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I worked in a nursing home for 15 years,four of those on the floor as a nursing asst. I put my dad in when he was 89. He required care that I was unable to give at home.We lived close to the home ,so I kept an eye on him during the day ,after work would visit with him,and of course on weekends.I made certain his care was good (to the extent of losing some friends on staff and almost my job a few times). Point being ,I was there, more than at home. I knew what medicine he was being given ,what procedures were being implemented in his care his doctors,etc. Many elderly are there with no family and are at the mercy of the system. Sad but true. It isn't always their families fault. Some live so far away ,that it is impossible to visit often. Others have outlived their children or their children are elderly and can't come to look out for their parents welfare. There are ombudsman,but that isn't always the answer.Some homes are far better than others. Others are nightmares.Before considering putting a parent in any home families should research the homes they are considering.Go on line. Find out the number of times they have been written up ,their quality of care etc. After the parent is in the home ,make “surprise” visits. Don't form a routine as to the visits.Putting a parent in a home is not a license to forget them or look after them when it is convienent.but please also ,don't lump everyone in a one catagory ,who must put a parent there.

He required care that I was unable to give at home

If you are a nursing assistant you were able to provide him the care he needed. After all, it was CNAs that provided the care he got. The only thing that the nursing home could do is have a nurse pass meds, but you could do that too.

Don't get me wrong, my father-in-law is in an alzheimer's ward 1/2 mile from my house. It would be much easier for me to care for him than the 20 residents I currently care for. His care costs $3500 per month. The VA and medicare pay for it. They won't pay if he was at home. For $2000 to $2500, I could afford to stay home and take care of him. It would save the government $5,000 to $11,000 per year if I could.