My Dad was in his own sheltered accomodation until he had a fall last September and broke his leg in 2 places, he had an operation to repair the leg and was in hospital for 6 weeks and then was transferred to a Nursing home where he stayed from beginning of November until June this year, in that time he had a very bad UTI and we nearly lost him all due to dehydration ( yes in a nursing home) because it was a long way from us we were only able to visit every other day. The social workers were adamant that he would not be able to return to his flat, his vascular dementia had gotten so much worse and he was now incontinent on top of everything else. I had been trying for 2 years to get a 3 bedroom house so he could come to live with me and that was not possible, we was really upset when we first told him about having to go into a CH permanately, but I realised that I would not be able to cope with him as we both felt embarrassed about dealing with his personal care re the loo. We were able to get him into a CH very close to where I live and I see him most days and my sister too. The home have been very good for him as he has made friends although he doesn't always remember who they are lol but they have dementia too so I guess there are times they don't remember who he is either. I understand others who say that the war songs are a feature but I have to say that the 50's are used in Dad's CH. I think I have rambled on enough for today but just typing this has made me feel better. I hope that someone will read this and understand that sometimes a CH is a blessing not a curse and my advice is to get involved in the activities at the home and you may influence what happens there. we have been out to the pub for lunch with Dad and other residents and carers and they are having a barbeque later this month and have regular meetings. So get involved. 
