In the United States, most of us are familiar with the concept of the retirement home. We know the language: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice. Entire communities are built around the idea that as we age, our level of care will gradually increase. In Mexico, things look different. Historically, Keep Reading…

When someone dies naturally at home in Mexico, the first thing to do is nothing. Sit and be still with the body. Take three slow, deep breaths and allow yourself to be present with the moment. Death is not only a logistical event—it is also a sacred one. Further, once you notify Keep reading…

For US citizens living in Mexico, the idea of staying at home through the final chapter of life can feel not only comforting, but possible. Compared to the United States, the cost of home health care in Mexico is significantly lower. Whether you Keep Reading…

Among the most frequently asked questions that US citizens have about end-of-life care in Mexico is whether or not there is hospice in Mexico. Yes, there is hospice in Mexico. But not in the way many US citizens imagine it. In my experience, when immigrants form the US Keep reading…

As we plan for end of life, the question of body disposition arises. What to do with your body after you die is a personal one. Choosing ahead of time may bring us peace. There is the peace of knowing our Keep Reading…

If you’ve lived in Mexico for any period of time, you may have seen the posts in local Facebook or WhatsApp groups from people who are looking for blood donors. As an immigrant from the US, this can seem strange. Why does this keep reading …

Choosing the right medical proxy is essential, especially for expats in Mexico, where unfamiliar systems, language barriers, and cultural differences add complexity to being one’s health advocate. Keep reading …

Technically, yes. 911 is the number to call in case of an emergency in Mexico. The reality, however, is that 911 in Mexico doesn’t work exactly as it does in the US. When it comes to receiving medical care quickly, 911 may not always keep reading…

Grieving is an inherent part of change, and things are always changing. Grieving is therefore, an ever-present part of life. The intensity of our grief varies, rising and falling like waves in the ocean. It might feel less paralyzing or exhausting over time, but it does not keep reading …

Moving to Mexico as an expat is exciting, but you’ll also have plenty of worries. US citizens in particular worry about the cost of healthcare. It makes sense, as healthcare has been perhaps our primary expense in the US, and the cost of care might even be a big reason keep reading…

The other day, I came across a research study that looked at what is most predictive of survival after a natural disaster. This particular study examined several factors: who was present in the worst of the disaster’s path, what types of emergency services people had access to, but keep reading…

When I first started the Dying In Mexico project, I posted in nearly all the expats-in-Mexico-type Facebook groups, asking around for someone, anyone, who would be willing to talk to me about death. I had a few responses from those looking forward to learning from these conversations, but little response from anyone willing to share. Brian was the first to say yes. It was whole-hearted. Keep reading…

Death is not waiting for us; it is already here and has been walking alongside us our whole lives. Since the moment we were born, our death has been inevitable. Most of the time, we prefer to deny or avoid this truth, despite knowing how denial or avoidance usually keep reading…

A will (or last will and testament) lets you decide who inherits your property, who will care for children or pets, how debts get handled, and who manages your estate when you’re gone. In the US, if you die without a will (called dying intestate), state law decides for you. That keep reading…