Cuban influencer Yunaisy Sánchez stirred up social media with a video showcasing an elderly care home in the United States, drawing a stark contrast to those in Cuba. "Take a look, this is a senior home in the U.S. It’s nothing like the decay in Cuba. Here, they have their own apartment, laundry, hair salon, game room, library—basically everything. Incredible,” commented @yunaisysanchez76 as she filmed the pristine hallway of the facility.
The video, shared a few weeks ago, sparked a heated discussion. Many viewers were quick to point out the high cost of such facilities. "It's not free; if you don't have the money, you can't be there. It's expensive," one user remarked, while another noted that these places cater to "wealthy seniors." Some criticized the comparison, labeling it unfair: "How can you compare? You must have a fourth-grade education. Ask about the cost, and you'll see it's where children place their parents so they can work and live," one user argued.
Personal Accounts and Concerns
Others shared personal experiences or those of relatives in similar U.S. centers: "There are places where they mistreat the elderly"; "I work at one, and not all are the same. Where I work, they even count the diapers"; "Nothing is free, they cost between $5,000 and $10,000 a month." Some focused on the loneliness experienced by seniors in these homes. "They have everything except their families"; "No matter how nice it is, I wouldn’t want any of my family in a nursing home"; "In Cuba, we were taught this was the land of wonders, but that's not the reality for everyone," shared several users.
Clarifying the Intentions
In response to the criticism, Yunaisy released a follow-up video to clarify her stance: "First of all, no, I don't have a fourth-grade education, I have a university degree. Even though I've had to do the same jobs as all immigrants, the comparison is valid because in Cuba, there’s no humane way to have a life, either with your children or in those deplorable care homes."
Sánchez argued that at least in the U.S., there are options for those who work and plan for their future: "Here, whether American or immigrant, you can buy a retirement plan, get life insurance... there are many options. The key is to do it right, not just focus on the latest car or designer clothes." She emphasized that the main difference is that in the U.S., there are opportunities for those who plan ahead and seek a dignified retirement, something she believes is unattainable in Cuba.