Very similar to my experiences with my mum a few years ago Pete and another disgrace that things haven't improved.

As you say,it is the norm for staff to just leave food at the bedside and then collect it untouched making no attempt to help the patient eat.

I am pleased that at least your dad is in a decent care home and I hope he spends the last bit of his life with dignity and comfort....surely that's the least our elderly deserve rather than being vilified for living too long and being accused of 'blocking' hospital beds!