John,
Sorry to hear about your friend. My dad is in an assisted living place (not pd related) and although it has a decent rep, I have low confidence in a number of people involved with his care just from being there frequently and observing in real time, so I understand your frustration.
On the meds front, I cut way back on the c/l and added mucuna as I started mistrusting big pharma meds. When I mention it to my neuros, they don't defend pharma, but they are uninformed about mucuna and other natural options.
Do you have anu thoughts on carbidopa or pharmaceutical levadopa as being harmful?

Eric