Thailand Issues Five-Point Checklist for Choosing Safe Elderly Care Facilities

Thailand's Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) is urging families to look beyond attractive facilities and affordable fees when choosing elderly care centers, emphasizing that proper licensing, qualified caregivers, emergency preparedness, and quality-of-life support are essential to ensuring residents' safety and well-being.

Thailand's Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), under the Ministry of Public Health, has issued five key recommendations to help families select safe and legally operated elderly care facilities and care centers for people who require assistance with daily living.

Dr. Phuwadet Surakhot, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, said demand for elderly care services is increasing as some families face challenges in providing continuous care for older relatives at home.

He emphasized that selecting a care facility requires careful consideration of legal compliance, staff qualifications, safety procedures, and the overall quality of care.

Facilities that fail to meet appropriate standards may expose older adults and dependent individuals to unnecessary risks affecting their health, safety, and quality of life.

Five Essential Checks Before Choosing an Elderly Care Facility

The Department of Health Service Support recommends that families evaluate five important areas before making a decision.

1. Verify Operating Licenses and Facility Standards

Families should confirm that an elderly care facility has obtained the necessary operating licenses and is legally authorized to provide care services.

The physical environment should also be appropriate for older adults and individuals with limited mobility.

A facility's appearance alone does not demonstrate that it meets regulatory requirements or provides safe care.

2. Check Caregiver Qualifications and Staffing Levels

Care facilities should employ a sufficient number of caregivers to meet residents' needs.

Families should ask whether staff members have completed the required training and possess the knowledge necessary to assist older adults and dependent individuals.

Adequate staffing and properly trained caregivers are important factors in providing consistent, safe, and appropriate daily care.

3. Examine Emergency Response and Safety Systems

Emergency preparedness is a critical consideration when choosing a care facility.

Families should verify that the facility has appropriate emergency equipment, fire prevention measures, accessible evacuation routes, and established procedures for transferring residents to hospitals when necessary.

A clear emergency response plan can help staff act promptly when residents experience sudden health problems or other urgent situations.

4. Review Activities That Support Quality of Life

Quality elderly care involves more than meeting basic physical needs.

Facilities should provide activities suitable for residents' ages, physical abilities, and health conditions.

Appropriate recreational and wellness activities can help support physical health, emotional well-being, social interaction, and a sense of belonging.

The department also emphasized the importance of activities that help reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults.

5. Ensure Regular Communication With Families

Families should be able to contact residents and receive regular updates about their health and daily well-being.

Care facilities should maintain accessible communication channels so relatives can follow residents' conditions and coordinate with staff when necessary.

Prompt communication is particularly important when a resident's health changes or an emergency occurs.

Safety and Care Quality Matter More Than Appearance or Price

Dr. Arkom Praditsuwan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, emphasized that families should not select an elderly care facility solely because of its attractive surroundings or reasonable service fees.

Instead, they should prioritize legal authorization, the quality of care, and residents' safety.

He encouraged families to take sufficient time to review relevant information and visit facilities in person before making a final decision.

An on site visit allows families to observe the environment, ask questions about staffing and emergency procedures, and assess whether the facility is suitable for their relative's needs.

Thailand Encourages Greater Awareness of Elderly Care Standards

As more families consider professional elderly care services, the Department of Health Service Support is encouraging consumers to become more informed about facility standards and safety requirements.

The department's recommendations apply to care facilities serving older adults as well as individuals who require assistance because of physical limitations or other dependency-related needs.

The guidance reinforces the importance of choosing providers that operate legally and maintain appropriate care systems rather than relying solely on promotional materials, facility appearance, or pricing.

How to Report Suspected Unlicensed or Substandard Care Facilities

Members of the public who suspect that an elderly care facility is operating without proper authorization or failing to meet required standards can report their concerns to the Department of Health Service Support.

Reports can be submitted through the department's complaint center or its regional Health Service Support Centers across Thailand.

Complaint Hotline: +66 2 193 7057

Regional Support: Health Service Support Centers in all 12 regions nationwide.

Making Informed Decisions for Safer Elderly Care

Choosing an elderly care facility is an important decision that can directly affect an older person's health, comfort, safety, and quality of life.

Thailand's Department of Health Service Support recommends that families carefully examine operating licenses, caregiver qualifications, emergency preparedness, resident activities, and family communication arrangements.

The department's central message is clear: a safe elderly care facility should be judged by its legal compliance, quality of care, and ability to protect residents not simply by its appearance or affordability.

 

Source: Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand — October 15, 2026.