I would like an opinion: Son believes a change in dads medication will solve everything.

Jeane I like you answer -you put it very well-adult children should be thinking about taking care of themselves and not expecting a handout of their parents' money-if a parent has the opportunity to go into AL they should-they will get good care and be with people their own age and have a comfortable life-it is their money that they saved for their old age.

My opinion is that the first consideration should be what is bet for Father and StepMother. This is their money. They do not owe an inheritance to anyone. First and foremost they should use their money on their own care.

Progressive dementia gets worse. Sometimes some of the symptoms can be addressed and that can improve the quality of life. In my opinion, this should be pursued with a highly-experienced specialist. For example, if something can be done to reduce anxiety, that is worth trying, for the sake of Father and his family. However, even if some symptoms can be addressed with drugs, Father will still have dementia, and it will still get worse. He will still not be able to drive or to manage his own finances. He may (or may not) be more pleasant to live with, but he will still need the same level of caregiving he needs now, and that level of need will continue to increase.

Who should decide whether his wife could/should provide 24/7 caregiving? His wife. Lots and lots of factors go into such a decision, including her health, her skills, his health, the level of care needed, the current rate of progression of the dementia, the nature of their relationship, and resources available for respite care and in-home care. Note that whether Father is calm or anxious is just one of many factors, and would seldom be the sole deciding factor.

Everyone involved should know that sending Father home to his wife also has costs associated with it. One individual cannot provide 24/7 care to an adult, no matter how loving and devoted she is. Paid help will be required, and the need for that will increase as the dementia progresses. Also respite care is an absolute non-negotiable requirement. WIfe is going to need time away, to maintain her sanity. This can be costly.

Those who are inheritance-watching should know this: Unless the resources are vast, it is not very likely that there will be much of an estate to divide. In this case, Father may need care for another decade or more, and it is likely to be increasingly expensive care. By that time StepMother may need care herself -- let us hope not significant care, but there are no guarantees about that. Most non-wealthy couples are lucky if they can pay their own way until the end, let alone have some leftover to pass on to another generation.

You asked for advice. Here's mine:
1) Explore with a qualified doctor any drugs that may improve Father's quality of life.
2) Let StepMother continue to be the sole decider of whether StepMother will provide 24/7 at-home care. From the scant information in the question, I'd recommend against bringng Father home, but in any case it should be his wife's decision.
3) People who are counting on a large financial legacy from this couple should make other plans.

I take it the father's money is going to AL not the son's adult children have to get it that an elder's money is there's to spend how they want either vactions and things when they are in good health and comfortable as possible care in bad health -I agree with little and when son brings the subject up ignor him and direct the conversation elsewhere or leave the room if possible

I would have Son talk to Father's doctor. Let him go on next appointment or schedule a consult with doc. With my sisters, I sent web links and mailed literature about Mom's ailments with no real success. Good luck!