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."
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.