It's been a month now since Dad went into an EMI Residential Home. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to deal with in my life. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions. When he first went in for the first few days he seemed ok, then things changed, he was constantly packing his things to go home. Even when I removed any bags etc to stop him packing, he became rather inventive and used pillow cases! He demanded to go home at each visit and got very angry. I would leave him behind and spend many hours crying over what I was putting him through. However when I rationally thought of the options, there were none. Originally when he went in I was telling him he was there to 'build him self up' after his fall from which he was hospitalised. After talking it over with the care home manager she said they have found him easier to handle if they are firm with him and suggests I now be honest and say that 'this is it Dad you are unable to go back home'. I couldn't get him to change his dirty clothes, shave or shower very often, he just wouldn't listen to me. It was so hard to see my Dad who was always so meticulous about his appearance (would never leave the house without a shirt and tie on) resemble a tramp. Now at least when I go in now he looks more like his old self in that he is clean shaven and smartly dressed. For the first time today I left feeling the right choice was made. He looked cared for. He didn't when I looked after him, if you know what I mean.