Day 51 -- Assisted Living Labyrinth

Today, I began the arduous journey of going to assisted living homes, getting tours, prices, rules, etc. here in Temple.  Yesterday my father-in-law wrote me a note asking me to help with this so I am.  I have talked on the phone to a number of people and actually toured one place today.  The smallest room was over $600 more than he makes in a month.  I have heard of people getting on a cruise ship when they are ready to go to a retirement home, and they just stay on it--now I understand.  It would be cheaper to cruise the world for years than to stay in one of these places.  The one I toured was really nice and clean with no smell and only 40 rooms, with a lovely outdoor courtyard, common living room, game room, beauty/barber shop, etc.  The room is 302 square feet with a kitchenette, bath, area for a chair or couch and bed--one closet and the kitchen cabinets.  Tomorrow I will tour 2-3 others and see how things stack up.  This is a depressing job to do.  So much life lived, squashed down into such a small expensive space.