I know I've stayed on this subject for a long time but what do you think?

Will they allow a camera in his room so you can see things for yourself?

How often are you visiting him now?
How often are other members of your family visiting him now?
How does he behave when you or others visit?
What would you do differently if he were closer?

I think you have a lot of questions to ask yourself to determine whether or not moving your BIL is really in *his* best interest.

Haley, I think there is another point to consider. It's along "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" lines.

I am very glad to hear that your BIL's difficulties seem to have been resolved, and that he is now doing well at the NH under new management.

But leaving aside any question at all of what caused the difficulties and what kind of "record" it's left your BIL with, what about the impact a major change of location might have on him now?

The advantages of moving him would have to be really, really certain and significant for this to be a good idea. However frustrating it might be, and however unfair it feels on the family, might it not be better to leave him settled in a place where you know his needs are being met?

Do you have access to his medical file?

If current facility can be absolved of any behavioral issues in the new facility there should not be an issue in moving him.. Current facility is protecting itself first and foremost.

Sorry, that I'm not familiar with the backstory, but, just curious as to why the AL he's in has the responsibility of locating a new one for him to move to that is located 200 miles away? Are they his guardian? Does he have one or a DPOA?

I know that people who have dementia often have behavioral issues within a long term care facility. It's very common. I don't get why that would preclude him from facilities. Is his AL an MC? Have they told you what level of care that he needs?

I think it might be time to bring an ombudsman into this scenario. Whether difficult or not, they should be trying to accommodate the family’s wishes. You should be able to locate your local ombudsman online through state websites.

As a last resort, I wonder if you could install a camera. A picture is worth a thousand words. Just in case you had to prove his behavior.

I would think all things should be considered. Some places are simply not a good fit....and hopefully you have documentation to prove the care he was given was subpar and that now he is flourishing and happy in his surroundings. If you’re fortunate to find a compassionate facility and explain the situation along with a positive recommendation from the present staff and admin. his previous bad behavior won’t be the deciding factor. Good luck to you ..... none of this is ever easy.

Maybe, will the new administrator document the new behavior in a letter? I would also call a few closer facilities just to see if they have ever been contacted; it's possible former staff was just telling you they had contacted other facilities.