Comparing International Care Models: Cost, Care, and Quality of Life

Senior resident enjoying an elephant sanctuary excursion during her stay at Vivobene Chiang Mai

What families need to know before making a decision

Choosing the right nursing home or long-term care facility for a loved one is one of the most important decisions families face. While care options in Europe, Western countries, and Asia may appear similar at first glance, significant differences often exist in quality of care, cost structures, and everyday living experience.

This comparison is based on typical private-pay long-term nursing home care in a single room, including accommodation, meals, and ongoing care services.

To ensure a fair and transparent comparison, the figures presented reflect typical private-pay market conditions in each country. Public subsidies, insurance benefits, and income-based support programmes have not been included.

What Defines Quality in a Nursing Home

Cost is only one factor. The key differences lie in:

the level of personalised attention and caregiver availability
the quality of nursing care and support services
the flexibility to adapt care as needs change
the living environment and daily quality of life

These factors have a direct impact on quality of life and overall wellbeing in long-term care.

A Key Difference Between International Care Models

This comparison highlights a key difference between international care models.

Vivobene Thailand offers approximately 40–65% lower overall costs than comparable care options in Western countries, while providing significantly higher caregiver availability and a more personalised level of care.

This enables more consistent and individualised support — not only in clinical care, but throughout everyday life.

International Care Model Comparison

Private-Pay Residential Nursing Care (Single Room · Accommodation & Meals)

Share on


Criteria	Switzerland	USA (North America)	Australia	England	Thailand
24/7 Care	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Typical Caregiver-to-Resident Ratio	1:6 – 1:10	1:6 – 1:10	1:7 – 1:10	1:6 – 1:9	1:1 – 1:2
Basic Nursing Care	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Specialized Dementia Programs	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Therapy Services	Usually additional cost	Often additional cost	Often additional cost	Partially additional cost	Included
Body-Oriented Treatments (e.g. Massage)	Usually additional cost	Rarely included	Rarely included	Rarely included	Included
Accommodation & Meals	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Flexible Care Level Adjustment	Limited	Limited	Limited	Limited	Flexible & transparent
Cost Transparency	Complex billing	Add-ons common	Subsidy-based	Means-tested	Clear bundled structure
Night Surcharge	Often applies	Often applies	Often applies	Often applies	No night surcharge
Typical Monthly Private-Pay Residential Care Costs (USD)	11,000 – 15,000	9,000 – 14,000	7,000 – 10,000	7,500 – 11,000	3,300 – 5,200
Approx. Annual Costs (USD)	132,000 – 180,000	108,000 – 168,000	84,000 – 120,000	90,000 – 132,000	40,000 – 62,000
Relative Cost Position (USA = 100%)	110–120%	100%	70–80%	75–85%	35–45%

* Compared with the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Australia, Vivobene Thailand offers significantly lower overall costs while providing a higher level of personalised care.

Why Vivobene in Thailand

Vivobene in Chiang Mai, Thailand, combines Swiss-inspired quality standards in nursing care with professional medical support and a highly personalised care approach.

Residents benefit from continuous professional care. High caregiver availability allows for more personal attention and support throughout the day. This is complemented by integrated massage and therapy services, daily activities, and rapid access to medical consultations and treatments that support physical and emotional wellbeing.

Services are clearly defined and provided through transparent care packages. A welcoming, hotel-style living environment, varied meals with daily changing menus, and a calm, respectful, and service-oriented care culture further contribute to quality of life.

For families, Vivobene provides additional peace of mind through structured communication and regular updates on residents’ health and wellbeing.

Vivobene Chiang Mai surrounded by nature and mountain landscapes

Vivobene resident enjoying a memorable elephant sanctuary visit in Chiang Mai

Active and independent lifestyle at Vivobene assisted living community

Resort-style amenities and outdoor spaces at Vivobene senior living community

What Makes Vivobene Different

Vivobene offers a transparent and predictable approach to long-term care. Care is provided through clearly defined care packages that include accommodation, meals, and professional nursing care — without unexpected additional costs and with transparent, easy-to-understand pricing. As care needs change, support can be adapted flexibly without requiring a move to another facility.

As a fully integrated residential care environment, all essential services are provided in one location. This ensures continuity of care and a structured daily routine.

Additional services are available for international families, including support with international relocations as well as optional medical or nursing escorts during the transfer process.

Caregiver providing personalized support to a resident at Vivobene Nursing Home Chiang Mai

Senior resident enjoying a meal in the welcoming environment of Vivobene Chiang Mai

Private resident room at Vivobene Nursing Home Chiang Mai

“Where Care Meets Quality of Life”

Quality of life is shaped not only by medical care, but also by personal attention, social connections, and a supportive environment. This is exactly what Vivobene’s care concept is designed to provide.

We are here to guide you through the decision.

Share on