Hi alfjess
I know what you mean about freaking out. When I visited the best NH in our area about six months ago when I was first thinking about respite, I wrote it off immediately because they said John would have to go into the EMI unit. My hackles rose immediately. John was certainly not ready for that at that stage.
Now? If he has to go to a home, that's the one I'd choose. The EMI unit is in fact lovely, all on the ground floor, with its own enclosed garden with seats, a kitchen where residents can cook or launder if they want to, and nice bright rooms.
What I'm saying is, you know your parents, you know best what would be suitable for them, and the situation changes very quickly.
Have a look round the unit, try to envisage your parents there, and go with your gut feeling. You'll know if or when it's appropriate to move them.
Love,