Although assisted living communities are a new phenomenon to Costa Rica, investors have begun buying land with the idea of creating them here. The country’s temperate climate—along with the many private hospitals in the Central Valley that offer reasonable prices—make it a prime location for such developments.

Pura Vida Life Care—located in the Central Valley (San Rafael de Heredia)—was supposed to open its doors in 2008. The community offers three levels of residence: independent living, assisted living, and health center. The cost for an independent villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms is $250,000 plus a monthly fee of $1,650 (with an extra $500 monthly fee for a second person in the villa). Customers do not actually own their villa, they pay instead for a lifetime right to reside there.

To purchase a space in the center, you must be at least 60 years old. In order to gain entry to the independent living option, you are required to be in “relatively good shape” (consult Pura Vida Life Care for what that means). Services offered to residents in independent living include transportation to medical appointments, health and exercise programs, 24-hour emergency call system, access to all health care services offered on site, and a wellness center that caters to individual health needs.

Those living under the assisted living plan receive full-time care and help with daily tasks such as bathing and taking medication. Nurses are on call 24 hours a day. The facility will also include an acute rehabilitation hospital, subacute care, and long-term care of Alzheimer’s and other residents with chronic illnesses.