual is not limited to physical care and pleasure. The social and emotional aspects are an integral part of health too. And it's not easy to adapt to a new culture. Just take a look at immigrants around you. There are Chinatowns, Little Italys, and Greek Towns in almost every metropolitan area. You can't just expect people to root themselves entirely and start a new life in a foreign place.
Health care
And what about health care? Sure, drugs are cheap in India. But India's health care system isn't exactly great. At a period in life when one would rely on health care the most, I think this shouldn't be gambled on. What if you have a heart attack? A stroke? In many situations, every extra second away from expert care could cause you your life. I think the quality of health care at your retirement location should be near top of the consideration list when moving.
Desperate times call for desperate measures
My reason for discussing this isn't to judge or criticize. I am simply shocked by the current state of elder care in the United States that can encourage people to resort to such dramatic measures. I hope the United States government does something about it soon, because we could very well be witnessing the sprouting of Little Americas in developing countries.
Sun, 2008-02-03 18:49
How about building quality and affordable nursing homes for eleders along USA-Mexico borders? We elders can brain storm and come up with financing sources and project plans. We will need help from USA And Mexico governments. The plan will be Win-Win for all.
Let us talk more..
Sun, 2008-02-03 18:44
The exorbitant cost of nursing homes medical and elderly care made me to think about starting a business of elder care on Mexican-USA borders, so seniors can benefit from quality care at affordable cost while enjoying proximity to USA. We seniors can brain storm and come up with financing and plans to build such affordable quality care places for us. Let us talk.
Fri, 2007-08-03 14:32
I guess I could have been more specific in the article. I think India have some of the brightest minds in the world and many work they do are world-class. Their health care system may be good for the rich, but with average life expectancy in the 60's, my intuition is that there aren't a lot of specialists on gerontology in India. Actually, I think very few countries are doing it right, or close to. I say this because this is somewhat my field of research. That's why I'm especially meticulous in this matter. I also stand by my statement in the article. Say if I'm a 90 year old and I had to choose between a hospital in North America or India now, I'll definitely pick the former without hesitation. Although this might change in the future, but that's another story.
I hope I didn't give the impression that I think India is a bad place to be, because it is not. I just think it's not good as the place for retirement for the average North Amercian.
Sun, 2008-01-06 10:03
I am an Indian and I think in India one can get better medical care than in the west. Especially someone to take care of the aged. I know that for someone from the west it would be difficult to get used to being attended upon by people of a different race and culture but there are nurses who can speak english well. If there are places exclusively for people from different countries and regions then there will be others from their own race and community with whom they could mix and socialize. For the aged the most important thing is to be able to feel loved and wanted. There are so many poor people in India who will benefit if caring for the aged is outsourced. The idea is a good one.
alakeshwar
Fri, 2007-08-03 15:54
Right. I would not recommend India for the average North American retiree.
Fri, 2007-08-03 12:03
Having been to India fairly recently, I am not eager to move there. However, to be fair, I think that health care there, at least for those who can pay for it, is quite good. Of course it's much different for the poor.
As for family ties and adjusting to new cultures, I agree that most could not or would not want to do it, but a lot of my fellow world travelers, if they remain mentally alert, would welcome the chance for a change of scenery. I hope some seniors who have retired to other countries will chime in here.
Your basic point the we need cheaper accommodations here in the U.S. is a good one. I'm one of the more fortunate, but I hope thinking about this matter encourages everyone to save, save, save and not depend on the government to take care of them in old age.
My mother never earned much, but she was such a diligent saver that her savings lasted beyond her death, despite several years in a nursing home as a paying patient--and she was almost 96 when she died this year. Follow her example if you can!
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