Mum officially got her diagnosis of Alzheimer's a week ago, but things have been deteriorating for some time, and getting rapidly worse. She lives alone, is 81 and my sister and I live 70 miles away. She has been assessed by social worker and her care went out to tender, and an agency was appointed this week. Although she has had free care since coming out of hospital for 6 weeks, this is now the means tested, official care going forward. Last Friday she missed her hair appointment (unheard of) because she was fast asleep in the late morning, and today the carers cannot get her to answer door because she had been asleep most of the day. They nearly had to break in before she came to the door looking disorientated, and not even dressed. It is very worrying. She is very thin and frail and only weighs about 6 stone because she doesn't eat. Carers have said they will try to arrange a home visit by GP tomorrow. How do we know when to move her to a care home? Does GP suggest it? Do carers suggest it? SS seem to have washed their hands now that a care agency is in place, and we visit about once every 2 weeks so are not on hand to get a full picture. Do we go for a care home near one of us, or near where Mum is now, and near familiar things? It just feels like being dropped into a big black hole to find our own way through this, which isn't easy not knowing the area or LA. Is there one point of call who can oversee it all, and guide us through? Any advice gratefully received.