Where waiting to have a "room at the inn" was the norm, would it have helped under any and all circumstances to have made the decision much later, EW?

That someone would be around for your Mom 24/7 is a thought you must try to find comfort for your peace of mind, my friend. I understand fully well how it must be troubling to see other residents in the home who are much more feeble than your Mom. But try to look at it from a different angle. Are they cared for well? If they are, then your Mom would already be in good stead for whatever the future holds for her. Another way to treat your Mom's circumstances now would also be to think that she just moved to smaller accommodations. Much in the same way that one downsized.