I definately appreciate your comments and I'll make them a part of my checklist. Thanks, Doydie!

My MIL was in a nursing home for years that I never could visit (it was out of state; I need too many assistive devices for travel and ADL's) but hubby went as often as he could. She was in KS; we are in GA. In addition, hubby talked with her weekly for several years until she passed at age 92. It may have been pretty typical for a home its size, but hubby felt it was so depressing to him. His dad is in the same home, they tallk weekly and he seems to be doing good. He's also 92, and he was bragging about his "girlfriend" he's gone to lunch with at a local restaurant. She's 30 years younger than him, but I say, "Good for both of them!"