It strikes a chord with me. My father is in such a home, and in a state where I couldn't really care for him if I tried. Well basically from a massive stroke and a past/severe drug addiction, he needs lock up and 24 hour care as he is a flight risk. He just runs, he doesn't go anywhere particular anymore, but he can't cross a road safely, yet he will try.

I think a few things will help change the difficultly you bring awareness to and one is VR. If he could practice with VR, even simple scenarios, he could do so with complete safety. It would keep him busy and give him something to strive for. I have no doubt his brain would grow and change and so the plasticity would help him in all areas, even if he could never truly be safe out in the public on his own.

I think also we can grow socially. It's difficult for people not trained or experienced in dis-functioning brains. It's scary, frustrating, and takes a lot of energy to deal with someone in such a state. For family, there is a lot of emotional content, and it takes a tremendous amount of energy, especially because in many ways our loved ones are "there" but then all of a sudden there is a total "gap". It's really hard to resolve I think.

With a little education and discussion I think family would get more involved and alleviate some of the work load of the care takers. I don't get to see my father near as much as I should, and I feel bad not just for us, but the care takers as well. I'll see him more than the others get visits though, I notice this :(

It's all really related to our global economy and advances in technology and our society. We'll make great strides soon I am sure, I appreciate writings like yours that address it head on. Thanks.