Exploring home care in Thailand
How care at home is usually arranged, from visiting carers to live-in support, and what to ask any provider.
Home care means support in the person’s own home rather than in a care home. In Thailand it ranges from a carer visiting for a few hours a day to a carer living in. What is possible, and on what terms, depends on the provider and on the person’s needs.
This page is general information. Whether BAAN can introduce a home care provider depends on where you are and the support needed, so we confirm that for each enquiry. Working hours, cover, days off, language, costs and emergency arrangements are set by each provider in its own proposal.
Types of home care
Availability varies by area and provider.
Visiting care
A carer comes for agreed hours to help with washing, dressing, meals, shopping or company.
Live-in care
A carer lives in the home, with agreed working hours, rest periods and days off.
Overnight care
A carer is present overnight, either awake or sleeping and available if needed.
Nursing visits
Nurses or doctors visit for clinical tasks, usually arranged through a clinic, hospital or nursing agency.
How it is usually arranged
- A first conversation about the person’s needs, home and daily routine.
- An assessment by the provider, ideally in person, sometimes with a nurse.
- A written proposal covering the points listed below.
- A trial period, where the provider offers one.
- A review after the first weeks, with the family and the person receiving care.
What a provider’s proposal should state
These differ from provider to provider, so get each one in writing.
Working hours
The hours the carer is on duty, their rest breaks and, for live-in care, when they sleep.
Cover and replacement staff
Who covers days off, holidays and sickness, and whether a replacement is introduced before they start.
Days off and holidays
How many days off the carer has, and how public holidays are handled.
Language
Which languages the carer speaks, and how well.
Tasks and professional limits
What the carer will do, and what they cannot do. Giving medicines and clinical tasks depend on the carer’s qualifications and on what a nurse or doctor has delegated for that person.
Costs
The fee, what it includes, the carer’s food and accommodation for live-in care, transport, overtime, agency fees, deposits and the notice period.
Emergencies
What the carer does in an emergency, who they call, the nearest hospital, and how the family is told.
Supervision
Who oversees the carer, and how often they visit or check in.
Who home care may suit
- People who want to stay in their own home but need help each day
- People recovering from an operation or illness, for a period
- Couples where one partner needs more support than the other
- People who prefer one-to-one support to a care home
Home care is not always the safer choice. For someone who needs nursing through the night, or who is alone for long periods, a care home may meet their needs better. Their doctors and the provider’s assessment should guide that decision.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between home care and live-in care?
Home care usually means a carer visiting for agreed hours. Live-in care means a carer living in the home, with agreed working hours, rest periods and days off. Both are arranged by the provider, and what each includes differs between providers.
How much does home care cost in Thailand?
It depends on the hours, the level of care, the carer’s training, the location and the provider. Ask for a written proposal that sets out the fee, what it includes and what is extra, including the carer’s food and accommodation for live-in care. Our budget planning guide lists the costs to include.
Can a carer give medicines?
It depends on the carer’s qualifications and on what a nurse or doctor has delegated for that person. Clinical tasks need suitably qualified staff. Ask the provider exactly which tasks its carers can and cannot do.
Who covers the carer’s days off?
That should be set out in the provider’s proposal: who covers days off, holidays and sickness, and whether the replacement is introduced first. If a provider cannot answer clearly, treat that as a warning sign.
Do we need to own a home in Thailand?
No. Home care works in rented homes too. For live-in care, check that the home has suitable space for the carer and that the tenancy allows it.
Does BAAN employ carers?
No. BAAN does not employ or supply carers. Carers are employed or arranged by the provider. Whether we can introduce a home care provider depends on where you are and what support is needed, so we confirm that for each enquiry.
Start with a free introductory conversation
Tell us what you are looking for and we will explain what is realistic. Availability depends on location, needs and provider assessment.
Request an introductory call