A retiree has started an interesting discussion about nursing homes and how to enjoy our golden years in comfort, after sharing his quirky plan to spend his final days in a more comfortable setting.
While Terry Robinson's "story" is actually a classic joke often shared in chain emails, his version went viral and inspired a serious discussion about retirement.
The joke runs through all the advantages of choosing a Holiday Inn as your care home, instead of a retirement center, beginning with the affordability.
The post suggests an average stay at a retirement home costs $188 a day, but the Department of Health and Human Services says a private room at a licensed nursing home actually costs closer to $253 a day.
"For a combined long term stay discount and senior discount, it's $59.23 per night," Robinson's status reads.
"Breakfast is included, and some have happy hours in the afternoon. That leaves $128.77 a day for lunch and dinner in any restaurant we want, or room service, laundry, gratuities and special TV movies."
Plus, the joke says, there are amenities like a spa, swimming pool, gym, and laundry rooms.
"Most have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap," the post says. "Five dollars-worth of tips a day and you'll have the entire staff scrambling to help you. They treat you like a customer, not a patient."
The list goes on, with other humorous suggestions like catching an airport shuttle bus (for free) to enjoy a change of scenery and a fine restaurant.
"Want to see Hawaii ? They have Holiday Inn there too," the list continues. "TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem. They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience."
No nursing home for us. We'll be checking into a Holiday Inn! With the average cost for a nursing home care costing...
Posted by Terry Robison on Thursday, February 7, 2019
And, the joke suggests, you can stay comfortably in the hotel until your final moments.
"The Inn has a night security person and daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are ok. If not, they'll call an ambulance . . . Or the undertaker."
While the suggestion is more funny than serious, you have to admit it doesn't sound so bad. Anyone who has visited a nursing home knows that it's not a pleasant place - despite some very nice staff members who do their best.
I can say for sure I would have much rather visited my grandpa at a Holiday Inn, and relaxed poolside, than in a stuffy room with a hospital bed.
