Reader question: Getting old and sick in Thailand

There are no guarantees in life.
If you're alone and going to get dementia, you should be wondering if it's not time to get out.

To arrange? Nothing, I think. Just love the people around you. And do for others (Thai) whatever you hope they will do for you when the time comes. In that respect, I have more confidence in Thais than in the Dutch, who are used to shifting care to professional bodies.

Well dear Jo, your question is so general that a single answer is next to impossible. Nevertheless, I'll give it a try.
You wonder what to do in order to never be neglected, abused and/or robbed when you are older and sick (note). You don't ask that question for nothing: either you've experienced it in your own circle, or hearsay, or you're on your own. It doesn't matter, other variants are even conceivable, it has certainly made you think. It is a pity that you do not share this thought process with us, because it would facilitate an answer.

Because what should you arrange in advance? Of course, this has everything to do with what your life situation looks like. Mine is such that I have a younger very loving wife, who I have known for years and years and to whom I have been married for almost 25 years. She is going to take care of me. But what if she dies sooner? Then various members of the in-laws are ready to take over that care for me. I could even join the family of several friends. Because what does the fact mean? My father-in-law died of old age, as did the fathers of others, and because of these events the question always arises as to what should happen to me in the long term. We are that honest and open.

But what if you're on your own? At the beginning of the year I happened to see a German documentary on the WDR about how to spend the 'old age' in Thailand. An elderly woman came to live in Hua Hin after the death of her husband and had a private carer at home. Cost: ThB 15K. She told her to trust this nurse as her own daughter. But what happened? There were kinks in the cable because an increasingly higher monthly wage was requested, and therefore end of story in the long run. The woman in question had come to the realization that no security could be expected even against payment. Life is and remains uncertain, and the older the more vulnerable.

Never (!) become a victim of neglect, abuse or theft: that is what you want. But who doesn't? Intruders, crooks, thieves? That doesn't even work in the Netherlands. From neighbors, acquaintances, (in-law) family, your own partner? That situation can never be completely ruled out, especially if decisions are made without wisdom and understanding. As you say: you have to rely on other people. I think it starts there. Make sure you surround yourself with nice loving people, and make sure you become settled and embedded. That takes a few years, can only be achieved through respect and trust, and can never be bought with money, but with personal investment on your part. Well, another answer has been formulated. Use it to your advantage!