In Saudi Arabia, caring for elderly family members at home is not just a preference—it is a deeply rooted cultural value. Families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam strongly believe that parents and seniors should remain surrounded by loved ones, whether in a family villa or a secure expat compound.
For this reason, traditional Western-style nursing homes are extremely rare in the Kingdom. Instead, modern senior care has evolved into two trusted solutions: Home Healthcare Services and Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Hospitals, often located within major Medical Cities and fully licensed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and accredited by CBAHI.
Below, we explore the key benefits of specialised home healthcare and extended care centres in Saudi Arabia, and why these options are increasingly chosen by both Saudi nationals and high-net-worth expatriate families.
Understanding Specialised Senior Care in Saudi Arabia
Rather than relocating seniors to institutional facilities, Saudi Arabia prioritises medical care that comes to the patient. This approach combines clinical excellence with cultural sensitivity, ensuring dignity, privacy, and family involvement at every stage.
Specialised care typically falls into two main categories:
- Home Healthcare Services – Professional medical care delivered directly at home by licensed nurses, therapists, and physicians.
- Rehabilitation & Extended Care Centres – MOH-licensed facilities for post-acute recovery, neurological rehabilitation, and complex long-term medical needs.
Both models are tightly regulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and often accredited by CBAHI, ensuring international-standard quality and patient safety.
1. Comfort of Home with Professional Medical Oversight
One of the greatest advantages of home healthcare in Saudi Arabia is that elderly patients can remain in their own familiar environment. Whether living in a family villa in Riyadh or an expat compound in Jeddah, patients benefit emotionally and psychologically from staying close to loved ones.
At the same time, care is delivered by MOH-licensed professionals, including:
- Registered nurses providing 24/7 or scheduled nursing care
- Physicians conducting routine medical reviews
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists for rehabilitation
- Medication management and chronic disease monitoring
This model significantly reduces stress, lowers the risk of hospital-acquired infections, and improves overall quality of life—especially for seniors with mobility limitations or cognitive decline.
2. Personalised Care Plans Tailored to Cultural and Medical Needs
Specialised home healthcare in Saudi Arabia is highly individualised. Each patient receives a customised care plan based on medical condition, mobility level, and family expectations.
Care plans often include:
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, cardiovascular conditions)
- Post-surgical or post-hospital rehabilitation
- Neurological care for stroke or Parkinson’s disease
- Memory support for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients
Importantly, families remain actively involved. Care schedules are designed around prayer times, family routines, and privacy requirements—something international expatriates in Saudi Arabia often appreciate deeply.
3. Access to World-Class Rehabilitation & Medical Cities
For patients requiring intensive recovery, Saudi Arabia offers advanced Rehabilitation Hospitals and Extended Care Centres within major Medical Cities. These facilities are commonly used for short- to medium-term stays following surgery, stroke, or serious illness.
Key features include:
- Multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams (PT, OT, Speech Therapy)
- Advanced diagnostic and monitoring technology
- Structured therapy programmes (3–5 sessions per week)
- Seamless transition back to home healthcare
Patients benefit from faster functional recovery while avoiding unnecessary long-term institutionalisation. Once stabilised, care is typically transitioned back to the home environment.
4. Strong Regulation and Medical Quality Assurance
Quality and safety are critical concerns for families choosing senior care. In Saudi Arabia, all licensed providers must comply with strict regulations set by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
In addition, many leading providers are accredited by CBAHI (Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions), which benchmarks services against international healthcare standards.
Families should always verify that a provider:
- Is officially licensed by the MOH
- Employs qualified, credentialed healthcare professionals
- Follows documented clinical protocols
- Has transparent emergency and escalation procedures
This regulatory framework gives both Saudi and expatriate families peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving safe, ethical, and professional care.
5. Flexible Financing Through Insurance and Government Support
Unlike the US system, Saudi Arabia does not use Medicare or Medicaid. Instead, senior care is financed through a combination of private insurance and government-supported services.
Common payment options include:
- Private Insurance such as Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, or MedGulf
- Ministry of Health (MOH) Services for eligible citizens
- Out-of-pocket payment for premium or live-in care
Costs vary depending on care intensity. For reference, professional home nursing services may range from SAR 300–800 per visit, while full-time live-in care or rehabilitation programmes may be higher.
For Saudi nationals, retirement income may come from GOSI Pension, while financial matters such as taxation and compliance fall under ZATCA.
Key Factors When Choosing Home Healthcare or Rehab Centres
When selecting a provider in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, families should carefully evaluate:
- Level of care required (medical, rehabilitative, or supportive)
- MOH licensing and CBAHI accreditation
- Experience with specific medical conditions
- Availability of Arabic and English-speaking staff
- Proximity to family and emergency facilities
Visiting facilities, requesting care protocols, and meeting clinical teams in advance can significantly reduce risk and ensure alignment with family expectations.
Conclusion
Specialised home healthcare and rehabilitation centres in Saudi Arabia represent a modern, culturally aligned approach to senior care. By combining professional medical expertise with the comfort of home and family presence, these services offer a dignified, safe, and effective alternative to traditional nursing homes.
For families seeking high-quality, MOH-licensed care in the Kingdom, home healthcare and extended care centres provide the ideal balance between medical excellence and deeply held Saudi values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is home healthcare suitable for long-term elderly care in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Many families choose long-term home healthcare supported by visiting physicians, nurses, and therapists, allowing seniors to remain at home while receiving professional medical care.
Are rehabilitation hospitals only for short stays?
Generally, yes. Rehabilitation hospitals focus on recovery and stabilisation, after which patients typically transition back to home healthcare services.
How can I verify a provider’s credibility?
Always check MOH licensing, ask about CBAHI accreditation, and request details on staff qualifications, emergency protocols, and patient outcomes.