Having difficulty pushing and making decision during these covid times...

Are you open to have her placed a different LTC in other areas? In another city? maybe even State? There have to be openings someplace. It can't possibly be full everywhere. Even if the available place isn't the best, it can be a temporary stop while waiting for the LTC place you want to open up.

Can you hire more home care while you wait for the LTC to open up? Can you have her go to adult day care? That could be Monday - Friday, for most of the day and a meal or two. That would give you a good break.

Very difficult. You say you have already ‘jumped through all the hoops’, and ‘do not need the primary school version of "tips"’. Is the waiting list the real problem? At least 6 months is less than the year you were dreading. The only extra option may be a) to employ a local care planner, who should know the current position with all the options available or b) to contact the appropriate local government agency and ask them much the same questions.