It’s not for everyone but she is much happier here than in a nursing home.
Once you've been down there for 5-10 years, why would you come back? There are huge communities of retired expats in Mexico. We're talking 5-10k expats all visiting the same grocery stores, churches, etc.
My parent's best friends down there grew up in the same era they did, often in the same regions of the US. I don't know what my parents would come back to the US for?
Sure. Once you have a community in another country, there are very few reasons to return back. But not everyone can build a lasting community. For them, returning back is still an option.
That said, I agree that even hospice and LTC is cheaper in other countries. Just take your money and live there in peace.
1. Kid(s) that will take care of you, or at least hands on supervise your care and fill in gaps in staff.
2. As little time as possible between being in rehab/hospital, and hospice.
3. Money
If you have at least two out of those three, you won't have a horrible experience dying. Otherwise you end up in the state-paid nursing home gristmill, where you can at least take solace that they've checked the boxes on the paper saying they're turning and cleaning you.