A Small, Family-Owned Residence Offering Individual 24-Hour Care
Deutsche VersionVilla Sionah is a purpose-built dementia care residence on Leyte Island in the Philippines.
Our residence is intentionally designed for a limited number of residents, allowing us to provide highly personalized care in a welcoming, family-oriented environment with spacious private apartments and a tropical garden.
What makes Villa Sionah different:
- Personal 24-hour care: Three dedicated caregivers per resident, working in rotating shifts.
- A small family-owned home: Our residence is fully owned by our family and we live on the property ourselves.
- Spacious private accommodation: Four accessible ground-floor apartments, each with a private bathroom, dressing room and covered terrace.
- International communication: English-speaking caregivers and German- and English-speaking owners.
- Family involvement: A spouse, relative or trusted companion may share an apartment with the resident by arrangement.
"Villa Sionah. More than care. A place to belong."
Inspired by Personal Experience
Villa Sionah grew from our family's own experience caring for both of my parents in Germany as they lived with dementia.Over many years, my wife Siony provided much their daily care, including periods when continuous assistance was necessary.
In 2011, a German television documentary about Martin Woodtli's dementia-care project in Thailand inspired us to create our own small residence in the Philippines.
After years of planning, construction of Villa Sionah began in late 2017. The entire property was designed specifically around our personal approach to care.
Our experiences continue to shape the way we care for people living with dementia—with patience, respect, personal attention and genuine warmth.
Our Care Philosophy—The Person Comes First
Even as dementia progresses, a person's identity, life history and emotional needs remain important.Our approach is guided by the principles of person-centered dementia care.
This includes:
- Personal assistance with hygiene, dressing, meals and mobility
- Familiar caregivers and daily routines adapted to individual needs
- Conversation, music, reminiscence and sensory activities according to each resident's preferences and abilities
- Non-verbal communication through facial expressions, gestures, eye contact and a calm reassuring approach
- Freshly prepared meals using predominantly local ingredients
- Family involvement and opportunities to participate in everyday community life
Villa Sionah—Privacy, Nature and Personal Freedom
Our residence is located in Barangay Bito, Abuyog, on Leyte Island, approximately 250 meters from the Pacific coast.Our enclosed tropical property features four accessible ground-floor apartments distributed across two villa-style buildings: two in a detached garden bungalow and two on the ground floor of our two-storey main villa, where we live upstairs.
Each ground-floor apartment offers approximately 430 sq ft (40 m²) of interior living space plus a private covered terrace of about 160 sq ft (15 m²). High ceilings, quiet split-type air conditioning, bathrooms with natural daylight and hot water, and fiber-optic internet contribute to everyday comfort.
Two additional studio apartments are located on the upper floor of a separate two-story building, designed to complement the architecture and roof design of the other buildings on the property. Each offers approximately 410 sq ft (38 m²) of interior space, with a shared covered terrace of about 215 sq ft (20 m²). As the studios are accessible by stairs only, they are suitable exclusively for guests whose mobility and care needs allow upper-floor accommodation.
The fully enclosed property offers privacy and controlled access, while remaining connected to the surrounding local community.
Residents may enjoy accompanied walks and outings whenever their health permits. The nearby seaside promenade, sandy beach of Abuyog and surrounding tropical countryside provide opportunities for suitable activities outside the residence.
Our dogs roam freely around the property and may also enter private covered terraces. Villa Sionah is a strictly smoke-free property.
Long-Term Care and Short-Term Stays
Villa Sionah is primarily designed to provide long-term, personalized care for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.We also offer short-term care stays by individual arrangement. These give families an opportunity to become familiar with our residence, our approach to care and the personal atmosphere.
Admission depends on each resident's individual health and care needs. Services, costs and conditions are discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Travel Assistance and Staying Connected with Family
Whether for long-term residence or a short-term care stay, traveling to the Philippines with someone living with dementia requires careful preparation.We assist families in planning their journey to the Philippines, preferably via Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) or alternatively via Manila.
Depending on individual travel and care needs, we can coordinate domestic flight connections to Leyte, airport reception and onward transportation to Villa Sionah by prior arrangement.
Travel arrangements depend on medical suitability and the availability of any necessary assistance throughout the journey.
Family members remain important partners in care throughout the resident's stay. We value open, personal communication and can arrange regular updates, phone calls or video conversations according to individual circumstances.
Families can communicate directly with us in English or German.
Experiences from Our Short-Term Care Guests
"My father found peace here after years of restlessness. The caregivers are angels—patient, gentle, and kind."— Sabrina, Switzerland
"This is more than a care home—it gave my mother back her smile. We will forever be grateful."
— Peter, USA
Get in Touch
Would you like to learn more about Villa Sionah and our approach to dementia care?Please feel free to contact us by email. We will be pleased to answer your questions personally and arrange a phone or video conversation if requested.
✉️ Email: Hello@Alzheimer-Residenz-Philippinen.com
