taking better care

We get some stuff backwards in this country. Last week a buddy sent over a suggestion for taking better care of our aging population.  “Let's put old people into correctional institutions”, he said, “and the convicted criminals into nursing homes.”

Makes sense. Seniors would have automatic access to showers, hobbies and walks with constant video monitoring, so they would be helped instantly if they fell or needed assistance. They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment. 

Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be laundered, ironed and returned to them.  A guard would check in on them every 20 minutes without fail.

They would have regular family visits in a suite built for that purpose.  They would have access to a library and weight/fitness room…

...spiritual counseling, education and a swimming pool...with free admission to in-house concerts by nationally recognized entertainment artists.

There would be private, secure rooms provided for them with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens they’d be allowed to tend themselves.

Each senior would receive daily phone calls.

The guards would have a strict code of conduct with attorneys available at no cost to protect the seniors and their families from abuse or neglect.

And most importantly, there would be a board of directors to hear complaints and the American Civil Liberties Union would fight for their rights and protections.

And the convicted in the nursing homes?

They would be left alone and unsupervised for long periods of time. 

They would receive showers about once a week and be fed mediocre, often cold food while their families would have to pay $5,000 per month with no genuine hope of them ever getting out.