Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

No nursing home for me.... I’ll be checking into a Holiday Inn! With the average cost for a nursing home care costing $188.00 per day, there is a better way when we get old and too feeble.

I've already checked on reservations at the Holiday Inn. For a combined long term stay discount and senior discount, it's $59.23 per night. 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, they provide a spa, swimming pool, a workout room, a lounge and washer-dryer, etc.
Most have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap. $5-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. There's a city bus stop out front, and seniors ride free. The handicap bus will also pick you up. To meet other nice people, call a church bus on Sundays.

For a change of scenery, take the airport shuttle bus and eat at one of the nice restaurants there.
While you're at the airport, fly somewhere. Otherwise, the cash keeps building up.

It takes months to get into decent nursing homes. Holiday Inn will take your reservation today .
And you're not stuck in one place forever -- you can move from Inn to Inn, or even from city to city.

Want to see Hawaii? They have Holiday Inn there too. TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem. They fix everything and apologize for the inconvenience.
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. If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

And no worries about visits from family. They will always be glad to find you, and probably check in for a few days minivacation. The grandkids can use the pool. What more could I ask for? So, when I reach that golden age, I'll face it with a grin.

And if you have more wealth, look at cruise ships if you’d like to see the world. Just Sayin…RJS

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

In theory, it's hard to argue the cost difference between an assisted living/nursing home and a Holiday Inn. If you are in good health, living out your final days/years in a hotel would certainly be more attractive.

As a trained CNA, who has worked in a number of assisted living facility, I can honestly say, staying in your own home as long as you can is the best option. Having caregivers come in to your home as needed is generally cheaper than a facility.

The hotel option is missing professional nurses and aides if an emergency arises. I'm assuming you are living at the hotel alone. There are a number of other medical considerations a hotel will not provide.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

ghaynes1: yes, I posted this with "Tongue in cheek!" No, I would not really recommend such accomodations unless the individual is in reasonably good health. it sounds appealing but have you ever stayed in a hotel by your self alone? It get to be quite stark and alone.

My wife and I are planning to move to Austin near our children and grand children next year and use something called "Assisted living,' where meals and housekeeping are furnished and medical facilities are close at hand. Just Sayin...RJS

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

I knew I should have gone with my first impression. I thought you might be kidding around. Funny thing is, I've talked to people who would seriously consider the hotel thing. I actually had a client who lived on and off in a hotel while his roof was being repaired after a storm. He also recovered there after surgery. He had a visiting nurse come in once a week. Not a good situation.

Sounds like you have a good plan. Having family close by is always nice. Assisted living costs are ridiculous. Anywhere from 5k to 15k a month depending on the place. In home caregivers are a little more affordable and more insurance plans are covering it.

Btw, I used to travel for my job. I spent quite a few nights alone in some nice hotels. Nothing glamorous about it. If the hotel had a bar, I would usually get a drink or two and chat with the bartender.

EastCoast

What about the retired woman that has lived on a cruise ship for a number of years?

https://tinyurl.com/y6ec7yww
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ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Different strokes I guess. If she's happy, why not?

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

East Coast: That is exactly who i was referring to. I am surprised anyone else had read and remembered her. One thing about living on a cruise ship. The funeral expenses are quite reasonable for a burial at sea! Just Sayin..RJS

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, also a lot of folks who live on the Gulf Coast get to find quarters in hotels due to a hurricane's visit. Especially in Louisiana this year, and in the past both Texas and Florida, too.

Fortunately, our street has never filled up to the curb, so flooding has not been a problem, but there have been neighhoods all around that had several feet of water in their homes for the first time due to Hurricane Ike. Just Sayin...RJS

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well even if assisted living is exspensive, we need to get the equity built up in our home! Also, we will get to where we aren’t able to make the 150 mile trips. Being close to our children might encourage them to visit! Just Sayin...RJS

EastCoast

Funny that I read your original post and somehow missed the last line referencing the cruise line. My wife mentioned living on a cruise line but has since decided that due to the pandemic, she will not cruise... she will not fly... and I am waiting to hear what else she won't do.

P.S. I guess they can't do cremations on board but a burial at sea sounds like "giving back" for the fish we've taken over the years... LOL
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Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

EastCoast: I could be content in a hotel room with my laptop and TV but the only problem is what about all my things: tackle, guns, other gear? That would be a problem. Burial at sea would not be a problem, as you say, pay back. Just Sayin....RJS

Firstmate1060 Loc: Waukegan IL.

Your Wisdom lifts me up. I retired for the second time in Nov of 2018. Damn good thing. With several co-Morbidity's I would have been easy target for COVID. I retired from the military. Wore me out to only be 38. Quite fishing almost 30 years ago, but I am back.!! No Nursing home for me !! I like this article. Alot to think about. Best Woman Ive ever Known married me Last Summer. I question her Judgment, But I am one lucky guy so I keep my Trap shut. Looks like survival may get tricky. I hope you, Her, and I, can all survive COVID and carry on. I will remember this great Article. Who knows, I may need the knowledge sooner than Later ~ Just Sayin.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Firstmate1060: Let's stay in touch, and thank you for your service! When I was in, they didn't need pilots, and one physician said "they don't even need officers" so I took the 6 months training and 7 1/2 years of reserves.

I suppose I could live in a holiday Inn, as far as a day by day existance, it is just what does one do with all their gear? You would have to rent a storage unit for rods, reels, guns, and other stuff you cant part with. Just Sayin...RJS

Yankeeblue Loc: Manchester CT (near Hartford)

Can you troll off the aft deck?

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I see no reason not, at least until they make you quit. Just Sayin...RJS