Den, my thoughts are with you, my mum was in a home for longer than I expected and the care home expected. The home was only 10 minutes from where I live but I couldn't bring myself to see her as much as I thought I should/would as I just got upset to see her as to me she wasn't really there. Of course I then felt guilty for not gong to see her. Fortunately early this year her body found the release that had taken her mind/soul years earlier.
For the last two years there was no recognition on her part at all, I still feel that she may have recognised me but the ability to express that recognition had gone.
Hope you find comfort in the support AB'ers provide.