Little Me, I wish you luck in finding the right place. Is your father eligible for further therapy? If so, check that out. See if there is a bulletin board with activities. Although your father may not be able to take part, it shows that they are concerned about the residents and they just don't let them all lay in bed with nothing to do. And smell the air. See if it smells of vanilla. Many years before I was in a nursing home, I visited someone at 2 different places. They either smelled of urine or vanilla to mask the smell. The one I was in after my acute rehab, was the best place. The therapy I had there for was excellent, they had acticities which I didn't have much time for and maybe should have taken a more active role in; I was able to eat my meals in the dining room and they often had people entertaining at lunch; they had their own governing board etc. And most important, I DIDN'T SMELL OF EITHER URINE OR VANILLA, which meant, they took care of that problem by cleaning up right away. These are the things to really look for. They are all going to tell you only good stuff.
Your Daddy sounds like a wonderful person and deserves the best. And you are a sweet daughter for taking the time to do this.