When My Father’s Care No Longer Met His Needs
When my father, Angelo, was diagnosed with dementia, our family wanted to find the best possible care for him. We initially chose a specialised dementia nursing home in the Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland, where he received care for almost six months.
Looking back, that period was incredibly difficult for both my father and our entire family.
Most of the day, my father spent his time together with other residents in a locked room for safety reasons. Although supervised walks in the garden were possible, they usually lasted only ten to fifteen minutes and took place just once a day. Each walk was accompanied by a nurse who had only limited time available.
With every visit, it became increasingly clear to me that this type of care was no longer what we had hoped for.
I started looking for an alternative. Not simply another care home, but a place where my father would be more than just cared for — a place where, despite his dementia, he could receive genuine personal attention and regain a better quality of life.
“What mattered most to me was never where my father was living — but how he was able to live each day.”
First Impressions Changed Everything
In December 2016, I brought my father to Phuket, Thailand, hoping to find the kind of care he truly deserved.
After our direct flight from Zurich to Phuket, which lasted more than ten hours, we were warmly welcomed at the airport by a member of the Carewell nursing team. From there, we travelled together by private minibus to Rawai.
Even during the drive, I had the feeling that something would be different. That feeling was confirmed within minutes of our arrival.
It was the peaceful atmosphere, the kindness of the staff, and the respectful way they interacted with every resident that immediately impressed me. From the very beginning, I could see that the team genuinely took the time to care for every individual.
My father was then shown to his room. Only later did I realise that it even had its own private pool. But what truly mattered to me was something entirely different: the way people were treated with dignity, kindness, and genuine respect.
“From the moment I arrived, I knew that Carewell was unlike any nursing home I had ever experienced.”
A Daily Life That Gave My Father His Quality of Life Back
It didn’t take long for me to realise why Carewell was so different from anything I had experienced before. My father’s daily life was no longer centred solely around nursing care. It was active, engaging, and built around the individual.
One of the biggest differences was the exceptionally high staff-to-resident ratio. With more than one qualified nurse for every resident, there was enough time to provide truly individual care. That difference could be felt in every part of daily life.
Massage therapy, physiotherapy, swimming in the pool, walks, and ball games were all part of the daily routine, alongside music sessions and singing together. Regular outings were organised to different beaches around Phuket, where residents enjoyed barbecues, spent time together, or simply relaxed by the sea.
Visits to botanical gardens, wildlife parks, local attractions, and restaurants also brought variety and enjoyment to everyday life.
What impressed me most was that these activities were never organised simply to keep residents occupied. They were a natural part of everyday life, giving my father opportunities to stay active, maintain social connections, and create meaningful shared memories.
“For the first time, I felt that my father’s daily life revolved around living again—not just around his illness.”
More Time, Less Medication
As time went on, I noticed another change that left a lasting impression on me. The medication my father had originally been prescribed in Switzerland was gradually reduced and eventually discontinued. This was made possible through Carewell’s intensive 24-hour nursing care, the personal attention he received, and his active involvement in everyday life.
For me, this represented a completely different approach to dementia care. Rather than relying primarily on medication, the focus was on spending time with each resident, showing patience, and providing truly individual care.
I was equally impressed by the attitude of the entire team. Every resident was treated with respect, patience, and genuine compassion. This wasn’t simply part of Carewell’s philosophy—it was reflected in the way the team cared for residents every single day.
At the same time, the nursing and therapy team, led by Anita Somaini, received ongoing education and professional training. Their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care was clearly reflected in everything they did.
“It was only at Carewell that I truly understood what can be achieved through time, patience, and genuine personal care.”
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Anita Somaini for her compassionate and highly individual approach to care. Her experience, dedication, and leadership played a significant role in ensuring that my father could be cared for with as little medication as possible while receiving far more personal attention and genuine human connection.
Nearly Ten Years of Memories That Will Stay With Us Forever
Even after my father moved from Switzerland to Thailand, staying closely connected with our family remained an important part of his life. For almost ten years, we spoke every week through video calls. At least once a year, I travelled to Thailand for one or two weeks to visit him and spend as much time with him as possible.
Even after my father became dependent on a wheelchair, we were still able to create many wonderful memories together thanks to the support of the nursing team. Accompanied by one of the nurses, we enjoyed day trips to different beaches, boat trips to the nearby islands, or simply spending time together by the sea. Those moments were incredibly precious to our family.
I was equally impressed by the sense of community at Carewell. Residents celebrated birthdays, European holidays, and local Thai festivals together. I especially remember the Christmas celebrations, where families came together, shared their experiences, and supported one another. Knowing that we were not alone in facing the challenges of caring for a loved one gave many families strength and hope.
“The many memories I was able to share with my father during those years are something I will always treasure.”
A Decision I Have Never Regretted
Looking back on my father’s years at Carewell today, I know that choosing Carewell was the right decision. Not because everything was perfect, but because my father received exactly the kind of care we had hoped for—professional, compassionate, and centred around the individual.
The many experiences we shared, my visits over the years, and the trust that grew between our family and the Carewell team will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have never regretted bringing my father to Thailand. On the contrary, I remain deeply grateful that we chose this path together.
Finally, we were also impressed by the outstanding value for money. The level of intensive nursing care, the exceptionally high staff-to-resident ratio, and the truly individual support provided at Carewell would be extremely difficult to achieve in Europe.
“It was only at Carewell that I truly realised how much quality of life was still possible for my father despite his dementia. For that, I will always be grateful.”
Facing a Similar Decision?
We would like to sincerely thank Swiss Helping Point for giving us the opportunity to share this personal story with you.
Choosing the right care for a loved one is one of the most difficult decisions any family can face.
Every situation is unique. That is why we take the time to understand your individual circumstances, help you find the right solution, and support you throughout your decision-making process.
Whether you are considering short-term or long-term care, we are happy to answer your questions during a personal, no-obligation consultation and explain the options available for individual nursing care, dementia care and rehabilitation at Carewell Service in Thailand.
Learn more about our approach to personalised care or arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
Story by
Marino Marini
Son of Angelo
Son of Angelo
Further Information
Editorial Note
This personal story is based on the personal experiences of Marino Marini. The manuscript was professionally edited and prepared for publication by Andrea Somaini, studio*shape, based on Marino Marini’s personal notes. The final version was reviewed and approved by Marino Marini prior to publication. This personal testimony is dedicated to the memory of Angelo Marini.
