I feel the same and saw the same thing with my mother-in-law (at a rate of @ $4800.00/mo). I understand the need for elder care but find it thoroughly depressing. It's not that she was treated badly (she wasn't), it's just the "discarded souls" atmosphere that Sparky described above. It's like a preview of what life is going to be for YOU in just a short time...no future, no hope, nothing to look foward to, no family or even old life-long friends around to talk to; just bland meals and a medicine tray. It's the closest thing I can think of to being on death row. Just thinking about it makes me hope I go to sleep in my own bed one night and just not wake up.

I applaud those who try to bring some joy to this population through music and entertainment and maybe alleviate some of the pain of this sad existence, but I could never personally do it, even on an occasional basis, much less every day. I would rather be in combat; at least you have the camaraderie of your buddies and the hope that you MAY come out of it alive.

FWIW, I don't feel quite as bad about retirement communities, especially the 'active adult' ones, as they are probably a good and practical transition to 'the next phase'. But jeez, this is such a depressing topic (not the OP), for me anyway.

chas