[ Forwarded by a colleague in the aged care sector. Supposedly from a retired and respected member of the Courts. Humorous and it makes the point. It also grossly understates the disadvantages of imprisonment though I think it gets some aspects of some institutional aged care pretty right. ]
Dear Prime Minister
Let’s put the seniors in jail and the criminals in a nursing home. This way the seniors would have access to showers hobbies and walks. They’d receive unlimited free prescriptions dental and medical treatment wheel chairs etc and they’d receive money instead of paying it out. They would have constant video monitoring so they could be helped instantly if they fell or needed assistance.
Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and bring their meals and snacks to their cell.
They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. They would have access to a library weight room spiritual counselling pool and education.
Simple clothing shoes slippers PJ’s and legal aid would be free on request. Private secure rooms for all with an exercise outdoor yard with gardens. Each senior could have a PC a TV radio and daily phone calls.
There would be a board of directors to hear complaints and the guards would have a code of conduct that would be strictly adhered to.
The “criminals” would get cold food be left all alone and unsupervised. Lights off at 8pm and showers once a week. Live in a tiny room and pay $900.00 per month and have no hope of ever getting out.
Justice for all we say.