I'm wondering what happened that your mum ended up in a nursing home for. Is she really capable of care for the fish? Are her roommates/nursing staff capable of not killing the fish? Seriously on these two questions. You dont want to know why I have to ask.
I can attest that most nursing homes have the heaters set to 75+ in the rooms... If anything the water could run hot. Goldfish would be a bad suggestion based on this.
She is 84 yrs old and had a number of hip surgeries, which keep her from living on her own again. Basically, wheelchair bound at the moment. My sister and I visit her often (the facility is close by), and my Niece (her Grand daughter) is a Nurse at the same Nursing Home. Great for my own peace of mind, and for the fish. So between the 3 of us, it will be fed properly.
I would take care of ALL the water changing and ask my sister and Niece to help with feeding the fish. In fact, I was going to draft up "Rules", print them out and post it by the fish tank. And a small calendar to keep track of feedings.
I'm not worried about the other Residents, as the rooms are on the small side and you have to literally squeeze between her bed and the window. Although, I am going to put the tank on a small dresser in the same area and not on the window sill. They have Parakeets in the hallway and no one seems to bother them, plus a huge tank in the hallway with Angel fish.
Which leads to another question before I get her a Betta. I have a guide book to fish keeping and the Author says fish can go for over a week without food? I've also read it on here to stop feeding for a small time, when people get high ammonia levels. Would this apply to a Betta as well?
Again, I won't get it unless it will be properly cared for. I just want to get all my answers before I proceed. Thanks!