Oh my, all these wonderful posts.

I worked for a company who helped families sort through their home's dresser, closets, kitchens, garage and everywhere. This happened when family did not want to step in an do it. We labeled items if the senior knew who wanted it and we specially made sure every piece of furniture and memento that they wanted to keep fit into their new place. I loved helping with that part. So many of those we moved had stayed in their homes as long as they could. Some were forced to move their parents as dementia removed the safety they had in be able to make daily choices. There were most of the scenarios that have been covered above in the posts.
Visiting the communities is so important. The cost on a per month basis needs to be looked at long term. I went to school for Gerontology in 2010. The city of Pomona and Claremont were creating a community with transportation and services that would be able to help seniors stay in their home with help within reach. You may know about the Clairmont colleges. Within that space part of the city there are 5 if not more senior living communities. Vastly different costs.
I reckon i move 600 or more families with that company in California.
We moved seniors into every kind of retirement home. So many high end communities and Sunrise and those in the more affordable range. What i want to add, is that all of you are part of the conversation with your parents. Parents ultimately will want to make the choice for their own life. Staying in their homes is what so many want. We saw prior seniors we moved often. We asked the community directors we checked in with how many seniors have visitors. I think you might now the answer. Never enough for most. In their own homes, they may still have neighbors and friends that will check on them.
Some communities who have activity directors that will keep the seniors busy if they choose. One community in Pasadena has a number of seniors who are on or were on the Rose Parade committee. Movers and shakers in that event. It was fun moving seniors into that space. We moved one good looking single lawyer in and reminded him as others had, that they ladies in this community will be knocking. He said he will be on the lookout.
As centre mentioned all those wonderful items from her family, I most loved the families who came over to Mom and Dad's house and put post it's on all the items they wanted. That will only happen if the parent will let go.
Thank you all for posting how it is for you right now. This is what makes Mayo Connect a place to learn that is safe andf abulous.