Trapped at Gracedale

magnificent view from Gracedale's 10th floor

Several readers have suggested that I see for myself what things are like at Gracedale. I finally decided to do it yesterday. I rode over yesterday afternoon, before the skies opened up, and noticed a parking lot about 2/3 full of visitors. The grounds were immaculate, and I exchanged some pleasantries with residents on my way inside. Once I was in, a deputy sheriff greeted me on my way to the elevators. I had no idea where I was going but pretended I did. Once inside, I pressed the button to the top, the 10th floor, and figured I'd work my way down. 

When the door to the top suite opened, I was surprised to see nobody was there. No residents or staff. Despite having a commanding view, this floor is empty. It was clean and I noticed no unpleasant odors, but I could see that it could be ready to admit people very quickly. Unfortunately, all the rooms are for four residents, with a shared bathroom. That is less than ideal, at least in my view. 

I decided to go down a flight on the steps but was unable to open the door to the stairwell. You have to enter a code, and I didn't have it. No problem. I'll just pop on the lift. But guess what. You need a code to summon the mechanical hoist, and I didn't have it. 

I tried Lamont McClure's birthday, and it laughed. I tried Ron Angle's birthday, and a siren went off. I was stuck. 

Fortunately, I had my phone and called the operator. She gave me the incorrect code but finally put me in touch with someone who had the right one. 

So I was only imprisoned briefly. 

On my way down, the door opened to a floor that appeared to have a full complement of residents. It looked quite busy, but I had no desire to bother residents.

I rode down with a pleasant young lady who held a small fan to her face with one hand and a water bottle with the other.

"Do you work here?" I asked.

She told me she's a housekeeper, believes she is paid well, and said that there are good days and stressful days.  

She told me how to get to the cafeteria, and that is where I'll go and eavesdrop for my next visit.