Older people are increasingly having to use nursing homes in order to remain cared for in old age. This increase is of course causing the costs for nursing homes at home to continue to rise and a lack of space is driving many pensioners abroad. In addition, there are hardly any sufficiently trained staff in domestic nursing homes. Most retirees prefer nursing homes abroad for reasons of cost and availability.

Whether in Spain, in eastern countries such as Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria or even in countries such as Thailand or the Philippines, nursing homes in such countries have become the norm for pensioners because the necessary money is missing and relatives can no longer find time to care for themselves take care. Such nursing homes for pensioners are sometimes half the price, but they also hide dangers that urgent attention should be paid to.

Nursing homes abroad do not automatically mean that nursing staff are less trained or have lower standards, but abroad it is often easier to financially exploit pensioners and ultimately neglect care. One hears of cases where pensioners are forgotten in bed, not paid attention to and sometimes even mistreatment is the order of the day. Of course, we are talking about exceptional cases here, but relatives should make sure to visit abroad and check whether those affected are being treated well in the seniors' residence there.

If the control is right, the good sides cannot be denied. More cost-effective nursing homes and sometimes 40 nursing staff for every 50 pensioners – something like that can hardly be found in Germany anymore. This offers people in need of care a much more extensive program where accompanied walks and assistance with various hobbies are possible.

Nursing homes abroad are an alternative for pensioners, but they should be well lit in advance and constantly checked by relatives.

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