Moving to Panama with My 97-Year-Old Mom With Dementia: A Calmer, More Affordable Life

A New Chapter in Panama

Debbie Boyd, a 71-year-old retired real estate broker, made the decision to move to Panama with her 97-year-old mother, Doris Britto, who has dementia. The move was driven by the desire for a more affordable lifestyle and better healthcare options. Boyd had long considered relocating outside the U.S., but it wasn’t until she retired that she took the plunge.

A Change of Scenery

Boyd’s initial motivation stemmed from the political climate in the U.S. She felt that the environment was becoming increasingly challenging, especially for older Americans. Her decision to move was also influenced by the lower cost of living and the promise of a more vibrant culture.

“I moved to Panama in March this year, and my mother followed a few weeks later,” Boyd shared. “I had always considered the possibility of relocating outside the U.S. and had looked into moving for a couple of years before I retired.”

Life Before Panama

Before making the move, Boyd had a diverse career. She worked as a real estate broker, an administrative assistant, and even taught criminal justice classes at online universities. She retired in 2016, after which she explored various ways to spend her time. She took swim classes, met up with friends for lunch, and traveled.

After retiring, Boyd took a year to decompress and think about what she wanted next. She enrolled in Water Zumba classes and started a walking regime. She also reconnected with old friends and enjoyed lunch dates with former tennis teammates.

In 2018, Boyd faced a health challenge when she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The surgery left her unable to care for her mother, who then moved into a nursing home for seven years. When Boyd decided to move to Panama, she asked her mother if she wanted to come along, and she agreed.

Why Panama?

For Boyd, Panama checked several boxes. The healthcare system was a big draw, and she had a friend who had retired there and could answer her questions. Financially, they were doing fine, but she found it difficult to make ends meet on Social Security and a small pension.

“My mom and I are both native New Yorkers,” Boyd explained. “She was a long-distance operator for the New York Telephone Company for over 40 years. I relocated to Atlanta in 1983, and my mom followed me there in 1986, when she retired. We were in the Atlanta area up until this year.”

Adjusting to Life in Panama

The first few weeks in Panama involved managing a lot of logistics. Boyd made three scouting trips to find a place suitable for her and her mother, who uses a wheelchair. They got as much paperwork done as possible ahead of time so her mother could leave her facility.

Her son helped bring her mother a few weeks later. Boyd set up an appointment with a doctor, and her mother was seen within a week of arriving. This allowed them to transfer her medications and prescriptions.

A home care agency was introduced through a friend, and a young woman now comes six days a week to help with bathing, meal prep, and laundry.

Cost of Living and Daily Life

Rental prices in Panama were a bit higher than expected, but Boyd found a four-bedroom house with an in-ground pool, a large living room, dining room, and kitchen. The rent is $1,500 a month, slightly more than her previous mortgage in the U.S. However, she feels she gets much more for the same price.

Utilities vary, with one month costing $70 and another $300. Each bedroom has its own air conditioning unit, so Boyd is still figuring out the best way to manage energy use.

Daily life involves going to the grocery store, bank, and pharmacy. She takes Uber rides because she doesn’t want to drive; a one-way trip costs about $2.20.

Embracing Panamanian Culture

Boyd chose not to live in an expat neighborhood, wanting to immerse herself in Panamanian culture. While she hasn’t had much chance to meet neighbors yet, she finds people in public places like the mall to be helpful and friendly.

She hasn’t eaten out much, but she enjoys visiting the market for fresh produce. The hospital near her has a program that accepts Medicare Advantage for emergencies, and she’s applying for a program that offers affordable tests and lab work.

Looking Ahead

Boyd is still getting acclimated but is already enjoying the vibrancy of Panama. She notes that Panamanians love to party and enjoy music, though the constant barking of dogs early in the morning and late at night is something she’s working to get used to.

She plans to get more involved with expat groups and volunteering, hoping to build a stronger social network. For now, she’s focused on making Panama her new home and embracing all it has to offer.