When mum moved into her care home she was totally paranoid, convinced that people were stealing from her, that I was abusing her and all sorts, she was also not washing or changing her clothes and was malnourished because she hadnt been eating.
It took several weeks for her to settle, but once she had done so, she thrived. Her delusions went, she was clean and put on some weight, she made friends and joined in the activities (something I never thought she would do). Her old personality, although not her memory, returned. All of this was achieved with absolutely no sedation, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, or anything. It was purely down to the care home environment and the skill of the carers.
I do not know which home your friend is working in, but it is certainly not representative of the vast majority. It is also not true that care homes cause massive reduction in cognitive ability. Sometimes people move into a care home
because their cognition is already rapidly declining and sometimes they move there after an event like a fall, a massive infection, delirium or a stroke and this is what causes their downturn. Also, sometimes if they are moved when they have severe dementia, the move itself can trigger decline. None of this is due to the care home per se and in many cases the care home can offer more stimulation than they were getting in their own home, so that the symptoms improve. Never forget that people with dementia are in decline anyway.
Edit to add that I am replying to
@Herecomestrouble