There are no firm statistics on the number of retired foreigners living in Indonesia, but estimates suggest the figure is in the tens of thousands. Many come from Europe, North America and Australia, with a large number choosing Bali as their long-term home.
As these residents age, access to reliable eldercare becomes an increasing concern. In Indonesia, the physical and mental health challenges associated with ageing are traditionally managed within the family. Foreign retirees, however, are often far from their relatives and the eldercare systems of their home countries. As health declines, options in Bali are generally limited to home nursing or assisted living facilities.
Filling an Important Gap
Since 2021, Hovi has operated what is considered Bali’s only European-standard assisted living residence. Located within the Kasih Ibu Hospital in Saba, the facility provides a comprehensive range of services to both international and Indonesian residents.
“At Hovi Assisted, we’re deeply committed to professional, compassionate care,” says Managing Director of Hovi Care Bali facilities Ibu Dewi Trisnawati (Trisna). “Our focus is on mental stimulation and physical activity tailored to the individual needs, abilities, and interests of each client. We encourage them to remain as independent as possible. Our high ratio of English-speaking nurses ensures plenty of engagement and support, while the naturally warm, caring, and patient nature of the Balinese makes them outstanding caregivers.”
Hovi is a Finnish family company with more than 35 years of experience in eldercare and dementia support. It’s 11 service units in Finland, three in Singapore, and two in Bali follow strict protocols of care and ongoing staff education in dementia management.
The 15-bed residence in Bali is bright, cheerful and designed to feel homelike. Individual rooms are spacious and include private bathrooms, while the large outdoor area provides space for relaxation and social interaction. The dining and activities room serves as a hub for daily games, art projects and cooking demonstrations, with residents encouraged to take an active role.
There is also a music room for singing and dancing, age-appropriate gym equipment for supervised exercise sessions, and regular outings to the beach. Residents enjoy small comforts such as manicures and haircuts, and visitors are always welcome.
“The location within Kasih Ibu Hospital ensures immediate and extended medical support if required,” Ibu Trisna explains. “The hospital also provides physiotherapy for Parkinson’s patients and post-stroke rehabilitation under the same roof. All caregivers are experienced registered nurses with specialised training in dementia care. We also offer cognitive testing.”
Long-Term Care
The residence provides long-term residential care for seniors who require assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication management. Some residents require Full Care, which includes skilled nursing, medical supervision and daily assistance for severe chronic conditions or complex medical needs requiring round-the-clock support.
Short-Term and Step-Down Care
The facility also offers Step Down Care, a short-term rehabilitation-focused service designed to maximise independence and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions or long-term care placement. These clients are typically post-surgical patients who no longer require acute hospital care but are not yet ready to return home.
Respite Care
Another service available is Respite Care, which provides short-term residential support for families and caregivers needing temporary assistance or coverage during holidays and staffing challenges.
Senior Day Care
Hovi Care Bali also operates a dedicated senior day care centre at Hovi Club Teuku Umar in Denpasar. Open Monday to Friday for half-day and full-day visits, it offers daily activities focused on social interaction, physical wellness and cognitive stimulation, alongside meals and supervised care.
For residents in the Ubud area, Hovi also offers a Morning Club on Wednesday and Friday mornings, providing activities closer to home and helping families avoid the traffic into Denpasar.
Bringing Ageing Parents to Bali
A small but growing number of foreign families are now bringing elderly parents to Bali for care. In countries such as the United States and Australia, the cost of eldercare can be extremely high, while caregiver-to-client ratios are often limited. Bali’s combination of quality care and comparatively lower costs is becoming increasingly attractive.
Long-term Bali resident Roderick recently brought his mother, Sylvia, from California to live nearby after a series of health complications.
“My mother, Sylvia, had a fall two years ago and fractured her spine, which required surgery. Then she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. My siblings had been looking after her, but she eventually needed a full-time professional care team, which was very expensive in the US. Sylvia now lives next door to me in Bali with three caregivers and is settling in well.”
Sylvia is well-travelled and speaks several languages. Although she loves Bali, Roderick found that her days had become long and quiet, so he began searching for more social activities and stimulation.
While Hovi Care in Denpasar offered suitable day programs and therapy, the commute from Ubud was difficult. After visiting the Saba facility and speaking with Ibu Trisna, a Morning Club program was introduced twice a week closer to their home.
Sylvia now looks forward to her Wednesday and Friday visits, where she has made new friends and enjoys activities including exercise sessions, arts and crafts, karaoke, and games. She especially values the warmth and engagement of the caregiving team.
A Safe Haven for Indonesian Elders
It is not only expatriates who have found a home at the residence. Several Indonesian seniors also live there comfortably, supported by familiar caregivers speaking their own language.
“Until quite recently, Indonesian families were traditionally multigenerational, and there was always someone at home to care for elderly relatives,” says Ibu Trisna. “Today, many families work long hours, and there is often nobody available to provide full-time care at home.
“The culture is gradually changing, with more families recognising that placing loved ones in a high-quality care facility can provide better support, safety, and stimulation than leaving them isolated at home or cared for only by household staff.
“At Hovi Club and Hovi Assisted, residents are safe, cared for, and socially engaged. They enjoy familiar food, meaningful activities, and the mental and physical stimulation needed to help maintain their well-being. This also gives peace of mind to families who may be living abroad or balancing demanding work schedules.”
As Bali’s population continues to evolve, facilities such as Hovi Assisted are helping address an increasingly important need for both international and Indonesian families seeking quality eldercare and support.
Families seeking compassionate and professional eldercare support in Bali, explore the HoviCare Day Care Centre in Teuku Umar, which offers structured daily support and cognitive activities. Those looking for private assisted living and residential senior care can also learn more about Hovi Assisted Living in Saba, a purpose-built senior living residence designed for comfort, community, and supported independence.
