I'm pretty sure our family have had some unrealistic expectations here, but feel free to chime in.
One parent is independent, pretty fit, almost 80. The other parent has a degenerative physical and cognitive disease and just went into a nursing home for a bit of a break recently. Even though they don't really 'do' anything at home, they do go to a day centre twice a week with activities like bingo, card games, and jigsaws, which they enjoy. They can't follow TV anymore. Ultimately, however, this parent needs a full-time nursing home.
The respite place had two rooms of residents, with staff helping them out (drinks, toilet, etc.) and TVs on. The parent staying for respite said it was very boring because nothing was happening, and honestly, when I visited, it looked like hours of just nothing. My active parent was worried, so they brought the other parent home early. ( I accept it's easier to do nothing in your own home than elsewhere)
So, my question is, are there any homes that offer more stimulation? I get that a lot of residents aren't up for it and funding is tough, but do we have to accept that's the environment they'll spend their remaining time in? (Self funding is not an option bar a small contribution)